Bill > SB620

This bill exempts certain alterations to vacant retail structures from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), provided the structures existed before January 1, 2009, are no larger than 120,000 square feet, and meet specific energy efficiency and water conservation targets, while remaining consistent with local land use plans and zoning. The bill also amends CEQA to require lead agencies, which are government bodies responsible for environmental review, to notify any entity that has requested notice of public meetings, even if they don't fall into specific categories of agencies or neighboring jurisdictions, ensuring broader public input on significant projects. This exemption is temporary and will be repealed on January 1, 2015, unless extended by future legislation.