1. (a) “Must” or “shall” identifies a mandatory element which all public agencies are required to follow.
2. (b) “Should” identifies guidance provided by the Secretary for Resources based on policy considerations contained in CEQA, in the legislative history of the statute, or in federal court decisions which California courts can be expected to follow. Public agencies are advised to follow this guidance in the absence of compelling, countervailing considerations.
3. (c) “May” identifies a permissive element which is left fully to the discretion of the public agencies involved.

The following words are used to indicate whether a particular subject in the Guidelines is mandatory, advisory, or permissive:

Note: Authority cited: Section 21083, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 21082 and 21083, Public Resources Code.

History

1. New section filed 7-13-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 29). For history of former section, see Register 75, No. 1.

2. Editorial correction of 7-13-83 order redesignating effective date to 8-1-83 filed 7-14-83 (Register 83, No. 29).

3. Editorial correction of 7-13-83 order filed 7-26-83 (Register 83, No. 33).

4. Change without regulatory effect amending Note filed 10-6-2005 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2005, No. 40).