CEQA glossary

Mitigation measure

A mitigation measure is a project change, condition, or action designed to avoid or reduce an environmental effect.

In CEQA practice, a mitigation measure is a project change, condition, or action designed to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, eliminate, or compensate for an environmental effect.

Why it matters

A mitigation measure connects an identified effect to a specific response. When the measure is adopted for an EIR finding or mitigated negative declaration, the project record also needs a monitoring or reporting program designed to ensure compliance during implementation.

A useful measure states the action or performance standard, when it applies, who is responsible, and how completion will be verified. Its wording must fit the project's evidence, approval authority, and permits.

What it does not establish

Calling text a mitigation measure does not establish that the measure addresses the identified effect, can be enforced, or is adequate for the project. A measure adopted for another project is a research example, not transferable legal precedent.

Primary sources

CEQA Guidelines section 15370 defines mitigation. Public Resources Code section 21081.6 and CEQA Guidelines section 15097 address monitoring and reporting for adopted mitigation.

Published 2026-09-10 · Last materially reviewed 2026-09-10