FPA Blog

Project/Environmental Review Process Notices

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The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), requires lead agencies to consult with public agencies having jurisdiction over a proposed project and to provide the general public with an opportunity to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report and subsequent (DEIR) Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This process can take months to years to complete depending upon the project. Public workshops are often included in the process.

CEQA Guidelines – 2023 CEQA Statute & Guidelines
“The lead agency shall evaluate comments on environmental issues received from persons who reviewed the draft EIR and shall prepare a written response. The Lead Agency shall respond to comments raising significant environmental issues received during the noticed comment period and any extensions and may respond to late comments.”

#1 – The County of Sonoma distributes a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of the Program EIR for a 30-day agency and public review period. This includes a Scoping Meeting aimed at providing information about the proposed project to members of public agencies, interested stakeholders and residents/community members, and in order to receive comments (verbal and written) on the scope and content of the EIR. Comments can be submitted anytime before, during, and after the DEIR is published. They won’t be included in the scoping of the EIR, but they’ll be made public as part of the staff report and public record.

#2 – A Draft EIR is made available for public review for a 30 – 55-day comment period. The Notice of Availability of a Draft EIR is posted with the County Clerk, sent to the State Clearinghouse, mailed to local and state agencies, published in a local newspaper, and emailed to interested parties. Paper copies of the DEIR are available at public libraries and Permit Sonoma.

Property owners and neighbors within 300 feet of a proposed project site also receive the Notice of Availability by mail including project contact information to address questions and receive written comment.

In addition, the Planning Commission reviews the project and receives verbal comments on the Draft EIR during public hearings.

ALL letters/comments submitted and responses are included in the NOP, DEIR, EIR.

#3 – The FINAL EIR is then presented to the Board of Supervisors during a public meeting when both the supervisors and public can make comments and ask questions before approval has been given to proceed.

#4 – The Board of Supervisors has the final vote on acceptance or rejection of the project.