Tips & Tools for Environmental Review: Mastering the CEQA Process for Historic Properties in the Bay Area

How does a planner ensure a smooth environmental review path for historic properties? What due diligence should developers or architects do to ensure a surprise-free entitlement process? This one-day workshop looks at best practices and toolkits for navigating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other local regulatory tools such as Historic Preservation Overlay Zones and Design Review.

You will leave this workshop with a fundamental understanding of the entire CEQA process, including pitfalls, dos and don'ts, and effective public consultation. Learn about the recently enacted AB52, which requires Native American consultation for projects that potentially impact traditional cultural or archaeological resources. This workshop will focus on regional regulations and case examples.

You Will Be Able To...

  1. Determine what an historic resource is under CEQA and which thresholds require further study
  2. Identify the start-to-finish CEQA review process from initial study, to EIR, to mitigation.
  3. Properly consult with tribal groups under CEQA consistent with AB52
  4. Develop adequate and defensible mitigations measures that meet the public's needs and address impacts to historic resources


  • Florentina Craciun, AICP, Environmental Planner, Michael Baker International
  • Roger Moore, Esq., Land Use Attorney
  • Susan Lassell, MA, Architectural Historian, ICF International OR Antero Rivasplata, AICP, ICF International
  • Terrie Robinson, General Counsel, Native American Heritage Commission
  • Other speakers to be announced!