During the entitlement phase, what is typically reviewed for compliance?

During the entitlement phase, one of the primary focuses is on ensuring that a proposed project complies with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations. CEQA is a set of laws that requires state and local agencies to assess the environmental impacts of their proposed actions before they make decisions. This includes evaluating potential effects on air quality, noise, traffic, and other environmental factors. The process ensures that any significant environmental impacts are identified and mitigated before a project moves forward.

While fire safety standards, landscaping ordinances, and telecommunication infrastructure may be relevant to a project, they are typically addressed under different regulatory frameworks or during subsequent phases of the project development process. CEQA plays a critical role early in the entitlement phase, making it essential for compliance prior to obtaining necessary approvals and permits. This focus on environmental review is a distinctive aspect of the entitlement process in California, which can significantly impact project design and feasibility.