ccr-14-15025.txt

(a) A public agency may assign specific functions to its staff to assist in administering CEQA. Functions which may be delegated include but are not limited to: (1) Determining whether a project is exempt. (2) Conducting an initial study and deciding whether to prepare a draft EIR or negative declaration. (3) Preparing a negative declaration or EIR. (4) Determining that a negative declaration has been completed within a period of 180 days. (5) Preparing responses to comments on environmental documents. (6) Filing of notices. (b) The decisionmaking body of a public agency shall not delegate the following functions: (1) Reviewing and considering a final EIR or approving a negative declaration prior to approving a project. (2) The making of findings as required by Sections 15091 and 15093. (c) Where an advisory body such as a planning commission is required to make a recommendation on a project to the decisionmaking body, the advisory body shall also review and consider the EIR or negative declaration in draft or final form.