Madrigal

Introduction

We consider whether the trial court abused its discretion in determining the City of Huntington Beach (the City) properly issued a grading permit without conducting an environmental review of the permit’s impact, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.). “The fundamental purpose of CEQA is to ensure ‘that environmental considerations play a significant role in governmental decision-making’ [citation].” (Fullerton Joint Union High School Dist. v. State Bd. of Education (1982) 32 Cal.3d 779, 797 [ 187 Cal.Rptr. 398 , 654 P.2d 168 ].) “CEQA must be interpreted to afford the fullest possible protection to the environment within the reasonable scope of statutory language. [Citation.]” (Day v. City of Glendale (1975) 51 Cal.App.3d 817, 823 [ 124 Cal.Rptr. 569 ].)

The City found the entire project was exempt from compliance with CEQA because it involved a minor alteration to land, and issued a notice of exemption at the same time it issued a conditional use permit (CUP) for the project. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15304, subd. (a).) (All further references to title 14 are to title 14 of the California Code…