CSAC partnered up with the California Land
Stewardship Network to work through methods to improve and
use permit streamlining in the county setting. Much in the same
way counties have been using streamlined permitting for flood and
disaster emergencies, our goal is to continue to use existing
tools to show effective progress in expediting permitting where
possible. This
two-page toolkit describes various tools for using permit
streamlining, from compliance with waste discharge requirements,
to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s tools for
permit streamlining.
So… What is Cutting the Green Tape?
Cutting the Green Tape means improving regulatory processes and
policies so that environmental restoration can occur more
quickly, simply, and cost-effectively. Complex and overlapping
permitting processes can result in fewer and smaller actions
being taken at a slower pace and greater expense. Solutions have
been developed to advance projects that improve ecological
conditions, ecosystem resilience, and biodiversity. The general
approach involves clear direction to project designers through
pre-approved measures to minimize short-term impacts that can
occur in the process of environmental restoration. Sustainable
Conservation has a good summary of tools on their
essential guide for accelerated restoration permitting.
How can Local Governments Use Cutting the Green
Tape?
Counties are often the lead or responsible agency under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Using these tools
allows counties to simplify the analysis process and utilize
legally defensible Cutting Green Tape tools to significantly
reduce project timelines, costs, and staff time while ensuring
projects meet accepted CEQA compliance standards. This also means
supporting local elected boards, councils, management, staff, and
clerks, as they use these new tools with confidence.
As counties work together on permit streamlining, CSAC will
continue to partner with our local agencies to show our work, and
to seek further streamlining that supports county progress and
goals. For more information, please contact Catherine Freeman, Senior
Legislative Advocate.
