CA AB394

Exempts egress route projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements if recommended by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and designed to improve fire safety in existing subdivisions with insufficient egress routes.

Exemption applies only to subdivisions in high or very high fire hazard severity zones and requires the project location to contain no wetlands or riparian areas.

Mandates lead agencies hold a noticed public meeting to hear and respond to public comments before determining a project is exempt from CEQA.

Requires a registered professional forester to be onsite during substantial tree removal and mandates use of best management practices for resource protection, with consultation from environmental professionals.

Sunsets the exemption on January 1, 2025, and requires lead agencies to file a notice of exemption with the Office of Planning and Research and county clerk if approving or carrying out the project.