3.5. Additional Local Mobility Analyses
While proposed development projects are expected to adhere to the City of Pasadena’s Zoning Code provisions regarding parking and loading (Sections 17.46.010-320), which cover adequate parking supply (Sections 17.46.040-100), access and driveway design (Sections 17.46.140-180), and loading/delivery requirements (Section 17.46.260), certain projects may need additional localized mobility analyses. These supplementary analyses address unique project attributes or surrounding area characteristics that could impact traffic flow, safety, and accessibility. The following describes some key types of additional technical evaluations that may be required by the Department of Transportation (DOT):
Geometric Design Analysis
To ensure the project’s design aligns with safe transportation standards, DOT staff may request a detailed geometric design analysis. This includes evaluating factors such as sight distances, which determine the ability of drivers to see oncoming vehicles and obstacles; vehicle maneuverability; and potential conflicts at intersections and driveways. These analyses help to prevent future traffic incidents by proactively identifying and addressing potential design flaws. Geometric design assessments are typically conducted on a case-by-case basis, especially in areas where roadway layouts are complex or where adjacent intersections present additional traffic considerations.
Site Access and Circulation Analysis
For developments that plan to incorporate passenger loading zones or queuing areas, such as valet drop-offs, porte-cochères, or drive-through lanes, additional analyses may be needed to evaluate how effectively the site can accommodate vehicle movements and manage on-site traffic flow. This evaluation helps determine whether driveways, loading areas, and queue spaces are sufficient to prevent back-ups onto public roads. The DOT may request these analyses to examine vehicle entry and exit points, internal circulation, and queuing patterns for efficient traffic management within the project site. Projects with substantial on-site traffic loading, particularly in high-density areas, may require comprehensive modeling of vehicle interactions to ensure safe and efficient access and circulation.
Parking Studies
If a project requires parking code variances or seeks to reduce parking provision requirements, it may be necessary to conduct additional parking studies, such as shared or off-site parking analyses. Shared parking studies evaluate the possibility of multiple user groups sharing a common parking facility, optimizing space use, and potentially reducing the project’s footprint. Off-site parking analyses assess whether parking can be shifted to a nearby location, which can reduce on-site congestion but may impact local traffic patterns. In these cases, the Planning Department may require an independent, detailed parking study to accompany the transportation impact analysis (TIA). This parking report must be submitted separately to facilitate review by the appropriate City departments.
Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis
In cases where intersections near the proposed project site may experience increased congestion due to additional traffic, a traffic signal warrant analysis could be required. The analysis, based on the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), evaluates whether signalization is warranted based on volume thresholds or collision history. If requested, Warrant 7: Crash Experience is reviewed in addition to volume-based criteria to assess the potential need for a signal. These studies typically rely on data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) or DOT staff records, providing valuable insights into whether the intersection would benefit from added control measures to improve safety and efficiency.
The requirement for additional analyses is determined in collaboration with DOT staff during the initial project scoping or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process. These evaluations ensure that the development meets Pasadena’s transportation standards and minimizes potential adverse impacts on local mobility and community quality of life.
3.6. Cross-Jurisdictional Analysis
The Local Mobility Analysis for a project in Pasadena should extend beyond city boundaries when the development has potential impacts on facilities or jurisdictions managed by other agencies, such as freeway ramp intersections overseen by Caltrans, adjacent city roads, or transit infrastructure managed by Metro. For projects near boundary lines or major regional facilities, developers are responsible for coordinating with the respective jurisdictional agency (e.g., adjacent city governments or regional transit authorities) to identify any additional analysis requirements. This cross-jurisdictional approach ensures comprehensive transportation planning, promotes regional connectivity, and mitigates adverse traffic effects across neighboring areas. Collaborative planning helps address cross-boundary congestion, ensures continuity of safety standards, and promotes coordinated traffic management across jurisdictions.
3.7. Construction Staging and Traffic Management Plan
Although a Construction Staging and Management Plan (CSTMP) is not mandated as part of the Local Mobility Analysis, a CSTMP is required before the issuance of building or grading permits. Development projects are responsible for submitting this plan to the Department of Public Works, ensuring that construction activities align with Pasadena’s public right-of-way policies. A comprehensive CSTMP must outline anticipated construction activities that may encroach upon public areas, including roadways, bike lanes, and sidewalks. It must also detail potential disruptions, such as temporary lane closures, loss of on-street parking, or modifications to transit services like bus stops.
The CSTMP provides an outline for managing the logistics of construction to ensure minimal disruption to traffic flow, safety, and public transit access. Factors addressed within the CSTMP include:
- Closure and Diversion Management: Identifying the duration and scope of any road, lane, or sidewalk closures, along with potential detours or rerouting plans.
- Traffic Flow and Congestion Control: Detailing how construction vehicles, equipment, and activities will interact with regular traffic, especially in high-density or peak-use areas.
- Transit Coordination: If public transit stops or lines are affected, the CSTMP should include communication plans for informing transit agencies and the public of temporary stops, rerouting, or service interruptions.
Pasadena provides a CSTMP template on its public works webpage for developers to follow, helping standardize the process and provide clear guidance on plan requirements. Additionally, the City offers a Truck Route map to assist developers in planning efficient and compliant routes for construction-related vehicle movements.
By establishing a CSTMP, development projects can minimize the impact of construction on the surrounding community, prioritize public safety, and maintain a clear communication channel with local stakeholders and transit agencies. This requirement demonstrates Pasadena’s commitment to balanced urban growth and careful construction impact management, benefiting both the city’s infrastructure and the residents it serves.
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