Plan for Arcadia, Inc. v. City Council of Arcadia

Plan for Arcadia, Inc., and Carl J. Williams (hereinafter “petitioners”) unsuccessfully sought a writ of mandamus directed to the City Council of the City of Arcadia (hereinafter “City Council”). Anita Associates, a limited partnership, and Santa Anita Consolidated, Inc., a corporation, were named as real parties in interest (hereinafter “Santa Anita” collectively and “Anita Associates” or “Consolidated” when referred to separately). Petitioners appeal.

The questions raised on this appeal involve the Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (hereinafter “E.Q.A.”) Public Resources Code sections 21000-21174. Specifically, petitioners complain with respect to three projects approved or undertaken by the City Council:

We hold, in summary, that projects (1) and (2) are not covered by the E.Q.A. and that while project (3) is covered the court’s conclusion that there was substantial evidence to support the City Council’s determination that the project would have no significant effect on the environment is itself supported.

The Environmental Quality Act

An understanding of the issues raised on this appeal requires an examination of the provisions of the E.Q.A. “As the express…