The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is California’s broadest environmental law. CEQA guides the Department during the issuance of permits and approval of projects. Courts have interpreted CEQA to afford the fullest protection of the environment within the reasonable scope of the statutes. CEQA applies to all discretionary projects proposed to be conducted or approved by a California public agency, including private projects requiring discretionary government approval.

Check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for information about CEQA reports.

CEQA Filing

You may file CEQA notices in person or by mail:

In-Person Filing

Bring the original and two copies of each environmental filing to the Office of the County Clerk. Payment of all fees (for both County and State) is required at the time of filing. Make checks or money orders payable to San Joaquin County Recorder-County Clerk.

Environmental filing documents are:

• Negative Declaration
• Environmental Impact Report
• Notice of Intent
• Notice of Preparation
• Notice of Availability
• Notice of Exemption

Filing CEQA Notices/Reports by Mail

Mail the original and two copies of each environmental filing to:

Office of the Recorder-County Clerk
44 N. San Joaquin Street
Second Floor, Suite 260
Stockton, CA 95202

Include the original and two copies of each environmental filing. If there are attachments, please provide three sets of attachments for submission.

Environmental filing documents are:

• Negative Declaration
• Environmental Impact Report
• Notice of Intent
• Notice of Preparation
• Notice of Availability
• Notice of Exemption

• Payment of all fees (for both County and State) are required to complete filings.
• Make check or money order payable to San Joaquin County Recorder-County Clerk.
• Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for filed document to be return.

CEQA filing services are available 8am to 4pm weekdays, except holidays.