CEQA Analysis for the City of Pasadena

CEQA Analysis for the City of Pasadena

Introduction to CEQA and VMT

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mandates that potential environmental impacts of proposed projects be evaluated prior to project approval. In light of Senate Bill 743 (SB 743), signed into law in 2013, the California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) identified Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the primary metric for assessing transportation impacts in CEQA evaluations. This shift recognizes VMT as a more relevant measure of transportation impact, reflecting the actual amount of vehicle travel associated with a project, rather than merely counting vehicle intersections or level of service (LOS) at intersections. In December 2018, the Office of Administrative Law adopted these amendments, officially instituting VMT as the standard for transportation analysis under CEQA. Compliance with Section 15064.3, which governs these analyses, became mandatory statewide by July 1, 2020.

The City of Pasadena was proactive in adopting VMT as the key metric for determining transportation impacts for CEQA reviews as early as 2015. This timely adoption ensures that Pasadena remains compliant with state law and reflects the latest CEQA statutes. In November 2020, the Pasadena City Council approved updates to the city's CEQA impact thresholds, further solidifying its commitment to aligning local practices with state guidelines.

Screening Criteria for CEQA Transportation Analyses

To determine whether a development project requires a CEQA transportation analysis, the City of Pasadena has established specific screening criteria. These criteria are essential for identifying projects that have the potential to generate significant transportation impacts. Projects that meet any of the following conditions will trigger a CEQA transportation analysis:

• Residential Developments: Any project proposing 50 or more net new residential dwelling units.
• Non-Residential Developments: Any project proposing 50,000 or more net new non-residential square feet.

These criteria serve as an initial filter to ensure that only projects with a substantial potential impact on local transportation systems undergo a comprehensive VMT analysis.

Methodology for VMT Analysis

The methodology for conducting the CEQA transportation analysis involves several metrics, each designed to capture different aspects of transportation impacts related to proposed projects. Below, we outline the five primary metrics that will be used to assess the transportation impacts of development projects in Pasadena.

1. Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per Capita

The VMT per capita metric is fundamental to understanding the impact of a project on overall travel behavior in Pasadena. The City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) calculates the VMT per capita by summing the total vehicle miles traveled within the city limits using the Citywide Travel Demand Model. This model accounts for all trips that either originate, terminate, or traverse within Pasadena.

To calculate VMT per capita, the total VMT is divided by the service population, which includes both residents and jobs within the city. This metric provides a per capita measurement of vehicle travel, allowing city planners to gauge how a proposed project will contribute to or alleviate overall travel demand.

A critical aspect of this metric is the comparison of VMT per service population both with and without the proposed project. This comparison reveals the incremental impact of the development on citywide travel patterns. Even as VMT may rise with new residential developments, strategic land use policies can help reduce per capita VMT. By promoting development in areas where daily needs can be met within a short distance, the city can encourage a more sustainable travel behavior among its residents.

2. Vehicle Trips (VT) per Capita

Similar to VMT, the Vehicle Trips (VT) per capita metric focuses on the number of motor vehicle trips generated by the city’s population and jobs. The DOT utilizes the Citywide Travel Demand Model to sum the vehicle trips with origins and destinations within Pasadena. The total VT is then divided by the service population, yielding the VT per capita measure.

This metric helps the city understand the impact of new developments on overall trip generation. By comparing the VT per service population without the project to that with the project, city planners can determine the additional trips generated by the new development. As with VMT, the city can employ land use strategies to mitigate per capita VT, promoting accessibility and reducing the necessity for vehicle travel.

3. Proximity and Quality of Bicycle Network

Assessing the proximity and quality of the bicycle network is essential for promoting alternative modes of transportation. This metric evaluates the percentage of the service population within a 0.25-mile radius of various levels of bicycle facilities, as categorized in the City’s Bicycle Transportation Action Plan. The facilities are categorized into three hierarchical levels:

• Level 1 (A) - Advanced Facilities: Includes bike paths, multipurpose paths, and protected bike lanes.
• Level 2 (B) - Dedicated Facilities: Includes buffered bike lanes, bike lanes, and bike boulevards.
• Level 3 (C) - Basic Facilities: Includes bike routes, enhanced bike routes, and emphasized bikeways.

For each level, the DOT determines a 0.25-mile buffer and calculates the service population within that area. By comparing the percentage of the population with access to higher-quality bicycle facilities both before and after the proposed project, the city can assess the project’s impact on cycling accessibility. Improving the bike network and encouraging development in areas with robust cycling infrastructure can enhance overall community mobility.

4. Proximity and Quality of Transit Network

The Proximity and Quality of Transit Network metric assesses how accessible public transportation options are for the service population. Similar to the bicycle network analysis, this metric evaluates the percentage of the population within a 0.25-mile radius of transit facilities, categorized into three levels based on service frequency:

• Level 1 (A): Includes all “Gold” Line stops and corridors with transit service offering headways of five minutes or less during peak periods.
• Level 2 (B): Includes corridors with transit headways between six and 15 minutes during peak periods.
• Level 3 (C): Includes corridors with transit headways of 16 minutes or more during peak periods.

By calculating the service population access to transit facilities within the defined buffer zones, the city can measure the project’s effect on transit accessibility. Enhancements to transit service, including reduced headways and expanded routes, can foster greater use of public transportation and alleviate reliance on personal vehicles.

5. Pedestrian Accessibility

Pedestrian Accessibility evaluates the walkability of neighborhoods within Pasadena, emphasizing the availability of essential services within a short walking distance. This metric counts the number of various land use types accessible to residents and employees within a five-minute walk, focusing on ten categories:

• Retail
• Personal Services
• Restaurants
• Entertainment
• Offices (including government offices)
• Medical (including hospitals and medical offices)
• Cultural (including places of worship and cultural centers)
• Schools
• Parks
• Transit stops

By measuring the variety and accessibility of these land uses within walking distance, the city can assess the effectiveness of the proposed project in promoting pedestrian-friendly environments. Projects that improve walkability and accessibility to essential services contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable community.

The CEQA analysis for transportation impacts in Pasadena employs a comprehensive set of metrics centered around VMT, VT, and access to alternative transportation modes. By incorporating these metrics into the evaluation process, the City can ensure that new developments contribute positively to the transportation landscape while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Ongoing updates to CEQA impact thresholds and transportation policies will further enhance the city's ability to foster sustainable development and promote multimodal transportation options.

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