On 4/26/11, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to its "Initial Study Assessment Guidelines" to set the County's standards and procedures in conducting an initial study for non-exempt projects processed under the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA").

If a proposed non-exempt activity is subject to CEQA, a lead agency conducts an initial study to determine whether the project may have a significant effect on the environment. (14 Cal.Code Regs.§15063.) An initial study is a preliminary analysis prepared to assist the agency in deciding whether an EIR or a negarive declaration (or a mitigated negative declaration) should be prepared for the project and to identify the significant environmental effects to be analyzed if an EIR is required. (14 Cal.Code Regs.§15365.)

Petitioners filed this action 6/1/11, contending that the 4/26/11-amended "Initial Study Assessment Guidelines" were in and of themselves a n........