Updated Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) Guidelines – City of Calimesa
One of the primary responsibilities of government agencies is the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure that supports community development. This infrastructure includes roadways, rail and bus transit facilities, bicycle and pedestrian paths, water and sewer systems, stormwater treatment facilities, parks, and more. When private development occurs, it is the responsibility of government entities to ensure that adequate public infrastructure is in place to accommodate the resulting growth in population and employment. Within the realm of transportation, one of the primary tools used to assess this is the Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA).
Historically, TIAs were used as part of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process to evaluate the impact of new development on transportation systems, with a focus on measures such as traffic delay and Level of Service (LOS). However, the passage of Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) significantly changed how transportation impacts are evaluated under CEQA. Under this new legislation, TIAs are no longer required to rely on traditional LOS-based analysis for determining transportation impacts under CEQA. Instead, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) has been adopted as the preferred metric.
As a result, a TIA may now function as a stand-alone document required for project approval, independent of the CEQA process. It will serve not only to assess environmental impacts but also to provide essential information for local decision-making, particularly in ensuring consistency with local plans and infrastructure policies.
Key Changes Under SB 743
SB 743, signed into law in 2013, directed the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to revise the CEQA Guidelines to eliminate the use of traffic delay and LOS as indicators of significant environmental impact. These changes aim to better align transportation analysis with broader state goals, including encouraging infill development, supporting public health through active transportation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
SB 743 also allows jurisdictions to opt out of traditional congestion management metrics in certain areas, such as those under Congestion Management Plans (CMPs), including Riverside County. As part of the implementation of SB 743, OPR released final guidelines in December 2018 recommending VMT as the most appropriate metric for evaluating transportation impacts from land use projects and plans. For transportation projects, lead agencies may select their preferred metric but must justify their choice with substantial evidence.
Although LOS is no longer used for CEQA impact determinations, jurisdictions like Calimesa can continue using it for other purposes such as general plans, traffic impact fees, and network monitoring. In this context, the City of Calimesa still requires LOS analysis in line with policies established in the City's General Plan. These LOS standards are based on the 2008 Riverside County guidelines, with updates to reflect current best practices.
Purpose and Use of These Guidelines
The purpose of these updated TIA Guidelines is to provide clear, consistent direction for analyzing the transportation impacts of proposed development projects and land use changes. These guidelines outline recommended formats, procedures, and methodologies that reflect recent updates in state policy and technical standards, particularly in response to SB 743.
To ensure consistency and streamline the review process, TIA preparers must submit a Project Scoping Form (included as Attachment A) to the City Traffic Engineer prior to beginning work on a draft TIA. This form outlines the VMT assessment process and ensures that the appropriate analytical approach is taken for each project.
As CEQA law, State Guidelines, and court decisions continue to evolve, the City of Calimesa may revise these TIA Guidelines accordingly. Consultants and applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with City staff to confirm they are using the most current version of the guidelines.
In summary, the updated TIA Guidelines for the City of Calimesa reflect a shift in transportation planning toward metrics that support environmental sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote multi-modal transportation. These changes, while significant, are intended to result in more balanced and forward-looking transportation decisions across the city.
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