CEQA Analysis Requirements in the City of Glendale

It looks like you've provided a detailed framework for conducting transportation impact analyses for land use projects under CEQA, specifically focusing on Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics. Here’s a summary of the key elements:

CEQA Analysis Requirements 

1. Purpose

This section outlines the requirements for VMT analysis in transportation impact assessments under CEQA, emphasizing the need for consultation with City staff.

2. Land Use Projects

• The analysis for individual land use projects is guided by metrics established by the City of Glendale, which include specific thresholds for different types of projects (residential, office, retail, etc.).

3. VMT Metrics and Impact Thresholds

• Residential Uses: Significant impact if home-based VMT per capita exceeds 15% below the citywide average.
• Office Uses: Significant impact if home-based work VMT per employee exceeds 15% below the citywide average.
• Retail Uses: Significant impact if there is a net increase in citywide VMT.
• Mixed Uses: Evaluate each component independently and apply appropriate thresholds.

4. VMT Estimating Tools

• Glendale Travel Demand Model: For estimating VMT and traffic volumes.
• Static VMT Maps: For estimating VMT efficiency metrics.
• Online VMT Tool: To estimate VMT metrics based on project address or APN.
• Limitations: Certain evaluations require a full model run (e.g., regional retail projects, cumulative VMT).

5. Project Screening

This subsection guides determining if a detailed VMT analysis is necessary through various screening criteria:

• Small Projects: Fewer than 145 daily trips presumed to have less-than-significant impact.
• Affordable Housing: 100% affordable housing projects in high-quality transit areas are screened out from detailed analyses.
• Local-Serving Retail and Public Facilities: Retail projects ≤50,000 square feet or local public facilities presumed to have less-than-significant impacts.
• Adjacency to High-Quality Transit: Projects near high-quality transit areas can be screened out unless certain criteria apply (e.g., low FAR).
• Map-Based Screening: Projects in areas generating VMT below city thresholds are screened out.

6. Additional Considerations

• The project must be consistent with the General Plan.
• The determination of high-quality transit areas is dynamic and should be verified with City staff.

the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) methodology, metrics, and thresholds for assessing transportation impacts for various land use developments in Glendale. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

VMT Methodology and Thresholds

1. General Overview:

   • For projects that do not meet screening criteria, Glendale has established VMT thresholds that align with the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) guidance.
   • Significant transportation impacts are determined based on specific thresholds and metrics outlined for different land use types.

2. Thresholds by Land Use Type (Table 2 Summary):

   • Residential Uses:
     • Threshold: Home-based VMT per capita must be 15% below the citywide average.
     • Significant Impact: If home-based VMT per capita exceeds this threshold.
   • Office Uses:
     • Threshold: Home-based work VMT per employee must be 15% below the citywide average.
     • Significant Impact: If home-based work VMT per employee exceeds this threshold.
   • Retail Uses:
     • Threshold: Must not result in a net increase in existing total citywide VMT.
   • Other Uses:
     • Various thresholds based on the use type, often adopting criteria from residential, office, or retail categories.

3. Mixed-Use Projects:

   • Each component must be evaluated separately, considering internal trip capture to account for trips that remain within the project.

4. Redevelopment Projects:

   • If a redevelopment leads to a net decrease in VMT, it is presumed to have a less-than-significant impact. Conversely, a net increase in VMT requires a detailed analysis.

5. Exclusion of Heavy Vehicle and Truck VMT:

   • SB 743 guidelines apply only to passenger vehicles and light trucks; VMT associated with trucks is excluded from transportation impact analyses but may be considered in other environmental analyses.

6. Cumulative Impacts:

   • Projects screened out of requiring detailed VMT analysis will also have less-than-significant cumulative impacts. Consistency with the General Plan's land use designation is necessary to determine cumulative impacts.

7. Mitigation Measures:

   • If a project results in significant VMT impacts, CEQA requires the implementation of mitigation measures.
   • A variety of strategies, including Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures, are proposed to reduce VMT.
   • Projects must document the expected VMT reductions and consult with city staff on proposed mitigation measures.

Key Considerations

• Project applicants should work closely with city staff to obtain the latest data and confirm thresholds.
• The methodologies and thresholds aim to promote sustainable development and reduce transportation-related impacts on the environment.
• Internal trip capture and TDM strategies play a critical role in assessing and mitigating impacts in mixed-use and redevelopment projects.

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