Section 3: California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Transportation Impact Analysis in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Traffic Study Guidelines Section 3.1: Development Projects
Los Angeles County Traffic Study GuidelinesSection 3.1.1: Introduction
The updated CEQA Guidelines, certified and adopted by the California Natural Resources Agency in December 2018, are now in effect. Los Angeles Public Works acknowledges the need to provide guidance based on the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regarding the assessment of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), thresholds of significance, and mitigation measures for development projects and land use plans. This guidance is aligned with the amended Appendix G question:
For a development project, would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)(1)?
The primary intent of this question is to evaluate whether a proposed project or plan adequately reduces total VMT. Public Works offers the following guidance on screening and impact criteria to address this question. These criteria help determine if a Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) is necessary and if a project generates a significant transportation impact. The criteria should be evaluated on a project-by-project basis and approved by Public Works.
Key Elements of CEQA Transportation Impact Analysis for Development Projects
1. Screening Criteria
- Purpose: To quickly identify projects that are likely to have minimal transportation impacts and thus may not require a full TIA.
- Common Screening Metrics:
- Project Size: Smaller projects below a certain threshold (e.g., residential projects with fewer than 110 daily trips) may be screened out.
- Location: Projects in transit priority areas or urbanized areas with low VMT may qualify for screening.
- Type of Project: Certain types of projects, such as affordable housing developments, may be presumed to have less impact.
2. Impact Criteria
- Purpose: To establish thresholds for determining the significance of transportation impacts.
- Metrics:
- VMT per Capita or Per Employee: Evaluates if the project’s VMT exceeds regional averages.
- Consistency with Regional Plans: Checks if the project aligns with sustainable community strategies and local general plans.
- Cumulative Impact: Assesses the project’s contribution to cumulative transportation impacts in the area.
3. Mitigation Measures
- Purpose: To reduce significant transportation impacts identified in the TIA.
- Examples:
- Improved Transit Services: Enhancements to public transportation to reduce VMT.
- Active Transportation Infrastructure: Development of pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
- Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Programs: Strategies to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, such as carpool programs or telecommuting incentives.
4. Project-by-Project Evaluation
- Customization: Each project is unique; hence, screening and impact criteria should be tailored to specific project characteristics.
- Approval Process: Criteria and findings must be approved by Public Works to ensure compliance with CEQA guidelines.
By following these guidelines, development projects can ensure their transportation impacts are thoroughly assessed and mitigated in accordance with CEQA standards, thereby contributing to the overall reduction of VMT and supporting sustainable transportation goals