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Environmental Permit Information Management System

Welcome to the Environmental Permit Information Management System (EPIMS). EPIMS is a user account and password protected computer system developed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for environmental review and permitting projects. EPIMS contains a Permitting Portal and a Document Repository to facilitate electronic submittal of CDFW environmental permit applications.

Permitting Portal – Enables applicants to complete a Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) notification and submit online. Notifications submitted through the portal allows for a paperless permit process by facilitating uploads of supplemental documentation (i.e., plans, diagrams, maps, photos, studies), calculation of permit fees, electronic signatures, email alerts, and applicant tracking of permit progress

Document Repository – Enables applicants to submit a completed paper (i.e., PDF) LSA notification, California Endangered Species Act (CESA) Incidental Take Permit (ITP) application, CESA Consistency Determination (CD) request, and Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Act (HREA) request and upload the completed documents for electronic submittal. Applicants may include supplemental documentation (i.e., plans, diagrams, maps, photos, studies) and copy of link opens in new windowOnline License Sales and Services receipt if paid online.

Permitting and Document Repository Portal

The Permitting Portal is currently restricted to LSA notification for General Agreements for Cannabis Cultivation, Standard Agreements, and Self-Certification (Cannabis Cultivation only). Other Agreement types must continue to notify by paper or upload completed application (i.e., PDF) through the Document Repository.

LSA notification currently available in EPIMS through the Permitting Portal:

  • Self-Certification – If you believe your cannabis cultivation project will not substantially modify any river, stream, or lake, you may complete the online self-certification. CDFW will review the information you submit and determine whether you need to submit a notification.
  • General Agreement – Notifications requesting a General Agreement for Activities Related to Cannabis Cultivation must use EPIMS.
  • Standard Agreement – Notifications requesting a Standard Agreement (Cannabis and non-Cannabis) must use the Permitting Portal.
  • Notification for Emergency Work – Notification for emergency work pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1610.

Important! link opens in new windowEPIMS Permitting Portal Instructions (PDF)

CDFW encourages applicants to submit all fee payments through link opens in new windowOnline License Sales and Service.

Have questions about EPIMS or need HELP?

The Document Repository allows electronic submittal by uploading completed (i.e., PDF) LSA notifications, CESA ITP and CD applications, and HREA requests. Notifications for projects requesting a Standard Agreement must use the Permitting Portal. 

CDFW accepts electronic signatures on applications, notifications, agreements, permits, authorizations, and other documents. Acceptable forms of electronic signature include:

  • Digital signature software that complies with Government Code section 16.5. (e.g., DocuSign for any document).
  • Scanned copies of original wet signature documents of (e.g., PDF format). Original documents must available upon request.

Important! link opens in new windowEPIMS Document Repository Instructions (PDF)

CDFW encourages applicants to submit all fee payments through link opens in new windowOnline License Sales and Service

Have questions about EPIMS or need HELP?