California Bulk Transmission Land Use Planning(1-CA)

In California, land use planning decisions are delegated to cities and counties. Local jurisdictions are required by CGC Section 65300 to adopt “comprehensive, long-term general plans for physical development.” Transmission line development must be in accordance with land use restrictions as defined by the local jurisdiction.

Local Process

Cities and counties are responsible for setting the permitting requirements for development projects. Examples of permits that may be required include special use permits, development permits, zoning amendments, building or construction permits, and ROW crossing permits. The issuance of these permits would trigger a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review and the level of review required would be based on the anticipated impact of the project.

CEQA requires public agencies (including county and city planning agencies) to consider adverse direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the environment before carrying out, authorizing or approving projects that could have such impacts, and to avoid or reduce significant environmental impacts when it is feasible to do so.

More Information

Determine Which State and Federal Permits Apply

Use this overview flowchart and following steps to learn which federal and state permits apply to your projects.