17.50.060 Environmental review.
A. CEQA Review. After acceptance of a complete application the project shall be reviewed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act to determine whether:
1. The proposed project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA;
2. The proposed project is not a “project” as defined by CEQA;
3. A negative declaration may be issued;
4. A mitigated negative declaration may be issued; or
5. An environmental impact report (EIR) and related documents shall be required.
B. Compliance with CEQA. These determinations and the preparation of appropriate environmental documents shall be prepared in compliance with CEQA and the city’s CEQA guidelines.
C. Special Studies. One or more special studies may be required to complete the city’s CEQA compliance review. These studies shall be paid for by the applicant and shall become public documents, and neither the applicant nor any consultant who prepared the studies shall assert any rights to prevent or limit the documents’ availability to the public. (Ord. 706 § 3 (Exh. A), 2019).