FAQs

This project is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.

The County Guidelines for were originally developed in 2007 and are due for an update to reflect legislative change adopted since 2007. The current Guidelines do not reflect requirements related to tribal consultation under Assembly Bill 52 and do not include guidance for evaluation of tribal cultural resources. Another goal of the update is to incorporate updates reflecting input from the tribes.

California Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) is a piece of legislation adopted in 2014 aimed at enhancing the consideration of tribal cultural resources during the environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It requires state and local agencies to consult with Native American tribes that have requested notification about projects potentially affecting their cultural resources, such as sacred sites or tribal cultural resources. The bill mandates early consultation, identifies a definition for tribal cultural resources, and requires feasible mitigation measures to be considered to avoid or reduce impacts on these resources. AB 52 aims to ensure that the voices and concerns of California Native American tribes are integrated into project planning and development.

AB 52’s implementation into the CEQA process through the updated guidelines will ensure that tribal consultation and protection of tribal cultural resources are integrated into project evaluations.

The County is seeking input from the tribes to inform the development of the updated guidelines. Other stakeholders will be engaged throughout the process, but tribes will be included in all engagement opportunities for the Guidelines. Once a draft of the Guidelines becomes available, tribes, the public, and other interested stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback. 

Tribal input and engagement are being sought throughout the development of the updated Guidelines through review of the document and providing input for changes. Tribes provide a unique perspective and expertise to contribute to the development of effective and valuable Guidelines.

Updated Cultural and Tribal Resource Guidelines will impact project evaluations under CEQA by placing a greater emphasis on the protection and consideration of cultural and tribal cultural resources. This could include identifying, assessing, and avoiding significant impacts to cultural and tribal cultural resources through the CEQA process. These updates will only impact projects that submit applications after the Guidelines are adopted by the Board of Supervisors and go into effect.