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Commission urges wider outreach on proposed CEQA procedure changes after a daylong debate
Summary
A broad revision of local CEQA appeal procedures drew heavy public comment. Planning staff and Supervisor Scott Wiener argued the changes increase predictability by moving many appeals to the 'first discretionary action' and improving notice; critics from environmental, preservation and neighborhood groups said the draft shortens appeal windows and risks narrowing legal standards. The commission asked the sponsor to seek broader stakeholder input and return with a revised draft.
Planning Department staff and Supervisor Scott Wiener presented a comprehensive set of proposed amendments to San Francisco’s Administrative Code Chapter 31 to clarify local procedures for CEQA appeals, notice and briefing. Wiener said the measures are intended to reduce late‑filed appeals that he said can be used to delay projects for tactical reasons while preserving substantive CEQA rights. The changes include shifting appeals of categorical exemptions and many negative declarations to a deadline tied to the first discretionary approval, requiring enhanced notice where local departments…
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