(1)(A) Except as otherwise required by Section 15065, a change in the environment is not a significant effect if the change complies with a standard that meets the definition in subsection (i) (3).

(B) If there is a conflict between standards, the lead agency shall determine which standard is appropriate for purposes of this subsection based upon substantial evidence in light of the whole record.

(C) Notwithstanding subsection (i)(1)(A), if the lead agency determines on the basis of substantial evidence in light of the whole record that a standard is inappropriate to determine the significance of an effect for a particular project, the lead agency shall determine whether the effect may be significant as otherwise required by this section, Section 15065, and the Guidelines.

(2) In the absence of a standard that satisfies subsection (i)(1)(A), the lead agency shall determine whether the effect may be significant as otherwise required by this section, Section 15065, and the Guidelines.

(3) For the purposes of this subsection a "standard" means a standard of general application that is all of the following:

(A) a quantitative, qualitative or performance requirement found in a statute, ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, order, or other standard of general application;

(B) adopted for the purpose of environmental protection;

(C) adopted by a public agency through a public review process to implement, interpret, or make specific the law enforced or administered by the public agency;

(D) one that governs the same environmental effect which the change in the environment is impacting; and,

(E) one that governs within the jurisdiction where the project is located.

(4) This definition includes thresholds of significance adopted by lead agencies which meet the requirements of this subsection.