Upon receiving an environmental evaluation application for a project; upon referral of a project by the board, commission or department that is to carry out or approve the project; or through such other process for rendering an exemption determination as the Environmental Review Officer shall authorize, the Environmental Review Officer shall determine whether such project is exempt from environmental review. For all projects that are not exempt from CEQA, prior to the City's decision as to whether to carry out or approve the project, the Environmental Review Officer shall conduct an initial study to establish whether a negative declaration or an environmental impact report is required. In the event it is clear at the outset that an environmental impact report is required, the Environmental Review Officer may make an immediate determination and dispense with the initial study.