CEQA: A Step-by-Step Approach

Online

Gain a comprehensive introduction to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), its legislative foundation and its practical applications to public and private projects. Through case studies, project-based work and real-world examples, you’ll learn the CEQA process step by step, including exemptions, preliminary review, environmental documentation, public participation, mitigation and agency decision-making.

The course emphasizes how and when CEQA applies, how environmental documents are selected and prepared and how to navigate compliance requirements with confidence. You’ll also examine how recent guideline amendments, legislation, tribal consultation requirements and case law shape CEQA practice. By the end of the course, you’ll have the practical knowledge to meaningfully contribute to CEQA compliance efforts and environmental review processes.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the purpose, structure and legislative intent of CEQA
  • Identify projects subject to CEQA and determine when exemptions apply
  • Describe each step of the CEQA process from preliminary review through project approval
  • Differentiate Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations and Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs)
  • Evaluate threshold determinations and the circumstances requiring preparation of an EIR
  • Summarize public notice, review, tribal consultation and agency decision-making requirements under CEQA
  • Recognize the role of mitigation, monitoring, supplemental review and judicial review in CEQA compliance

Skills You Will Gain

  • CEQA compliance workflow management
  • Environmental document selection and evaluation
  • Regulatory and statutory interpretation
  • Threshold and impact analysis
  • Public review and stakeholder coordination
  • Mitigation planning and monitoring
  • Legal risk awareness in environmental review

Course Format and Pacing
This is an online remote learning course delivered through UC Davis CPE’s learning management system, Canvas, with a supplemental live session hosted on Zoom. The course consists of approximately 6.5 hours of content, combining pre-recorded lectures with a mandatory live Zoom session led by the instructor(s).

CEUs
0.65
Section Number
262PRC101
Instruction Method
Online class

Section Notes

Access to your course in Canvas will be available 7 days before the course start date. Please note that course start and end dates, as well as live sessions (if applicable), are subject to change.

Enrollment Policies

Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $50 processing fee, if the request is received before the refund deadline. Clickhere to view complete enrollment policy information including details on withdrawals and transfers.  
 
Refund Deadline: 8/31/2026. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this date.  
 
Students enrolling after the first day of class are expected to reach out to their instructor to make sure they receive all content and are on track with the course.

Technical Requirements

To ensure your success in this course, please review our technical requirements page atonline learning.

Discounts

CAAA Member Discount

Current members of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) and other UC alumni associations receive 10% off the course fee of one course per quarter, not to exceed $100. If you don't have your discount code, contact CAAA at [email protected] to request it.