1.0 INTRODUCTION
The City of Lake Elsinore ("City") requires a thorough evaluation of traffic and circulation impacts for all proposed development projects, General Plan Amendments, and Specific Plans. This evaluation ensures that new developments align with the City’s transportation planning objectives and do not negatively affect existing infrastructure. To achieve this, traffic impacts must be analyzed through the preparation of two distinct Traffic Impact Analyses (TIAs), which must be conducted in full compliance with the City's established requirements.
Although the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mandates a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) analysis for proposed projects, the City of Lake Elsinore also requires a level of service (LOS) analysis to assess a project's effects on the overall transportation network. The inclusion of LOS analysis enables the City to evaluate the capacity and operational efficiency of roadways and intersections in response to proposed developments. This dual-analysis approach ensures a comprehensive review of both congestion-related concerns and broader regional travel impacts.
Each of the required Traffic Impact Analyses must be conducted, signed, and sealed by a Traffic Engineer or Civil Engineer registered in the State of California who is qualified to practice traffic engineering. These professionals are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the studies, which serve as the foundation for transportation planning and decision-making in the City.
This Traffic Impact Analysis Preparation Guide provides detailed instructions regarding the required methodologies, formats, and procedural expectations for conducting these studies. The methodologies outlined in this guide must be strictly followed, as they have been established to maintain consistency and accuracy in evaluating the transportation impacts of various developments. The analyses must adhere to industry standards, best practices, and local regulations, ensuring that findings and recommendations are well-founded and actionable.
The preparation of a Traffic Impact Analysis involves multiple steps, including data collection, analysis of existing and projected traffic conditions, impact assessment, and the identification of mitigation measures where necessary. The reports must comprehensively assess roadway operations, intersection performance, site access, pedestrian and bicycle circulation, and public transit facilities. Additionally, VMT reduction strategies must be considered where applicable, aligning with state and regional transportation policies.
The findings from these analyses play a crucial role in shaping the City’s approach to transportation planning and infrastructure improvements. By ensuring that proposed developments integrate effectively with existing transportation networks, the City can maintain safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Ultimately, the goal of the Traffic Impact Analysis process is to facilitate responsible growth by balancing new development opportunities with the preservation of transportation system functionality. The guidelines set forth in this document will help applicants and their engineering teams develop thorough and reliable assessments that support informed decision-making by City staff, planning commissions, and other stakeholders.
The City of Lake Elsinore remains committed to ensuring that its transportation infrastructure meets current and future demands while promoting sustainable and efficient travel options for all users. All Traffic Impact Analyses must comply with the specifications outlined in this guide and are subject to thorough review and approval by the City’s transportation planning authorities.
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