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CEQA VMT Impact Thresholds and Mitigation Measures for City of Moreno Valley Traffic Impact Preparation Guide

CEQA VMT Impact Thresholds and Mitigation Measures

CEQA VMT Impact Thresholds

The City of Moreno Valley has established Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) impact thresholds as part of its environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These thresholds serve as criteria for determining the significance of a project's transportation impact based on its contribution to overall VMT. The thresholds are structured around different land use types, project scenarios, and their relationship with regional planning goals.

  1. Significance Threshold for the Existing Plus Project Scenario

    • A project is considered to have a significant VMT impact if, under the Existing Plus Project scenario, the net VMT per capita for residential projects or per employee for office and industrial projects exceeds the per capita VMT baseline for Moreno Valley.

    • For all other land use types, any net increase in VMT would be regarded as a significant impact, requiring further evaluation and potential mitigation measures.

  2. Significance Threshold for the Cumulative Impact Scenario

    • If a project aligns with the regional Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), then cumulative impacts shall be deemed less than significant, unless there is substantial evidence suggesting otherwise.

    • If a project does not align with the RTP/SCS, it is considered to have a significant VMT impact if:

      • For residential projects, the net VMT per capita exceeds the average VMT per capita for Moreno Valley in the RTP/SCS horizon year.

      • For office and industrial projects, the net VMT per employee surpasses the average VMT per employee for Moreno Valley in the RTP/SCS horizon year.

      • For all other types of land development projects, a net increase in VMT in the RTP/SCS horizon year is considered a significant impact.

    • The Cumulative No Project scenario should reflect the adopted RTP/SCS, reinforcing that projects consistent with the RTP/SCS are assumed to have less-than-significant cumulative impacts unless substantial evidence proves otherwise.

VMT Mitigation Measures

Projects undergoing CEQA review must be evaluated against the above thresholds to determine their potential environmental impact. If a project exceeds the established VMT impact thresholds, it would be classified as having a significant environmental impact. Consequently, VMT reduction measures must be incorporated into the project to mitigate this impact. Various Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies have been assessed for their effectiveness in reducing VMT, especially in suburban contexts like Moreno Valley.

The following mitigation strategies provide the best opportunities to reduce VMT and can be incorporated into project planning and approval processes.

  1. Project-Level Mitigation Measures

    • Project applicants can implement various site design, location efficiency, and building operation measures to reduce VMT.

    • These measures may include locating developments near existing transit services, integrating pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, and designing projects to support mixed-use development.

  2. Increase Diversity of Land Uses

    • Encouraging mixed-use developments helps to minimize vehicle travel by integrating residential, commercial, and office spaces within close proximity.

    • By reducing the need for long commutes and vehicle trips, mixed-use developments create walkable, transit-accessible communities that lower VMT per capita.

  3. Provide Pedestrian Network Improvements

    • Creating well-connected pedestrian infrastructure is essential for reducing dependence on vehicles.

    • Projects can include improvements such as closing sidewalk gaps, adding pedestrian crossings, and ensuring connectivity to key destinations like schools, transit stations, and commercial centers.

  4. Traffic Calming and Low-Stress Bicycle Network Enhancements

    • Implementing traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, narrower lanes, and roundabouts can reduce vehicle speeds and encourage walking and cycling.

    • Developing a low-stress bicycle network, including protected bike lanes and bike-friendly intersections, can further promote cycling as a viable mode of transportation.

  5. Implementing Car-Sharing Programs

    • Car-sharing programs provide an alternative to personal vehicle ownership, reducing overall VMT.

    • These programs allow residents, employees, and visitors to access shared vehicles for essential trips, minimizing unnecessary vehicle usage and ownership rates.

  6. Increase Transit Service Frequency and Speed

    • Enhancing public transit accessibility, reliability, and frequency can encourage people to shift from personal vehicles to transit.

    • Transit improvements may include increasing bus frequencies, expanding routes, providing dedicated bus lanes, and integrating technology to optimize transit efficiency.

  7. Encouraging Telecommuting and Alternative Work Schedules

    • Encouraging employers to offer telecommuting options and flexible work schedules can significantly reduce commuting-related VMT.

    • This strategy relies on strong internet infrastructure and employer policies that support remote work options where feasible.

  8. Providing Ride-Sharing Programs

    • Promoting carpooling and vanpooling programs can help decrease single-occupancy vehicle trips.

    • These programs can be supported by dedicated carpool lanes, financial incentives, and employer-based initiatives to encourage shared rides.

Evaluating VMT Reduction Effectiveness

Mitigation measures should be evaluated using state-of-the-practice methodologies to ensure their effectiveness in reducing VMT. Many of these TDM strategies depend on ongoing compliance and tenant behavior, making continuous monitoring essential.

  • Monitoring and Performance Tracking

    • Regular assessments should be conducted to verify that implemented VMT reduction strategies are achieving the expected outcomes.

    • Monitoring tools may include surveys, travel behavior studies, and transportation model updates to measure actual reductions in VMT over time.

  • Enforcement and Adjustments

    • If mitigation measures do not achieve the desired reductions, additional strategies should be considered.

    • Cities may require ongoing compliance reporting from project developers and property managers to ensure adherence to VMT reduction commitments.

By implementing and continuously refining these VMT mitigation measures, Moreno Valley can effectively manage transportation impacts, align with state sustainability goals, and create a more efficient, multimodal transportation network that benefits residents, businesses, and the environment.

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