CEQA Transportation Analysis Requirements VMT – Transportation Projects for the Culver City

VMT Analysis for Transportation Projects for Culver City

CEQA Threshold

Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guideline Section 15064.3(b)(2)?

Screening Criteria

Transportation projects that do not add roadway capacity are screened from induced demand VMT analysis. Attachment D lists the types of transportation projects that typically do not add capacity.

Impact Analysis

Projects that increase roadway capacity by adding new roadways or additional through lanes have the potential to induce additional vehicle travel, which results in an increase in VMT. Any increase in VMT due to induced demand is considered a significant transportation impact.

To assess these changes, the City of Culver Travel Demand Forecast Model (TDFM) should be used to evaluate the VMT both with and without the project. A comparison of these scenarios will help determine if the project has a significant impact.

Methodology

Applicants should refer to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts for detailed guidance on methodology.

Mitigation Measures

If a project is determined to have a significant VMT impact, modifications are required to avoid or reduce this impact. Mitigations are determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with City staff. Potential mitigation strategies to reduce increased vehicle travel include:

• Tolling new lanes to promote carpooling and fund improvements for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure.
• Converting general-purpose lanes to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV), high-occupancy toll (HOT), or bus-only lanes.
• Providing bicycle lanes and facilities to encourage non-vehicle travel.
• Implementing travel demand management measures to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips.
• Utilizing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to improve passenger throughput on existing lanes without increasing capacity.

Geometric Design Hazards

CEQA Threshold

Would the project substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., oversized vehicles)?

Screening Criteria

This review is required for all projects to identify potential on-street hazards caused by the project.

Impact Analysis

Any project that causes a substantial increase in on-street hazards due to geometric design will have a significant impact. The analysis should examine the current interactions between vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians around the project site and predict how these interactions may change with the proposed project.

Methodology

To determine the geometric design impact, the following steps should be included:

1. Assess the Transportation Network: Understand the existing bicycle, pedestrian, auto, and public transit networks around the project site, especially facilities crossing project driveways.
2. Evaluate Activity Levels: Consider the levels of activity for different modes of transportation (bikes, pedestrians, vehicles).
3. Review Roadway Conditions: Examine the physical conditions such as slopes, curves, intersections, and connectivity.
4. Analyze Project Impact: Evaluate how the project would change these conditions and potentially introduce hazards.
5. Evaluate Safety Implications:
   • Assess hazards caused by the project.
   • Consider safety for drivers turning in/out of the project.
   • Review sightlines for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
   • Assess the safety of people walking and biking across project driveways.
   • Identify any incompatible uses near the project that could pose a hazard.

Mitigation Measures for the Culver City 

To mitigate the impact, changes to the project design that avoid or reduce hazards should be implemented. Potential mitigations include:

• Installing traffic signals, stop signs, or pedestrian crossing controls.
• Relocating driveways away from intersections or curves, or onto different roads or alleys.
• Reducing the number of access points.
• Improving sightlines for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
• Expanding pedestrian spaces with curb extensions or islands.
• Enhancing signage and pavement markings.
• Clarifying vehicle and bike lane interactions with striping.
• Restricting turns into or out of the project site.
• Dedicating right-of-way for pedestrian or bicycle facilities.

This list is not exhaustive; applicants should collaborate with the Culver City to determine the most appropriate mitigation measures based on the specific circumstances of the project.

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