The Consultant will be required to work with DCP staff, in consultation with staff from the City Attorney’s office, to develop environmental clearance documents that comply with CEQA, including if necessary by adequately disclosing and analyzing the potential impact of the Project(s) proposed policy and regulatory changes, and will meet the requirements of existing State law and any changes to those laws while under contract. The selected Consultant shall initially work with DCP staff to determine if an initial study is necessary or if an exemption is available for any or all of the project (see, e.g., Senate Bill 131 exemption for housing element rezonings). If an exemption is available the consultant will help the City prepare the necessary documentation for a statutory exemption (e.g., Senate Bill 131 exemption for rezonings) and if an initial study is necessary for any or all of the project, the Consultant will prepare an Initial Study (as needed) or other relevant materials, meet with DCP to go over the results and consult in selecting the appropriate environmental review process. The Consultant shall also be responsible for assisting staff with conducting any necessary scoping meetings, scheduling, noticing, and mailing (as needed). DCP staff will be available to assist in data collection, coordinating public outreach efforts, and other tasks as needed. However, staff resources are limited and it is expected that the selected Consultant will take the lead in completing the technical analyses and preparation of all required environmental documents. The Consultant Team will be asked to help refine the overall strategy and approach to the environmental analysis and clearance of the Rezoning Program identified in the 2021-2029 Housing Element, along with the identification of any new programs, as needed, to identify additional zoning capacity.
