Background and Purpose for Transportation Study Criteria and Guidelines for the Culver City

Culver City has established these guidelines for preparing transportation study reports to ensure a consistent and comprehensive evaluation of transportation impacts associated with development projects. The guidelines are designed to be used by the public, private developers, land development consultants, and City staff.

Key Elements of the Transportation Study Guidelines in Culver City:

1. Development Project Land Uses and Site Plan

   • A detailed description of the project's land uses and a site plan to understand the scope and layout of the development.

2. Consistency with Existing City Programs, Plans, Ordinances, and Policies

   • An evaluation of whether the proposed project aligns with the City's existing programs, plans, ordinances, and policies related to transportation, land use, and development.

3. Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Impact Assessment

   • An analysis of the project's impact on Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) compared to the City’s adopted thresholds. This assessment aims to determine if the project will increase or decrease VMT, aligning with the City’s goals for reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable transportation.

4. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Multimodal Measures

   • Identification of necessary TDM and multimodal measures to mitigate the project's VMT impact. This may include strategies like promoting public transit use, carpooling, biking, walking, and other methods to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.

5. Assessment of Impacts on Geometric Design and Emergency Access

   • Analyzing how the project may affect road geometries and ensuring adequate emergency access. This includes considerations for road width, turning radii, and unobstructed access for emergency vehicles.

6. Project Site Access and Surrounding Area Impact Analysis

   • A comprehensive assessment of:
   • Site Access: Evaluating the accessibility of the project site for all users, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
   • Parking: Analyzing the adequacy and design of parking facilities.
   • Traffic Operations: Assessing potential changes in traffic flow, congestion, and intersection performance.
   • Transit: Examining the project's impact on existing public transportation services and infrastructure.
   • Allocation of Curb Space: Evaluating curbside management for activities such as loading, parking, and bus stops.
   • Traffic Safety: Identifying potential safety concerns related to the project.
   • Construction Impacts: Analyzing how construction activities may affect traffic flow, safety, and access.

Guideline Updates and Modifications:

• The guidelines are designed to be adaptive and may be updated periodically by Culver City staff as new data becomes available or as processes evolve.
• Updates related to data, procedures, or other administrative aspects can be made without City Council approval, as long as there are no changes to the VMT thresholds or screening criteria.

These guidelines ensure that transportation studies are thorough, consistent, and aligned with the Culver City’s broader objectives for sustainable and efficient transportation. By setting a clear framework for evaluating projects, the City aims to mitigate negative impacts and enhance mobility, safety, and accessibility for all road users.

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