4.4 Mitigation
Mitigation requirements for projects are outlined in Subparagraph 65.2.4.C of the TRPA Code of Ordinances. According to the code, all new unmitigated vehicle miles traveled (VMT) must contribute to the mobility mitigation fee. The revenue collected from this fee is allocated to regional jurisdictions and implementing agencies for the development of transportation infrastructure that supports the VMT reduction policies in the Regional Plan.
Mitigation Requirements
The mitigation requirements vary based on the project scenario, as shown in Table 8 below:
| Project Scenario | Payment of the Mobility Mitigation Fee | Project-Level Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Projects that meet the screening criteria | Required | Optional |
| Non-screened projects that meet the standard of significance | Required | Optional |
| Non-screened projects that do not meet the standard of significance | Required | Required |
Additional mitigation is necessary for projects that do not meet the screening criteria and generate an average daily VMT exceeding the standard of significance. Such projects must implement project-level mitigation measures before making any additional contributions to the mobility mitigation fund.
Project-Level Mitigation Options
If a project results in VMT levels exceeding the standard of significance defined in Table 2, it is considered to have a significant impact on the implementation of the VMT threshold. To mitigate this impact, the project must implement strategies aimed at:
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Reducing the number of automobile trips generated by project residents, employees, or visitors;
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Reducing the distance traveled by project residents, employees, or visitors;
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Offsetting VMT by reducing trips elsewhere in the region.
Mitigation measures may include infrastructure improvements such as pedestrian pathways, bicycle facilities, and transit connections. Long-term strategies such as employee carpool programs, shuttle services, and transit incentives may also be employed. Additional strategies may be identified and approved by TRPA based on emerging data and research.
Applying Strategies and Estimating Reductions
Appendix D provides maximum reduction estimates for six key mitigation measures, with estimation methodologies detailed in the PIA Tool Guidelines. When applying these strategies, the following factors should be considered:
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Regional Travel Characteristics: The Tahoe Basin experiences high seasonal visitation, making its travel patterns unique compared to suburban areas. Local data should be prioritized when estimating VMT reductions.
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Variability in Reduction Estimates: The effectiveness of mitigation strategies depends on project location, land use context, project size, and proximity to key destinations. Research should be reviewed to ensure reductions are accurately calculated.
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Combination of Strategies: Combining mitigation strategies can enhance their effectiveness. For example, integrating pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure with transit improvements may lead to greater VMT reductions than implementing each measure independently. However, the effectiveness of combining measures follows a multiplicative dampening formula:
where represents the percentage reduction associated with each mitigation measure.
In accordance with CAPCOA recommendations, the maximum aggregate VMT reduction is capped at 20% for areas within 0.5 miles of centers and 15% for other locations.
Contribution to the Mobility Mitigation Fund
The TRPA manages a mobility mitigation fund used to support projects that reduce regional VMT, including multi-use paths, transit services, and active transportation networks. The fund is financed through:
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Mobility Mitigation Fee: This fee applies to all VMT-generating projects, including screened projects, and helps mitigate their cumulative impact on the region’s VMT threshold.
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Additional Contributions: Projects that exceed the standard of significance despite implementing all available site-specific mitigation measures must contribute additional funds to cover the cost of necessary mitigation improvements.
Mobility Mitigation Fee
A standardized mobility mitigation fee has been established under Section 10.8.5.A of the TRPA Rules of Procedure. This fee is calculated based on a project’s net unmitigated VMT and can be estimated using the PIA Tool. The fee is collected by local jurisdictions that have Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with TRPA. In the absence of an MOU, TRPA collects the fee directly.
Additional Contribution for Projects Exceeding the Standard of Significance
Projects that remain above the standard of significance after implementing all applicable project-level mitigation measures may be required to make additional contributions to the mobility mitigation fund. Contributions are determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the actual cost of VMT reduction improvements. Project applicants should consult TRPA early in the process to obtain cost estimates.
However, making an additional contribution is not an option for every project. TRPA considers factors such as project location and land use mix when evaluating whether a project can meet the required findings for approval. Projects with significant and unavoidable VMT impacts may not be approved if they undermine the implementation of the Regional Plan or contribute to the exceedance of the VMT threshold.
Mitigation Monitoring
Mitigation measures must be maintained for the life of the project. They are categorized into three types:
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Structural Measures: These require physical infrastructure improvements such as bike racks, showers, and designated carpool parking. Structural measures must be included in project plans before permit acknowledgment and must be installed before final inspection. Once in place, they must be maintained permanently.
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Programmatic Measures: These involve ongoing actions such as operating shuttles, unbundling parking costs, and promoting carpooling. Programmatic measures must be documented in a plan approved by TRPA before permit acknowledgment. Compliance reports must be submitted to TRPA annually by July 1.
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Policy Measures: Policy-based mitigation may include amendments to zoning codes or development standards that inherently reduce VMT. These measures are enforced through regulatory requirements and monitored during permit reviews for subsequent projects.
By implementing and maintaining these mitigation strategies, projects can effectively reduce their VMT impact and contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the Tahoe Basin.
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