5.0 CEQA ASSESSMENT – VMT ANALYSIS
The CEQA VMT analysis for projects in the City of Banning must follow established guidelines outlined in the City’s VMT Analysis Guide. The major components of this analysis include screening criteria to determine when a detailed VMT analysis is necessary, methodologies for performing the VMT analysis, significance thresholds for identifying impacts, and mitigation measures for significant impacts.
5.1 SCREENING CRITERIA
5.1.1 Land Development Projects
Certain land development projects may be presumed to have a less than significant VMT impact under specific conditions. These projects include, but are not limited to, developments located within a half-mile of a Transit Priority Area or High-Quality Transit Corridor that meet specific land-use and parking requirements, projects in low VMT areas, local-serving retail under 50,000 square feet, redevelopment projects with reduced VMT, and projects with fewer than 500-1,000 daily vehicle trips depending on the need for a GPA. Additionally, 100% affordable housing projects and institutional uses like parks, daycare centers, and public service facilities may be screened from detailed VMT analysis.
5.1.2 Transportation Projects
Transportation projects that are unlikely to increase vehicle travel, such as safety improvements, repairs, transit lane additions, or active transportation infrastructure, do not require a detailed VMT analysis. Projects focused on maintaining or rehabilitating existing infrastructure without increasing capacity, or those promoting active modes of travel like cycling or walking, can be exempt. Additionally, transit and active transportation projects typically reduce VMT and are considered to have less than significant impacts.
5.2 VMT ANALYSIS METHODOLOGIES
For land development projects that do not meet screening criteria, VMT must be calculated using the appropriate metric (e.g., VMT per capita, VMT per employee). RIVCOM is the required model for VMT analysis unless a project’s special land use necessitates empirical data or a qualitative approach. For transportation projects, induced VMT must be analyzed under horizon-year conditions, comparing no-build and build scenarios using RIVCOM.
5.3 VMT THRESHOLDS
Thresholds are set to align with California Air Resources Board goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Residential projects exceeding 85% of the WRCOG regional average VMT per capita, office projects exceeding 85% of VMT per employee, or retail projects resulting in a net increase in total VMT would indicate a significant impact. Transportation projects with a net increase in induced VMT also have significant impacts.
5.4 DETAILED VMT FORECASTING METHODOLOGY
Non-screened projects require detailed VMT forecasting using RIVCOM, involving steps like creating traffic analysis zones, calculating VMT using either Production-Attraction or Origin-Destination matrices, and aggregating data by TAZ for residential, office, or mixed-use projects. Retail projects require link-level comparisons between "no project" and "with project" conditions.
5.5 MITIGATION MEASURES
Mitigation is required for projects with significant VMT impacts. Applicants must propose feasible measures from the VMT Analysis Guide or other sources, with reduction percentages finalized in consultation with City staff. If full mitigation is not possible, projects may require redesign or preparation of a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC).
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