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CEQA VMT Impact Thresholds and Mitigation Measures for the project in the City of Anaheim

CEQA VMT Impact Thresholds and Mitigation Measures

Introduction

The City of Anaheim follows established Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) impact thresholds to determine the potential transportation impacts of proposed developments under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These thresholds help evaluate whether a project significantly increases vehicle travel and contributes to environmental concerns such as congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption. Additionally, mitigation measures and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies are provided to reduce VMT impacts and enhance the sustainability of transportation infrastructure in the city.

VMT Impact Thresholds

The City of Anaheim employs specific thresholds to assess whether a proposed project results in a significant VMT impact. These thresholds are used to compare project-generated VMT with regional averages and to determine the cumulative effect of the project on the overall transportation network. The primary VMT impact thresholds include:

  1. Project-Generated VMT Impact: A project is considered to have a significant project-generated VMT impact if its baseline or cumulative VMT per service population exceeds 15% below the County of Orange baseline VMT per service population. This means that if a project generates vehicle travel at a rate higher than this benchmark, it may be deemed to have a significant impact and require mitigation measures.

  2. Project Effect on Citywide VMT: A project’s effect on VMT is considered significant if the baseline or cumulative citywide VMT per service population increases under the “plus project” condition when compared to the “no project” condition. This threshold evaluates whether the project contributes to an overall increase in vehicle travel within the city, affecting traffic congestion, air quality, and regional mobility.

Additionally, cumulative “no project” conditions must reflect the adopted Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). If a project aligns with the regional RTP/SCS, its cumulative VMT impact may be considered less than significant, provided that no other substantial evidence suggests otherwise.

VMT Mitigation Measures

For projects that exceed the VMT impact thresholds, developers must implement mitigation measures to reduce transportation impacts. The following mitigation strategies can be employed to achieve compliance:

  1. Modifying the Project’s Built Environment:

    • Altering site design to encourage alternative transportation modes.

    • Increasing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to reduce vehicle dependency.

    • Implementing mixed-use developments that minimize the need for vehicle trips.

  2. Implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategies:

    • Enhancing transit accessibility and promoting public transportation use.

    • Providing incentives for carpooling, vanpooling, or ridesharing programs.

    • Encouraging telecommuting and flexible work schedules to reduce peak-hour traffic.

    • Installing bike-sharing stations and ensuring adequate bicycle parking facilities.

    • Providing on-site amenities that minimize the need for external vehicle trips.

The City of Anaheim conducted an SB 743 Implementation Study to identify key TDM measures appropriate for the region. These measures, detailed in Appendix B of the SB 743 Implementation Mitigation and TDM Strategy Assessment Memorandum, should be considered when determining project-specific VMT reductions. Developers must evaluate VMT reductions using state-of-the-practice methodologies, recognizing that TDM strategies depend on building tenant performance over time.

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan Requirements

To ensure effective implementation of VMT mitigation strategies, the City of Anaheim mandates that developers and businesses participate in reducing peak-hour and total vehicular trips through comprehensive TDM plans. These plans must be integrated into project proposals and should include:

  1. A Detailed Description of Major TDM Components:

    • Explanation of how the plan will be implemented and maintained long-term.

    • Integration of land use strategies that encourage sustainable transportation.

  2. Empirical Data Supporting Traffic Reduction Estimates:

    • Case studies or real-world examples demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed measures.

    • Documented success rates of similar projects implementing TDM strategies.

  3. Traffic Volume and Capacity Analysis:

    • Demonstrating how the proposed TDM measures will improve circulation and reduce congestion.

    • Additional volume-to-capacity ratio calculations that illustrate expected traffic benefits.

  4. Compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Regulations:

    • Ensuring that all measures align with air quality regulations and contribute to regional environmental goals.

Transportation Impact Study Requirements

Before initiating any development study, project proponents must coordinate with the City of Anaheim’s Planning and Traffic Engineering staff. Early consultation ensures that project-specific transportation impacts are addressed, and a structured review and approval process is established. Key aspects of this coordination include:

  • Defining the study area boundaries and determining the project’s scope.

  • Assessing project access and identifying transportation network improvements.

  • Reviewing approved developments in the vicinity for cumulative impact analysis.

  • Establishing appropriate trip generation rates for the project.

  • Evaluating potential for project-level VMT screening.

  • Analyzing VMT reduction strategies through project design and TDM measures.

  • Assessing potential Level of Service (LOS) traffic analysis if applicable.

  • Addressing site-specific issues such as pedestrian circulation, parking, and access.

VMT Assessment Requirements

The VMT assessment must be comprehensive and include the following key elements:

  1. Presentation of Project VMT per Service Population:

    • Analysis of VMT data for baseline, project-generated, and cumulative scenarios.

    • Comparison of project VMT against city and regional benchmarks.

  2. Evaluation of Project Effect on VMT:

    • Analysis of citywide VMT per service population under all study scenarios.

    • Determination of whether the project significantly increases vehicle travel in the region.

  3. Screening Documentation:

    • If a project qualifies for VMT screening (as outlined in earlier sections), this must be clearly documented in the assessment.

  4. Identification of VMT Impacts and Mitigation Measures:

    • Clear identification of any significant VMT impacts.

    • Inclusion of proposed mitigation strategies and anticipated effectiveness.

    • Consideration of additional measures if substantial evidence suggests further mitigation is necessary.

The City of Anaheim’s CEQA VMT impact thresholds, mitigation measures, and transportation impact study requirements provide a structured approach to evaluating transportation impacts associated with new developments. By employing comprehensive VMT assessments and implementing effective mitigation strategies, developers can contribute to sustainable urban mobility, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation network. The integration of TDM measures plays a crucial role in achieving these goals, ensuring that future developments align with regional sustainability objectives and provide long-term benefits to the community.

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