Introduction to Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Guidelines for the City of Beaumont
One of the primary responsibilities of government agencies is the construction, maintenance, and oversight of public infrastructure facilities to support growing communities. This includes roadways, public transit infrastructure such as rail and bus facilities, bicycle and pedestrian networks, water distribution systems, sanitary sewer lines, stormwater treatment facilities, parks, and various other public utilities. As private development occurs, it is essential for government agencies to ensure that public facilities and infrastructure are adequate to serve the increased population and employment demands that come with urban expansion. One of the key tools for assessing transportation infrastructure capacity and needs is the preparation of a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA).
Historically, the preparation of a TIA has been an integral component of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process, where the analysis primarily focused on assessing a project's transportation impacts under CEQA guidelines. However, with the passage of Senate Bill 743 (SB 743), significant changes to the TIA process have been introduced. In particular, a TIA may now be required as a stand-alone document outside of the CEQA process, serving as an independent requirement for project approval. This shift means that while CEQA may no longer consider certain traffic metrics as environmental impacts, the TIA remains a critical tool for decision-makers, providing essential transportation-related information that is necessary for planning and approval processes beyond CEQA compliance.
The purpose of the Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) Guidelines is to establish clear, consistent instructions for evaluating the potential transportation impacts of proposed development projects. These include projects such as General Plan amendments, zoning changes, and other land-use decisions that may significantly affect the local and regional transportation network. The guidelines present recommended methodologies, formats, and best practices to be used when preparing TIAs. These recommendations are informed by Riverside County's most recent TIA Guidelines from April 2008 and have been updated to reflect advancements in the field as well as new requirements introduced by SB 743. While these guidelines provide a general framework, the City of Beaumont retains the discretion to modify TIA requirements based on the unique characteristics and needs of each project.
To ensure an efficient and effective review process while minimizing unnecessary delays or revisions, the City of Beaumont mandates that project applicants submit and receive approval for a scoping form before drafting and submitting a TIA. The scoping form serves as a preliminary step in identifying the appropriate analysis requirements and methodologies for each specific project. A version of the scoping form is attached to this document and outlines the processes for both Level of Service (LOS) assessment and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) assessment.
Changes to CEQA under SB 743
A fundamental change introduced by SB 743 is the elimination of auto delay, Level of Service (LOS), and other vehicular congestion measures as a basis for determining transportation-related significant impacts under CEQA. This legislative change aims to realign transportation impact assessments with broader statewide goals, including infill development, the promotion of active transportation (such as walking and biking), and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through improved land use planning and multimodal transportation options.
SB 743 includes amendments to congestion management laws, allowing cities and counties to effectively opt out of traditional LOS standards that might otherwise apply in areas where Congestion Management Plans (CMPs) are still in use, including Riverside County. Additionally, the bill required the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to update CEQA Guidelines and establish new criteria for evaluating the significance of transportation impacts. After extensive public consultation with stakeholders, public agencies, and experts, OPR released its final recommended guidelines in December 2018. These guidelines identify Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the preferred metric for evaluating the transportation impacts of land-use projects and land-use plans under CEQA.
For transportation projects, lead agencies retain the flexibility to choose their preferred metric for impact assessment, provided they support their choice with substantial evidence that meets CEQA compliance requirements. While SB 743 prohibits cities and counties from using LOS as the primary metric for CEQA transportation impact determinations, it does not preclude jurisdictions from continuing to analyze delay, congestion, and LOS for other transportation planning and policy purposes. For example, LOS may still be used in general plans, impact fee programs, corridor studies, congestion mitigation efforts, and ongoing traffic network monitoring outside of CEQA review. However, LOS can no longer serve as the sole determinant of CEQA transportation impacts.
These revised TIA Guidelines have been developed to align with the expectations set forth in the updated CEQA Guidelines. They also build upon the technical information and implementation strategies outlined in the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) SB 743 Implementation Pathway Study. The WRCOG study provides valuable insights into methodologies, significance thresholds, screening criteria, and mitigation approaches for VMT analysis. Cities and agencies within the WRCOG region, including Beaumont, can utilize this resource to inform their local TIA policies and practices.
Guidelines for TIA Preparation
The revised TIA Guidelines are structured to ensure that transportation impact assessments provide accurate, consistent, and useful information for decision-makers and the public. The key components of a standard TIA include:
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Introduction
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Overview of the project and its transportation-related considerations.
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Description of the study area and its relevance to the project.
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Summary of the applicable methodologies and assumptions used in the analysis.
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Need for Transportation Impact Study
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Identification of conditions that necessitate the preparation of a TIA.
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Explanation of project-specific factors that may influence transportation demand and infrastructure needs.
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Level of Service (LOS) Assessment for General Plan Consistency
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Analysis of roadway and intersection performance based on LOS standards.
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Discussion of the project’s consistency with the City’s General Plan and transportation policies.
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CEQA Assessment - Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis
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Evaluation of the project’s potential to generate VMT impacts.
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Identification of applicable VMT thresholds and screening criteria.
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Assessment of potential mitigation measures to reduce VMT.
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CEQA Assessment - Active Transportation and Public Transit Analysis
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Examination of the project’s impact on pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.
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Evaluation of project consistency with adopted local and regional active transportation plans.
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Transportation Impact Analysis Format
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Standardized format and data presentation requirements for TIAs.
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Expectations for reporting and documentation to facilitate review and approval.
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By adhering to these guidelines, project applicants and transportation professionals can produce high-quality TIAs that support informed decision-making, promote sustainable transportation planning, and ensure that infrastructure development keeps pace with growth in the City of Beaumont. The updated TIA Guidelines reflect the City's commitment to integrating new CEQA requirements while maintaining a robust framework for analyzing and addressing transportation impacts. Through careful planning and rigorous analysis, the City aims to balance development needs with mobility, accessibility, and environmental sustainability goals
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