City of Piedmont

Environmental Review

It is the intent of the City of Piedmont to comply with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which is a statute. Most demolition and/or construction projects in Piedmont are either modifications to existing buildings and sites, or are a new single-family dwelling and are therefore categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. However, upon occasion, the scope of a project will not qualify for a statutory or categorical exemption from the CEQA provisions. 

In order to make a determination as to whether or not a project is exempt from CEQA, City staff may request that the project applicant complete and submit an Environmental Information Form (PDF). If a project is not exempt from the provisions of CEQA, the preparation of an Initial Study will be required, the cost of which is the responsibility of the project applicant. The project applicant is also responsible for covering the cost for the preparation of a Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and any fees charged by agencies involved in the preparation of these documents, such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Please contact a member of Planning Division staff at (510) 420-3050 for any assistance needed in completing the Environmental Information Form, or for questions regarding the CEQA requirements and the associated documents. Information on CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines is also provided by the California Natural Resources Agency.