California 2023-2024 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2091 Compare Versions

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1-Assembly Bill No. 2091 CHAPTER 377An act to add and repeal Section 21080.28.5 of the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality. [ Approved by Governor September 22, 2024. Filed with Secretary of State September 22, 2024. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2091, Grayson. California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: public access: nonmotorized recreation.The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect.This bill would exempt from CEQA a change in use approved by a lead agency that is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency to allow public access to preexisting paved and natural surface roads, preexisting trails, preexisting pathways, preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, as specified, and rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail, in areas used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation, if certain conditions are met. The bill would require the lead agency to post notice of, and hold, a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration before making a determination to approve or carry out the change in use, as specified. The bill would require the lead agency, if the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to this provision and determines to approve or carry out the activity, to file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located, as provided. By imposing duties on public agencies related to the exemption, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2030.This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Great Redwood Trail Agency.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 21080.28.5 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21080.28.5. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify the applicability of this division to the provision of public access within a park or open space area by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency in a manner that causes no physical alteration to the area affected. This section is not intended to otherwise alter the applicability of this division to an action that may cause a physical change in the environment or provide relief from any other law, regulation, or responsibility.(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this division does not apply to a change in use approved by a lead agency to allow public access to any of the following in an area used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation:(A) Preexisting paved and natural surface roads.(B) Preexisting trails.(C) Preexisting pathways.(D) Preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, such as driveways, when the change of use does not involve new paving or grading.(E) Rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail.(2) The exemption in paragraph (1) only applies if all of the following criteria are met:(A) The lead agency is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(B) The area used for nonmotorized recreation is owned or managed by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(C) The change in use is to provide public access for nonmotorized recreation.(D) The change in use is consistent with a plan adopted by the park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency, as applicable.(E) The change in use does not involve a physical alteration of the affected area.(F) The change in use is not likely to result in either of the following:(i) Significant adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources.(ii) Significant adverse impacts to endangered, threatened, rare, or special status plant or animal species.(c) Before making a determination to approve or carry out a change in use that is determined to be exempt from this division pursuant to subdivision (b), the lead agency shall do all of the following:(1) Hold a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration. The lead agency shall offer remote public participation during the meeting in a manner prescribed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).(2) Post a written notice of the public meeting on the public agencys internet website and at the project site at least 30 days before the public meeting. The written notice shall include a project description and the location and date of the public meeting.(3) Make a finding that all of the criteria specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) are met.(d) If the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to this division pursuant to this section, and the lead agency determines to approve or carry out the activity, the lead agency shall file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located in accordance with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 21152.(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Nonmotorized recreation means low-impact recreational activities, including hiking, walking, bike riding, equestrian use, and nature viewing.(2) Park district means a district, as defined in Section 5500, that is governed by an independent board.(3) Public access means allowing visitors on public agency-managed park and open space in a manner that is consistent with the underlying conservation or park purposes for those lands.(f) This section does not affect any land covenants, such as grant agreements, conservation easements, or deed restrictions, or a long-term management plan or habitat conservation plan, or alters any conditions of acquisition.(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the need to streamline environmental review in order to expedite public access to the Great Redwood Trail, a unique nonmotorized trail that is being developed by the Great Redwood Trail Agency within an existing rail right-of-way.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
1+Enrolled September 03, 2024 Passed IN Senate August 28, 2024 Passed IN Assembly August 29, 2024 Amended IN Senate August 20, 2024 Amended IN Senate June 27, 2024 Amended IN Assembly March 21, 2024 Amended IN Assembly February 28, 2024 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2091Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonFebruary 05, 2024An act to add and repeal Section 21080.28.5 of the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2091, Grayson. California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: public access: nonmotorized recreation.The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect.This bill would exempt from CEQA a change in use approved by a lead agency that is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency to allow public access to preexisting paved and natural surface roads, preexisting trails, preexisting pathways, preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, as specified, and rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail, in areas used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation, if certain conditions are met. The bill would require the lead agency to post notice of, and hold, a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration before making a determination to approve or carry out the change in use, as specified. The bill would require the lead agency, if the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to this provision and determines to approve or carry out the activity, to file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located, as provided. By imposing duties on public agencies related to the exemption, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2030.This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Great Redwood Trail Agency.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 21080.28.5 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21080.28.5. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify the applicability of this division to the provision of public access within a park or open space area by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency in a manner that causes no physical alteration to the area affected. This section is not intended to otherwise alter the applicability of this division to an action that may cause a physical change in the environment or provide relief from any other law, regulation, or responsibility.(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this division does not apply to a change in use approved by a lead agency to allow public access to any of the following in an area used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation:(A) Preexisting paved and natural surface roads.(B) Preexisting trails.(C) Preexisting pathways.(D) Preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, such as driveways, when the change of use does not involve new paving or grading.(E) Rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail.(2) The exemption in paragraph (1) only applies if all of the following criteria are met:(A) The lead agency is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(B) The area used for nonmotorized recreation is owned or managed by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(C) The change in use is to provide public access for nonmotorized recreation.(D) The change in use is consistent with a plan adopted by the park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency, as applicable.(E) The change in use does not involve a physical alteration of the affected area.(F) The change in use is not likely to result in either of the following:(i) Significant adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources.(ii) Significant adverse impacts to endangered, threatened, rare, or special status plant or animal species.(c) Before making a determination to approve or carry out a change in use that is determined to be exempt from this division pursuant to subdivision (b), the lead agency shall do all of the following:(1) Hold a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration. The lead agency shall offer remote public participation during the meeting in a manner prescribed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).(2) Post a written notice of the public meeting on the public agencys internet website and at the project site at least 30 days before the public meeting. The written notice shall include a project description and the location and date of the public meeting.(3) Make a finding that all of the criteria specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) are met.(d) If the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to this division pursuant to this section, and the lead agency determines to approve or carry out the activity, the lead agency shall file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located in accordance with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 21152.(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Nonmotorized recreation means low-impact recreational activities, including hiking, walking, bike riding, equestrian use, and nature viewing.(2) Park district means a district, as defined in Section 5500, that is governed by an independent board.(3) Public access means allowing visitors on public agency-managed park and open space in a manner that is consistent with the underlying conservation or park purposes for those lands.(f) This section does not affect any land covenants, such as grant agreements, conservation easements, or deed restrictions, or a long-term management plan or habitat conservation plan, or alters any conditions of acquisition.(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the need to streamline environmental review in order to expedite public access to the Great Redwood Trail, a unique nonmotorized trail that is being developed by the Great Redwood Trail Agency within an existing rail right-of-way.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
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3- Assembly Bill No. 2091 CHAPTER 377An act to add and repeal Section 21080.28.5 of the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality. [ Approved by Governor September 22, 2024. Filed with Secretary of State September 22, 2024. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2091, Grayson. California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: public access: nonmotorized recreation.The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect.This bill would exempt from CEQA a change in use approved by a lead agency that is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency to allow public access to preexisting paved and natural surface roads, preexisting trails, preexisting pathways, preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, as specified, and rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail, in areas used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation, if certain conditions are met. The bill would require the lead agency to post notice of, and hold, a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration before making a determination to approve or carry out the change in use, as specified. The bill would require the lead agency, if the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to this provision and determines to approve or carry out the activity, to file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located, as provided. By imposing duties on public agencies related to the exemption, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2030.This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Great Redwood Trail Agency.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
3+ Enrolled September 03, 2024 Passed IN Senate August 28, 2024 Passed IN Assembly August 29, 2024 Amended IN Senate August 20, 2024 Amended IN Senate June 27, 2024 Amended IN Assembly March 21, 2024 Amended IN Assembly February 28, 2024 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2091Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonFebruary 05, 2024An act to add and repeal Section 21080.28.5 of the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2091, Grayson. California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: public access: nonmotorized recreation.The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect.This bill would exempt from CEQA a change in use approved by a lead agency that is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency to allow public access to preexisting paved and natural surface roads, preexisting trails, preexisting pathways, preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, as specified, and rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail, in areas used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation, if certain conditions are met. The bill would require the lead agency to post notice of, and hold, a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration before making a determination to approve or carry out the change in use, as specified. The bill would require the lead agency, if the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to this provision and determines to approve or carry out the activity, to file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located, as provided. By imposing duties on public agencies related to the exemption, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2030.This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Great Redwood Trail Agency.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
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5- Assembly Bill No. 2091 CHAPTER 377
5+ Enrolled September 03, 2024 Passed IN Senate August 28, 2024 Passed IN Assembly August 29, 2024 Amended IN Senate August 20, 2024 Amended IN Senate June 27, 2024 Amended IN Assembly March 21, 2024 Amended IN Assembly February 28, 2024
66
7- Assembly Bill No. 2091
7+Enrolled September 03, 2024
8+Passed IN Senate August 28, 2024
9+Passed IN Assembly August 29, 2024
10+Amended IN Senate August 20, 2024
11+Amended IN Senate June 27, 2024
12+Amended IN Assembly March 21, 2024
13+Amended IN Assembly February 28, 2024
814
9- CHAPTER 377
15+ CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION
16+
17+ Assembly Bill
18+
19+No. 2091
20+
21+Introduced by Assembly Member GraysonFebruary 05, 2024
22+
23+Introduced by Assembly Member Grayson
24+February 05, 2024
1025
1126 An act to add and repeal Section 21080.28.5 of the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental quality.
12-
13- [ Approved by Governor September 22, 2024. Filed with Secretary of State September 22, 2024. ]
1427
1528 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1629
1730 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1831
1932 AB 2091, Grayson. California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: public access: nonmotorized recreation.
2033
2134 The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect.This bill would exempt from CEQA a change in use approved by a lead agency that is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency to allow public access to preexisting paved and natural surface roads, preexisting trails, preexisting pathways, preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, as specified, and rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail, in areas used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation, if certain conditions are met. The bill would require the lead agency to post notice of, and hold, a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration before making a determination to approve or carry out the change in use, as specified. The bill would require the lead agency, if the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to this provision and determines to approve or carry out the activity, to file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located, as provided. By imposing duties on public agencies related to the exemption, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2030.This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Great Redwood Trail Agency.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
2235
2336 The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect.
2437
2538 This bill would exempt from CEQA a change in use approved by a lead agency that is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency to allow public access to preexisting paved and natural surface roads, preexisting trails, preexisting pathways, preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, as specified, and rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail, in areas used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation, if certain conditions are met. The bill would require the lead agency to post notice of, and hold, a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration before making a determination to approve or carry out the change in use, as specified. The bill would require the lead agency, if the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to this provision and determines to approve or carry out the activity, to file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located, as provided. By imposing duties on public agencies related to the exemption, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2030.
2639
2740 This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Great Redwood Trail Agency.
2841
2942 The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
3043
3144 This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
3245
3346 ## Digest Key
3447
3548 ## Bill Text
3649
3750 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 21080.28.5 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21080.28.5. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify the applicability of this division to the provision of public access within a park or open space area by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency in a manner that causes no physical alteration to the area affected. This section is not intended to otherwise alter the applicability of this division to an action that may cause a physical change in the environment or provide relief from any other law, regulation, or responsibility.(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this division does not apply to a change in use approved by a lead agency to allow public access to any of the following in an area used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation:(A) Preexisting paved and natural surface roads.(B) Preexisting trails.(C) Preexisting pathways.(D) Preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, such as driveways, when the change of use does not involve new paving or grading.(E) Rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail.(2) The exemption in paragraph (1) only applies if all of the following criteria are met:(A) The lead agency is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(B) The area used for nonmotorized recreation is owned or managed by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(C) The change in use is to provide public access for nonmotorized recreation.(D) The change in use is consistent with a plan adopted by the park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency, as applicable.(E) The change in use does not involve a physical alteration of the affected area.(F) The change in use is not likely to result in either of the following:(i) Significant adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources.(ii) Significant adverse impacts to endangered, threatened, rare, or special status plant or animal species.(c) Before making a determination to approve or carry out a change in use that is determined to be exempt from this division pursuant to subdivision (b), the lead agency shall do all of the following:(1) Hold a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration. The lead agency shall offer remote public participation during the meeting in a manner prescribed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).(2) Post a written notice of the public meeting on the public agencys internet website and at the project site at least 30 days before the public meeting. The written notice shall include a project description and the location and date of the public meeting.(3) Make a finding that all of the criteria specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) are met.(d) If the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to this division pursuant to this section, and the lead agency determines to approve or carry out the activity, the lead agency shall file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located in accordance with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 21152.(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Nonmotorized recreation means low-impact recreational activities, including hiking, walking, bike riding, equestrian use, and nature viewing.(2) Park district means a district, as defined in Section 5500, that is governed by an independent board.(3) Public access means allowing visitors on public agency-managed park and open space in a manner that is consistent with the underlying conservation or park purposes for those lands.(f) This section does not affect any land covenants, such as grant agreements, conservation easements, or deed restrictions, or a long-term management plan or habitat conservation plan, or alters any conditions of acquisition.(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the need to streamline environmental review in order to expedite public access to the Great Redwood Trail, a unique nonmotorized trail that is being developed by the Great Redwood Trail Agency within an existing rail right-of-way.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
3851
3952 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4053
4154 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4255
4356 SECTION 1. Section 21080.28.5 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:21080.28.5. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify the applicability of this division to the provision of public access within a park or open space area by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency in a manner that causes no physical alteration to the area affected. This section is not intended to otherwise alter the applicability of this division to an action that may cause a physical change in the environment or provide relief from any other law, regulation, or responsibility.(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this division does not apply to a change in use approved by a lead agency to allow public access to any of the following in an area used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation:(A) Preexisting paved and natural surface roads.(B) Preexisting trails.(C) Preexisting pathways.(D) Preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, such as driveways, when the change of use does not involve new paving or grading.(E) Rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail.(2) The exemption in paragraph (1) only applies if all of the following criteria are met:(A) The lead agency is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(B) The area used for nonmotorized recreation is owned or managed by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(C) The change in use is to provide public access for nonmotorized recreation.(D) The change in use is consistent with a plan adopted by the park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency, as applicable.(E) The change in use does not involve a physical alteration of the affected area.(F) The change in use is not likely to result in either of the following:(i) Significant adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources.(ii) Significant adverse impacts to endangered, threatened, rare, or special status plant or animal species.(c) Before making a determination to approve or carry out a change in use that is determined to be exempt from this division pursuant to subdivision (b), the lead agency shall do all of the following:(1) Hold a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration. The lead agency shall offer remote public participation during the meeting in a manner prescribed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).(2) Post a written notice of the public meeting on the public agencys internet website and at the project site at least 30 days before the public meeting. The written notice shall include a project description and the location and date of the public meeting.(3) Make a finding that all of the criteria specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) are met.(d) If the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to this division pursuant to this section, and the lead agency determines to approve or carry out the activity, the lead agency shall file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located in accordance with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 21152.(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Nonmotorized recreation means low-impact recreational activities, including hiking, walking, bike riding, equestrian use, and nature viewing.(2) Park district means a district, as defined in Section 5500, that is governed by an independent board.(3) Public access means allowing visitors on public agency-managed park and open space in a manner that is consistent with the underlying conservation or park purposes for those lands.(f) This section does not affect any land covenants, such as grant agreements, conservation easements, or deed restrictions, or a long-term management plan or habitat conservation plan, or alters any conditions of acquisition.(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
4457
4558 SECTION 1. Section 21080.28.5 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:
4659
4760 ### SECTION 1.
4861
4962 21080.28.5. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify the applicability of this division to the provision of public access within a park or open space area by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency in a manner that causes no physical alteration to the area affected. This section is not intended to otherwise alter the applicability of this division to an action that may cause a physical change in the environment or provide relief from any other law, regulation, or responsibility.(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this division does not apply to a change in use approved by a lead agency to allow public access to any of the following in an area used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation:(A) Preexisting paved and natural surface roads.(B) Preexisting trails.(C) Preexisting pathways.(D) Preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, such as driveways, when the change of use does not involve new paving or grading.(E) Rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail.(2) The exemption in paragraph (1) only applies if all of the following criteria are met:(A) The lead agency is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(B) The area used for nonmotorized recreation is owned or managed by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(C) The change in use is to provide public access for nonmotorized recreation.(D) The change in use is consistent with a plan adopted by the park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency, as applicable.(E) The change in use does not involve a physical alteration of the affected area.(F) The change in use is not likely to result in either of the following:(i) Significant adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources.(ii) Significant adverse impacts to endangered, threatened, rare, or special status plant or animal species.(c) Before making a determination to approve or carry out a change in use that is determined to be exempt from this division pursuant to subdivision (b), the lead agency shall do all of the following:(1) Hold a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration. The lead agency shall offer remote public participation during the meeting in a manner prescribed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).(2) Post a written notice of the public meeting on the public agencys internet website and at the project site at least 30 days before the public meeting. The written notice shall include a project description and the location and date of the public meeting.(3) Make a finding that all of the criteria specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) are met.(d) If the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to this division pursuant to this section, and the lead agency determines to approve or carry out the activity, the lead agency shall file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located in accordance with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 21152.(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Nonmotorized recreation means low-impact recreational activities, including hiking, walking, bike riding, equestrian use, and nature viewing.(2) Park district means a district, as defined in Section 5500, that is governed by an independent board.(3) Public access means allowing visitors on public agency-managed park and open space in a manner that is consistent with the underlying conservation or park purposes for those lands.(f) This section does not affect any land covenants, such as grant agreements, conservation easements, or deed restrictions, or a long-term management plan or habitat conservation plan, or alters any conditions of acquisition.(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
5063
5164 21080.28.5. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify the applicability of this division to the provision of public access within a park or open space area by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency in a manner that causes no physical alteration to the area affected. This section is not intended to otherwise alter the applicability of this division to an action that may cause a physical change in the environment or provide relief from any other law, regulation, or responsibility.(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this division does not apply to a change in use approved by a lead agency to allow public access to any of the following in an area used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation:(A) Preexisting paved and natural surface roads.(B) Preexisting trails.(C) Preexisting pathways.(D) Preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, such as driveways, when the change of use does not involve new paving or grading.(E) Rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail.(2) The exemption in paragraph (1) only applies if all of the following criteria are met:(A) The lead agency is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(B) The area used for nonmotorized recreation is owned or managed by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(C) The change in use is to provide public access for nonmotorized recreation.(D) The change in use is consistent with a plan adopted by the park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency, as applicable.(E) The change in use does not involve a physical alteration of the affected area.(F) The change in use is not likely to result in either of the following:(i) Significant adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources.(ii) Significant adverse impacts to endangered, threatened, rare, or special status plant or animal species.(c) Before making a determination to approve or carry out a change in use that is determined to be exempt from this division pursuant to subdivision (b), the lead agency shall do all of the following:(1) Hold a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration. The lead agency shall offer remote public participation during the meeting in a manner prescribed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).(2) Post a written notice of the public meeting on the public agencys internet website and at the project site at least 30 days before the public meeting. The written notice shall include a project description and the location and date of the public meeting.(3) Make a finding that all of the criteria specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) are met.(d) If the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to this division pursuant to this section, and the lead agency determines to approve or carry out the activity, the lead agency shall file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located in accordance with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 21152.(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Nonmotorized recreation means low-impact recreational activities, including hiking, walking, bike riding, equestrian use, and nature viewing.(2) Park district means a district, as defined in Section 5500, that is governed by an independent board.(3) Public access means allowing visitors on public agency-managed park and open space in a manner that is consistent with the underlying conservation or park purposes for those lands.(f) This section does not affect any land covenants, such as grant agreements, conservation easements, or deed restrictions, or a long-term management plan or habitat conservation plan, or alters any conditions of acquisition.(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
5265
5366 21080.28.5. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify the applicability of this division to the provision of public access within a park or open space area by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency in a manner that causes no physical alteration to the area affected. This section is not intended to otherwise alter the applicability of this division to an action that may cause a physical change in the environment or provide relief from any other law, regulation, or responsibility.(b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this division does not apply to a change in use approved by a lead agency to allow public access to any of the following in an area used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation:(A) Preexisting paved and natural surface roads.(B) Preexisting trails.(C) Preexisting pathways.(D) Preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, such as driveways, when the change of use does not involve new paving or grading.(E) Rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail.(2) The exemption in paragraph (1) only applies if all of the following criteria are met:(A) The lead agency is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(B) The area used for nonmotorized recreation is owned or managed by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.(C) The change in use is to provide public access for nonmotorized recreation.(D) The change in use is consistent with a plan adopted by the park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency, as applicable.(E) The change in use does not involve a physical alteration of the affected area.(F) The change in use is not likely to result in either of the following:(i) Significant adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources.(ii) Significant adverse impacts to endangered, threatened, rare, or special status plant or animal species.(c) Before making a determination to approve or carry out a change in use that is determined to be exempt from this division pursuant to subdivision (b), the lead agency shall do all of the following:(1) Hold a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration. The lead agency shall offer remote public participation during the meeting in a manner prescribed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).(2) Post a written notice of the public meeting on the public agencys internet website and at the project site at least 30 days before the public meeting. The written notice shall include a project description and the location and date of the public meeting.(3) Make a finding that all of the criteria specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) are met.(d) If the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to this division pursuant to this section, and the lead agency determines to approve or carry out the activity, the lead agency shall file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located in accordance with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 21152.(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Nonmotorized recreation means low-impact recreational activities, including hiking, walking, bike riding, equestrian use, and nature viewing.(2) Park district means a district, as defined in Section 5500, that is governed by an independent board.(3) Public access means allowing visitors on public agency-managed park and open space in a manner that is consistent with the underlying conservation or park purposes for those lands.(f) This section does not affect any land covenants, such as grant agreements, conservation easements, or deed restrictions, or a long-term management plan or habitat conservation plan, or alters any conditions of acquisition.(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
5467
5568
5669
5770 21080.28.5. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify the applicability of this division to the provision of public access within a park or open space area by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency in a manner that causes no physical alteration to the area affected. This section is not intended to otherwise alter the applicability of this division to an action that may cause a physical change in the environment or provide relief from any other law, regulation, or responsibility.
5871
5972 (b) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), this division does not apply to a change in use approved by a lead agency to allow public access to any of the following in an area used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation:
6073
6174 (A) Preexisting paved and natural surface roads.
6275
6376 (B) Preexisting trails.
6477
6578 (C) Preexisting pathways.
6679
6780 (D) Preexisting disturbed areas for vehicle parking, such as driveways, when the change of use does not involve new paving or grading.
6881
6982 (E) Rail lines converted by the Great Redwood Trail Agency into trails known as the Great Redwood Trail.
7083
7184 (2) The exemption in paragraph (1) only applies if all of the following criteria are met:
7285
7386 (A) The lead agency is a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.
7487
7588 (B) The area used for nonmotorized recreation is owned or managed by a park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency.
7689
7790 (C) The change in use is to provide public access for nonmotorized recreation.
7891
7992 (D) The change in use is consistent with a plan adopted by the park district or the Great Redwood Trail Agency, as applicable.
8093
8194 (E) The change in use does not involve a physical alteration of the affected area.
8295
8396 (F) The change in use is not likely to result in either of the following:
8497
8598 (i) Significant adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources.
8699
87100 (ii) Significant adverse impacts to endangered, threatened, rare, or special status plant or animal species.
88101
89102 (c) Before making a determination to approve or carry out a change in use that is determined to be exempt from this division pursuant to subdivision (b), the lead agency shall do all of the following:
90103
91104 (1) Hold a public meeting to consider and solicit public input on the change in use under consideration. The lead agency shall offer remote public participation during the meeting in a manner prescribed by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).
92105
93106 (2) Post a written notice of the public meeting on the public agencys internet website and at the project site at least 30 days before the public meeting. The written notice shall include a project description and the location and date of the public meeting.
94107
95108 (3) Make a finding that all of the criteria specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) are met.
96109
97110 (d) If the lead agency determines that a change in use is not subject to this division pursuant to this section, and the lead agency determines to approve or carry out the activity, the lead agency shall file a notice with the State Clearinghouse in the Office of Planning and Research and with the county clerk of the county in which the land is located in accordance with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 21152.
98111
99112 (e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
100113
101114 (1) Nonmotorized recreation means low-impact recreational activities, including hiking, walking, bike riding, equestrian use, and nature viewing.
102115
103116 (2) Park district means a district, as defined in Section 5500, that is governed by an independent board.
104117
105118 (3) Public access means allowing visitors on public agency-managed park and open space in a manner that is consistent with the underlying conservation or park purposes for those lands.
106119
107120 (f) This section does not affect any land covenants, such as grant agreements, conservation easements, or deed restrictions, or a long-term management plan or habitat conservation plan, or alters any conditions of acquisition.
108121
109122 (g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
110123
111124 SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the need to streamline environmental review in order to expedite public access to the Great Redwood Trail, a unique nonmotorized trail that is being developed by the Great Redwood Trail Agency within an existing rail right-of-way.
112125
113126 SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the need to streamline environmental review in order to expedite public access to the Great Redwood Trail, a unique nonmotorized trail that is being developed by the Great Redwood Trail Agency within an existing rail right-of-way.
114127
115128 SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the need to streamline environmental review in order to expedite public access to the Great Redwood Trail, a unique nonmotorized trail that is being developed by the Great Redwood Trail Agency within an existing rail right-of-way.
116129
117130 ### SEC. 2.
118131
119132 SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
120133
121134 SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
122135
123136 SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
124137
125138 ### SEC. 3.