Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Requirements for Land Use Approval Applications
As part of the land use approval process, applicants must undergo a preliminary project review conducted by City staff. Within 30 days of submitting an application, the assigned project planner will notify the applicant in writing regarding the requirement for a Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA).
The TIA must evaluate both Level of Service (LOS) deficiencies and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The necessity of a TIA depends on the project’s characteristics and potential traffic impact.
LOS Analysis Requirement
A TIA including an LOS analysis is required if a proposed project meets any of the following conditions:
- The project is expected to generate more than 40 vehicle trips during either the AM or PM peak hour. In some cases, the City may require a traffic study for smaller projects based on land use type and location.
- The project is located on the Arterial Highway System and is expected to generate 1,600 or more Average Daily Trips (ADT).
VMT Analysis Requirement
A TIA that includes a VMT analysis is required for projects that do not meet the screening criteria for exemption. Projects may be exempt from VMT analysis if they fall under one of the following categories:
- Transit Priority Areas Screening: The project is located within a designated transit priority area, as defined by state and local guidelines.
- Low VMT-Generating Areas Screening: The project site is within an area where developments typically generate lower-than-average VMT.
- Project Type Screening: The project falls under a category of developments known to produce minimal VMT impacts.
For details on these screening criteria, applicants should refer to the section titled "CEQA Assessment - VMT Analysis."
In certain cases, a project may require only an LOS analysis or only a VMT analysis, depending on its location and expected impact. If there is insufficient information available to determine the project’s potential traffic effects, the City Traffic Engineer will exercise discretion in deciding whether a TIA is required.
By implementing these guidelines, the City of Buena Park ensures that transportation impacts from new developments are thoroughly evaluated while complying with CEQA requirements and local traffic management policies.
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