CA AB692

Exempts egress route projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements until January 1, 2030, if designed to improve emergency access and evacuation from subdivisions with insufficient egress routes in high fire hazard areas.

Applies only to subdivisions of more than 30 dwelling units that have been identified by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, which has recommended creation of secondary access.

Requires 15 conditions be met, including: project carried out by public agency, no impact to wetlands or riparian areas, no harm to protected species, consultation with Department of Fish and Wildlife, and compliance with traffic engineering standards.

Mandates lead agency hold a noticed public meeting to hear and respond to public comments before determining exemption and file a notice of exemption with the Office of Planning and Research and county clerk.

Prohibits commercial timber harvest except when incidental to project, and requires registered professional forester on-site during tree removal for substantial removal projects.