When is a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Required?
The City of Fountain Valley requires a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) to assess the transportation effects of proposed development projects and ensure compliance with both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and local transportation policies. Below are the key criteria and processes for determining when a TIA is necessary.
Determination Process
Applicants seeking project approval must submit their project applications to the Planning Department. The department forwards the application to the City Engineer for a preliminary review as part of the interdepartmental coordination process. After this review, the applicant will be informed by the Planning Department if a TIA is required.
The TIA evaluates transportation impacts based on two primary metrics:
- Level of Service (LOS): Used for General Plan consistency to address infrastructure deficiencies.
- Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): Used for CEQA compliance to measure environmental impacts.
Criteria Requiring LOS Analysis
A TIA including LOS analysis is mandated for projects that meet any of the following thresholds, consistent with the Orange County Congestion Management Program (CMP):
- The project is expected to generate over 100 vehicle trips during the AM or PM peak hour.
- The project is located on the Arterial Highway System and generates 1,600 or more Average Daily Trips (ADT).
- The project adds 51 or more trips to any intersection during the AM or PM peak hours.
- The project proposes variations from the City’s transportation standards or guidelines.
Criteria Requiring VMT Analysis
A TIA including VMT assessment is required for projects that do not meet any of the following screening criteria:
- Transit Priority Area Screening: Projects located in areas with frequent and efficient public transit services.
- Low VMT-generating Area Screening: Projects in areas already characterized by low vehicle miles traveled.
- Project Type Screening: Specific project types that are generally exempt due to their low transportation impact.
Details on these screening criteria are provided in the CEQA Assessment – Land Use Project VMT Analysis section of the City’s TIA Guidelines. Some projects may require only LOS analysis, only VMT analysis, or both, depending on their characteristics. When insufficient information is available for a preliminary determination, the City Engineer will decide if a TIA is necessary using professional judgment.
Preparation and Approval Process
TIAs must be prepared under the supervision of a registered traffic engineer or civil engineer with expertise in traffic engineering and transportation planning. Draft versions of the TIA are submitted to the Public Works Department for review. Comments from the City Engineer or their designee must be addressed before the TIA is finalized. A TIA is only considered complete when all necessary revisions are made to the City’s satisfaction.
Use of Previously Approved TIAs
The City Engineer may allow the use of a previously approved TIA if the following conditions are met:
- The proposed project’s land use assumptions, background conditions, and traffic characteristics align closely with those of the original project.
- The project is located in the same or a similar Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ).
- The original conclusions regarding VMT per service population remain valid relative to the City’s thresholds.
These guidelines ensure that the TIA process remains rigorous and reflects the latest standards for assessing transportation impacts.
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