Yes, Local Appeal Fees Apply to CEQA Appeals
By: Katherine J. Hart
As determined by the California Supreme Court 27 years ago, local agencies may impose a fee for the filing of an appeal of a CEQA decision so long as that fee is reasonable.
In the case at hand, the planning commission of the City of Glendora adopted an addendum to a negative declaration (“Addendum”) and approved a project on February 12, 2008. Petitioner Erica Landmann-Johnsey (“Petitioner”) wanted to appeal the CEQA decision to the city council, but in order to do so, was required to pay a $2,000 appeal fee. Petitioner filed her appeal and paid the fee under protest.
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