BCDC and Environmental Review

Environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as applicable, is required as part of the BCDC permit review process. Depending on the project, these could include:

    • Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
    • Negative Declaration (ND) or Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
    • Categorical Exemption
    • Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
    • Joint Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement

Where there is no development permit with Benicia, BCDC is typically the "lead agency" under CEQA and no CEQA documentation is required prior to applying for a BCDC permit.

Types of Projects/Permitting requiring environmental review:

  • Grading Permits (unless exempted by California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, Section 15304)

  • Any ‘project’ as defined by CCR Title 14, Section 15378, unless categorically exempted under Article 19, Sections 15301 through 15333.

  • Dredging and fill

  • Shoreline development: Construction of buildings, piers, docks, marina or any structures within the Bay or along the shoreline o Redevelopment or renovation of existing waterfront structures

  • Public Access Improvements: Projects that change or improve public access along the waterfront including trails, parks, or open spaces

  • Sea Level Rise and Shoreline Protection: Installation or upgrades to seawalls, levees, flood barriers or other resiliency infrastructure

  • Habitat Restoration: Work that alters natural habitats such as wetlands, mudflats or marshes

  • Utility and Transportation Infrastructure: Laying pipelines, cables, or constructing bridges, roads or rails lines near or in the Bay

  • Marina and Boating Facilities: Expansion or modification of boat docks, slips, harbors, or associated commercial structures.

For City of Benicia fees, please visit Master Fee Schedule https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/finance. Environmental reviews are at the sole cost of the applicant.

For BCDC fee schedule please use the following link https://www.bcdc.ca.gov/programs/permits/how-to-pay-the-bcdc-permit-application-fee/.