California Real Estate SalespersonProperty Ownership and Land Use ControlsEasy
A city plans to approve a large shopping center development that could significantly increase traffic congestion and air pollution in the surrounding area. Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), what must the city prepare before approving the project?
- AAn Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
- BA Preliminary Title Report
- CA Negative Declaration only, regardless of impact severity
- DA Subdivision Public Report
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
CEQA requires a lead government agency to prepare an Environmental Impact Report when substantial evidence shows a project may have a significant effect on the environment, such as major traffic and air quality impacts from a large shopping center.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A Preliminary Title Report is a title insurance document unrelated to environmental review.
- C. A Negative Declaration is used only when a project will not have significant environmental impacts, not for projects with substantial expected impacts.
- D. A Subdivision Public Report relates to disclosure requirements under the Subdivided Lands Act, not environmental review.
Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
A detailed CEQA-mandated document analyzing a proposed project's significant environmental effects and evaluating alternatives and mitigation measures, required when a project may cause substantial environmental harm.
- Triggered by substantial evidence of significant environmental impact
- Prepared by the lead governmental agency overseeing project approval
- Alternative documents (Negative Declaration) are used when no significant impact is found
Memory trick: Big impact, big report — EIR for significant environmental effect.