Environmental Law & CEQA
If a Development Project Might Have a Significant Adverse Impact, the Law Requires Proper Environmental Study and Review
Ms. Mejia holds agencies and developers accountable for the thorough analysis the law demands
Who Ms. Mejia Represents in CEQA Matters
Ms. Mejia has represented a range of clients in CEQA-related proceedings across local, regional, and state levels, including:
City bodies: Area planning commissions, the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee, and city councils (including the City of Los Angeles)
County agencies: Los Angeles County departments and regional boards
State courts: CEQA litigation and judicial proceedings
Who Ms. Mejia has Represented in Environmental Law Cases
Not Every Environmental Review is Conducted Properly
Ms. Mejia works with clients to examine whether the review process for a proposed project was adequate and whether there are legal grounds to challenge the agency's decision.
The issues she commonly addresses include the following:
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An EIR is the most thorough level of environmental review under CEQA, required when a project has the potential for significant adverse environmental effects.
When an EIR fails to properly analyze those effects, omits relevant data, or relies on flawed methodology, it may be legally challenged.
Ms. Mejia reviews EIRs to identify issues, such as whether the agency’s analysis holds up under scrutiny.
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A Negative Declaration (ND) or Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) are two additional forms of environmental review that are less extensive than an EIR.
Ms. Mejia works with clients to assess whether a Negative Declaration or MND was issued when a more thorough review was required.
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Some projects are exempt from full CEQA review under categories that the state has determined typically do not carry significant, adverse environmental impact.
Those exemptions are not absolute. The application of exemptions can sometimes be challenged.
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Under CEQA, an agency must prepare an EIR if there is substantial evidence in the record that a project may have a significant adverse environmental effect.
This is known as the Fair Argument Standard, and the threshold is relatively low.
Ms. Mejia helps clients understand whether this standard might apply to their situation.
The information above is provided for general purposes only. Whether any of these issues apply to a specific project depends on the facts and circumstances of that matter. To find out whether your situation may warrant a CEQA challenge, call Ms. Mejia’s number to ask to set up a consultation.
Common Situations Ms. Mejia Handles
Every environmental case is different, but some situations recur in Ms. Mejia's practice.
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Contesting Development Projects
Your neighborhood has a specific character.
Ms. Mejia advocates to ensure new developments respect the community's uniqueness, not just the developer's bottom line.
This includes reviewing traffic impacts/vehicle miles traveled (VMT), plant and/or animal wildlife concerns, fire risk, and zoning compliance, among other things, as part of the CEQA process.
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Protecting Historic Resources & Wildlife
Ms. Mejia works with environmental groups and concerned neighbors to challenge developments that would demolish historic buildings, disrupt plant and/or animal wildlife, or destroy native trees and vegetation that make a community what it is, among other things.
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Preserving Public Safety & Hazard Mitigation
Ms. Mejia examines whether developers have adequately addressed severe fire hazards, underground geological stability concerns, landslide and fault risks, and traffic safety standards, including the newer Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) standard that cities apply, among other things.
Legal Cases Ms. Mejia Has Handled
The following are examples of matters Ms. Mejia has handled.
Note: Past results do not guarantee or predict outcomes in future cases, as every matter depends on its own specific facts and circumstances.
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A developer sought to demolish two existing apartment buildings to construct a single large condominium building and subterranean parking structure. The court imposed conditions before any development could proceed.
The developer did not move forward with the project, resulting in a favorable outcome for Ms. Mejia's clients.
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In 2007, Ms. Mejia also represented a State agency during City of L.A. administrative proceedings. The developer’s project concerned development in an open space area commonly known as Elephant Hill. The City proposed to issue a building permit, relying on an EIR that was several years old. Ms. Mejia’s client, and community groups that were represented by other counsel, argued that the issuance of the building permit was discretionary and a supplemental or subsequent EIR was necessary. Around June 20, 2007, the City Council determined that a supplemental EIR was required for the developer’s project, thus resulting in Ms. Mejia’s client’s and the community’s favor.
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Ms. Mejia represented clients challenging the construction and operation of a fast-food restaurant with CEQA and other issues. She represented her clients during certain city administrative proceedings.
Subsequently, she filed a petition for writ of mandate in the Superior Court on behalf of her clients. The matter settled.
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Before becoming a licensed attorney, Ms. Mejia represented herself before the California Court of Appeal.
She successfully overturned the City of Los Angeles' approval of a 21-unit residential development in the Shadow Hills area, requiring the preparation of a full environmental impact report (EIR). This ruling has been cited as legal precedent in subsequent cases.
How Ms. Mejia Can Help You
Ms. Mejia offers two ways to work together on CEQA and environmental law matters, depending on the stage of your situation and what level of involvement makes sense for you.
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Ms. Mejia can represent clients during City or County administrative proceedings, including hearings before planning commissions and the City Council, as well as in court.
Ms. Mejia can appear and advocate on your behalf during the process.
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For clients who prefer to handle proceedings themselves, Ms. Mejia is available for hourly consultation.
She can provide legal research, strategic guidance, document review, and writing support in the background, so you are better equipped to move forward on your own, that is, representing yourself.
Both services are billed at an hourly rate. A telephone call is the best starting point to explore your options.
Not Sure if Your Project Qualifies for a CEQA Challenge?
The deadlines in environmental law are generally very short, and the window to act closes quickly once a project is approved. A call with Ms. Mejia is a starting point to understand whether you want to proceed to challenge a project.