| Environmental Planning Environmental Planning and the Environmental Review process is a critical component to any project. Environmental Planning involves establishing programs and policies, and encouraging environmentally conscious project design that recognizes and protects the City’s environmental resources.The Environmental Review process is the stage of a project where the public’s input is taken into account and full disclosure of the project’s effect on the environment is provided. The entire community has the opportunity to get involved during the planning stages of any project during the environmental review period. Through our webpage, you will learn about the various environmental programs the City of Orange is involved in, how you can comment and have an effect on City sponsored projects, and see how the community, residents, businesses, and you play an integral part in the Environmental Planning process. Environmental Planning is one of the functions of the Comprehensive and Advance Planning section of the Community Development Department. If you are interested in the technical aspects of Environmental Planning, you will be able to find additional information on our webpage about local environmental resources, guidance for navigating the City’s environmental review process and have access to environmental documents for current City sponsored projects that are available for public review. If you are a private developer or would simply like more information regarding environmental review within the City of Orange, you can access additional information and download documents at the City’s local environmental review process webpage.
Two full-time planners in the Advance Planning section provide expert environmental review guidance and focus on environmental compliance. The main functions for the staff members are: - Environmental and Planning Review of City Projects
- Providing Environmental Information and Education to staff and public
- Supporting Planning Division Staff in the Environmental Review Process for Private Development Projects
Advance Planning staff works in coordination with other Planning Division staff and City Departments to ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City’s Local CEQA Guidelines (pdf) for all City capital improvement projects and private development projects. Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) are projects paid for by your tax dollars for the betterment of our City. CIP projects include maintenance of our public streets, street widening or intersection improvements to keep traffic moving for our commuters, additional bike trails for our community to enjoy and safely utilize, new fire stations, libraries, and improvements to and/development of our public parks for City of Orange residents. Staff participates in the review of private development projects by providing input on environmentally conscious project design and environmental compliance determinations. Staff also develops and maintains City environmental procedures, documents, environmental resource information, and oversees Community Development Department compliance with regional environmental programs such as the Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) program, Clean Water Act, and Clean Air Act. We also review and comment on environmental documents for projects in surrounding areas that may impact the City of Orange, ensuring environmental protection and safety for our city and residents. You can find further information and a copy of the Local CEQA Guidelines, Mitigation Monitoring Program, and the City’s Initial Study Template on our Local Environmental Review Process webpage.
  
If you have any questions regarding Environmental Review, please contact us at: Jennifer McDonald Le
Senior Planner/Environmental Review Coordinator
(714) 744-7238
(714) 744-7222 (Fax)
300 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
Jle@cityoforange.org
| Sharon Song
Assistant Planner/Environmental Review
(714) 744-7243
(714) 744-7222 (Fax)
300 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
sbaik@cityoforange.org
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