2. Process Overview
This section outlines the process for developing and reviewing a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis.
2.1 Roles and Responsibilities
The VMT analysis process involves several key parties:
- Project Applicant – Responsible for funding the VMT analysis and selecting a transportation analyst, if required.
- Transportation Analyst – A qualified professional, such as a licensed traffic or civil engineer or transportation planner, must oversee the VMT analysis unless waived by TRPA. The analyst should have expertise in forecasting, interpreting transportation data, and evaluating project transportation impacts.
- TRPA Staff – The TRPA Transportation Planning Division reviews transportation studies for compliance with the Regional Plan and Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).
- Local Agency Staff – City or county planning and public works staff review transportation studies for local compliance. If a project falls under a delegation Memorandum of Understanding, the local agency ensures adherence to TRPA guidelines.
- Other Jurisdictions – Projects affecting state or regional transportation infrastructure (e.g., Caltrans, NDOT, other city or county agencies) may require coordination with the respective agency. TRPA staff can provide guidance on inter-agency coordination.
All participants in the VMT analysis process must adhere to established engineering ethics, ensuring objective and professional analysis and review.
2.2 Summary of the Process
Not all projects require a detailed VMT analysis. The following summarizes the standard process for completing a VMT analysis in the Lake Tahoe Region. Project applicants and their transportation analysts may request meetings with TRPA Transportation Planning staff for clarification on requirements or feedback on draft studies. Early and continuous coordination with TRPA and local agencies is essential to meeting all requirements.
The analysis process follows three potential pathways:
- Screened Projects – No detailed analysis is required. The Project Impact Assessment (PIA) Tool can be used to calculate VMT generation and the required mobility mitigation fee.
- Projects Eligible for the PIA Tool – The PIA Tool is used to analyze VMT impacts, generate a report, and submit findings with the project application.
- Projects Requiring a Detailed VMT Analysis – A transportation analyst conducts a project-specific VMT analysis following the process outlined below.
Step 1: Pre-Application Assessment
Before filing an application, applicants should estimate their project's average daily VMT generation. TRPA’s PIA Tool can help by using project-specific land use, size, and location data to determine VMT. The tool also identifies whether a project is screened or requires further analysis.
For larger or more complex projects, applicants may request a pre-application consultation with TRPA. This early-stage consultation helps clarify requirements, prevent delays, and avoid significant design revisions later. TRPA provides a pre-application request form for applicants to submit alongside a project description, conceptual site plan, and required fee. Many local agencies also offer similar consultations.
The PIA Tool generates a VMT analysis report for qualifying projects, which must be submitted with the project application. If the PIA Tool is not applicable, applicants must provide separate VMT calculations. If a more detailed analysis is required, the applicant should engage a qualified transportation analyst to begin coordination with TRPA and local agencies.
Step 2: Confirm Study Requirements
For screened projects or those fully analyzed using the PIA Tool, Steps 3 and 4 are not required. The assigned TRPA project planner will review calculations to confirm compliance with screening criteria or significance thresholds. If the screening criteria are not met, and the PIA Tool is not applicable, a detailed analysis will be required.
Before beginning the detailed analysis, the transportation analyst must coordinate with TRPA staff to confirm study requirements. The analyst will:
- Review the TRPA guidelines to determine the required scope of analysis.
- Consult with TRPA staff to define the study area and methodology.
- Submit the proposed study scope to TRPA and local agency staff for review.
- Receive feedback from TRPA and incorporate necessary revisions.
TRPA may provide written confirmation of the scope or request modifications. Meetings or conference calls may be scheduled to clarify study requirements.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Draft Study
The transportation analyst prepares a draft VMT analysis in accordance with the confirmed study scope and TRPA guidelines. The draft is then submitted to TRPA and local agencies for review. TRPA provides written feedback, which the analyst must address.
Step 4: Finalize Study and Incorporate Feedback
The transportation analyst revises the draft VMT analysis based on TRPA’s comments and submits a final version. A comment resolution record must accompany the final submission to document how each issue was addressed. TRPA staff will review the final analysis and may provide additional comments if needed.
This revision process continues until all TRPA comments are fully addressed. The final VMT analysis results must be integrated into the project's Initial Environmental Checklist (IEC), Environmental Assessment (EA), or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Any required VMT mitigation measures will be included as conditions of project approval.
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