EPIMS Help

Document Repository - HREA, CESA CDs, SERP and WJTCA ITPs

This document repository allows applicants to upload and submit the following types of documents:

  • Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Act (HREA) request forms
  • California Endangered Species Act (CESA) consistency determinations (CDs)
  • Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects (SERP)
  • Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA) incidental take permit (ITP) applications

If applying for an HREA Approval Request (Fish & G. Code sections 1650–1657), see HREA instructions for required materials.

If applying for a CESA CD pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2080.1, see CESA CD instructions for required application materials.

Step-by-step instructions for sending documents through the "Document Repository - HREA, CESA CDs, SERP and WJTCA ITPs:"

  1. From the left navigation panel, select Notification Types button in the left panel navigation.
  2. Select “Document Repository - HREA, CESA CDs, SERP and WJTCA ITPs” under the “Project Name” column for the region that serves the county where the project is located.
    • If the wrong region is selected, the applicant will have to start a new application for the correct region. The application cannot be transferred to a different region.
      Document Repository HREA, CESA CDs, SERP and WJTCA ITPs
  3. Click Start New Notification button.
  4. “Notification Title” - Enter a name for the project. This is the name of the overall project. Do not use special characters.
    • If the project does not have a formal name or title, use a name that best describes the project. For example, if the project is the installation of a culvert on private property, name the project, “Culvert on Smith Property.” If the project has already been assigned a name for other permitting or environmental review purposes, use the same name.
  5. “Applicant” - Select the applicant’s name from the drop-down list.
    • The applicant drop-down will list all users associated with the user’s organization. If associated with more than one organization, all users associated with each organization will show in the drop-down list.
    • If not associated with an organization, only the user’s name will appear in the drop-down list.
    • IMPORTANT: The legally responsible party (e.g., the landowner, lessee) should always be listed as the “Applicant,” with any consultants, employees, engineers, lawyers, etc. being listed under “Additional Contacts” (see step 9).
  6. Click Save Form Information button.
    • To access the notification forms after logging out, go to Notifications and select the notification from the list of “Current Notifications”, then click the green Edit Notification button in the upper right-hand corner.
  7. “Organization” - Select the organization associated with the project.
    • If associated with more than one organization, select the applicable organization for the project.
    • If notifying as an individual select the applicant’s name.
  8. Click Save Form Information button.
  9. “Additional Contacts” - If applicable, select additional contacts associated with the same EPIMS organization to receive alerts related to the notification and permit from the EPIMS system.
    • Multiple Additional Contacts can be added. Select as many people as needed from the list.
    • If not associated with an organization, only the user’s name will be available.
    • If a name is missing from the list, please make sure the person has an EPIMS account; then send an email request to EPIMSHelp@wildlife.ca.gov to request the user be added to the organization.
  10. “Designated Representative” - If applicable, select the person that is authorized to represent and sign the notification and any agreement on behalf of the applicant.
    • Only one Designated Representative can be selected.
    • If not associated with an organization, only the user’s name will be available.
    • To add a user to an organization, please make sure the person has an EPIMS account, then send an email request to add the user to the organization to EPIMSHelp@wildlife.ca.gov.
    • To have access and receive alerts related to the notification or permit, the Designated Representative must also be listed in the “Additional Contacts” field.
  11. Click Save Form Information button.
    • Upon clicking Save Form Information button, the “Notification Details” page will open with all necessary forms that must be completed before submitting the notification.
      • General Information (This component was completed when the notification was started. No further action is required for this component.)
        • To update the component, select it from the list, and click Edit Form.
        • Note: only the Applicant will be able to Edit this component. Additional Contacts can edit the rest of the notification, but they cannot edit the General Information component.
      • Upload Files
    • All components must include a green checkmark in the “Complete?” column before submitting the notification.
  12. Select the Upload Files component.
  13. Read and follow the instructions on the form carefully. Complete all required fields on the form.
    • Form sections to complete:
      • Project Information
        • Where is the project located?
          • Select the county where the project is located.
        • What permit is the documents associated with?
          • CESA Consistency Determination
          • HREA - FGC Section 1652
          • HREA - FGC Section 1653
          • SERP Concurrence
          • Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act
      • Uploads
        • Enter a description of the file (e.g., Smith River NOA).
        • Attach or upload document. The file name of the document should be descriptive (e.g., Smith River Biological Survey).
        • Repeat the steps above for each attachment.
  14. When all fields are complete, click the Save Form button button.
  15. Click the Mark as Complete button button.
  16. Click the Submit Notification button button.
    • Once all notification components have been Marked as Complete, the notification can be submitted.
  17. Click the Submit button button.
    • An alert window will open notifying the user that after clicking Submit the notification components will not be able to be edited. If complete, click Submit. If further changes are needed to any of the components, click Cancel and edit the applicable components.
    • After submittal, an email will be sent to the applicant (and additional contacts) confirming the submittal.
    • CDFW will receive notification of the submittal.
Updated on Thu, 05 Sep 2024 by Angela.Barlow@wildlife.ca.gov