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PLACEWORKS APPROACH We use our expertise to formulate workable plans and programs while remaining objective to ensure our environmental documentation withstands legal scrutiny. PlaceWorks stays current with ever -changing state requirements, amendments to these requirements, and court interpretations so we can navigate the complexities of environmental planning, avoid pitfalls, and expedite approvals in a cost-efficient manner. We view ourselves as our clients' environmental strategist, and because CEQA Is California's broadest environmental law and has a rapidly changing landscape, it is critical to have a deep understanding of the process and legal requirements. We continually integrate new case law, legislative proposals, and regulatory guidance to provide the highest level of legal' integrity. We have a CEQA attorney on staff to assist in this complex process. Other environmental principals and senior staff add value to our services with decades of CEQA experience. Although CEQA is law and the process is the same for all lead agencies, the application of CEQA Is nuanced by a variety of factors, including the type of project, geographical area, and lead agency. PlaceWorks understands that each project is unique —in both its physical and political context —and we have the experience and skills to identify when projects may be subject to CEQA. We apply creative thinking rather than a standard, one -size -fits -all approach. We Know the right questions to ask to identify the right CEQA documentation and process. Our first course of action Is always to determine whether any categorical exemptions apply to the project. Taking advantage of exclusions and exemptions helps us to optimize efficiency while ensuring legal defensibility. If no exclusions or exemptions apply, our next step is to determine whether an individual orjoint CEQA document would be required. PlaceWorks' approach to all projects focuses on collaboration. Our CEQA practitioners confer with our policy planners, designers, and technical specialists to create responsive and site -sensitive plans and environmental documents that satisfy regulatory demands. Whether managing public outreach, analyzing environmental impacts, or crafting practical, cost-effective mitigation, we serve as integral partners in a host of environmental and planning processes. Overall, our approach to CEQA environmental documents combines problem solving, accuracy, and attention to detail. Even projects that share common elements benefit from a fresh evaluation. We consider each project objectively and use our experience and imagination to formulate workable plans and programs. Our obligations to our clients Include: Quality. We value our reputation as a quality firm that provides quality products and services to quality clients. To maintain these high standards, all project staff actively take part in quality control. Objectivity. Our environmental review systems rely on objective, unbiased reporting. We take very seriously our role in producing clearly written, objective documents. Professionalism. Our clients deserve high -quality work —the type of work that comes from a team dedicated to getting the details right. Equally important, we strive to stay on the leading edge of our profession. Defensibility. CEQA is constantly changing through court interpretations, statutory amendments, and amendments to the guidelines. PlaceWorks and our in-house attorney closely track these changes to ensure that our environmental documents are legally adequate. Timely Performance, Criticisms of CEQA, are often related to the amount of time needed to satisfy its requirements. We pride ourselves in our ability to apply the resources necessary to satisfy our commitments. Ourcurrent and prior clients are the best indication for our ability to perform. PlaceWorks has over four decades in environmental planning and science, bringing technical expertise and a long- term perspective in shaping responses to the dynamic state and federal regulatory environment. Our in-house project managers, environmental planners, scientists, and attorneys have handled projects of virtually every size and type. We use our expertise to formulate workable plans and programs while remaining neutral and objective to ensure environmental documentation withstands legal scrutiny. We deliver comprehensive environmental services, and client satisfaction is our top priority. 8 CITY OF SANTA ANA PLANNING DIVISION I ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING SERVICES