CEQA Assessment – VMT Analysis Requirements and Screening Process
The implementation of SB 743, introduced in 2013, shifts CEQA transportation impact assessments away from automobile delay and Level of Service (LOS) metrics, focusing instead on Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the preferred measure. The following guidelines outline when VMT analysis is required and describe three primary project screening criteria that can exempt certain developments from detailed VMT analysis.
Analysis Methodology
For SB 743 compliance, VMT analysis is applied to projects with potential to increase the average VMT per service population (population plus employment) above the County of Orange average. This metric enables a comparison of project transportation efficiency against the broader County to evaluate potential impacts.
Project Screening Criteria
Projects may qualify for screening from VMT analysis under one of the three categories below:
1. Transit Priority Area (TPA) Screening
Projects within a Transit Priority Area (TPA) are presumed to have less-than-significant VMT impacts unless:
- The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is below 0.75.
- The project provides excess parking beyond jurisdictional requirements.
- The project conflicts with the applicable Sustainable Communities Strategy.
- Affordable residential units are replaced with fewer moderate- or high-income units.
Analysts should reference Attachment A for TPA locations, updated periodically based on OCTA service changes.
2. Low VMT Area Screening
Residential, office, or mixed-use projects in low VMT-generating areas may qualify for screening if their VMT per service population aligns with existing land uses. This screening uses OCTAM travel forecasting and identifies low VMT areas as those generating 15% less VMT per service population than the County average. Analysts should verify project consistency with local land use characteristics and refer to Attachment B for low VMT-generating zone maps.
3. Project Type Screening
Certain local-serving project types are presumed to have less-than-significant VMT impacts due to their nature. These include:
- Local-serving retail (<50,000 sq. ft.), schools, parks, daycares, and community facilities.
- Affordable, senior, and student housing near campuses.
- Projects generating fewer than 110 daily vehicle trips.
For a complete list, refer to Anaheim Municipal Code Section 18.36.040 and additional guidance.
Discretionary Assessment
The City Traffic Engineer may require a VMT analysis for projects that fall outside these screening criteria or lack sufficient data to make an initial determination.
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