Introduction to Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines for City of Dublin

Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines

1. Introduction

This Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) Guidelines document provides comprehensive guidance to City staff, applicants, and consultants regarding the requirements for evaluating transportation impacts for projects within the City of Dublin (City). The primary objectives of these guidelines are to:

• Promote Conformance: Ensure compliance with applicable City and state regulations.

• Consistency with CEQA: Provide evaluations consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

• Standardized Study Preparation: Facilitate consistency in the preparation of studies by applicants and consultants.

• Transparency and Predictability: Provide clear and predictable content for City staff and the public when reviewing studies.

While these guidelines aim to be exhaustive, not all aspects of every transportation analysis can be anticipated. City staff retain the discretion to request exemptions or modify requirements for specific projects during the application review process.

1.1. Which Projects Require a Transportation Impact Analysis?

A TIA, prepared by a qualified consultant under the direction of the City, is generally required for most projects. For projects subject to CEQA, the TIA must include an evaluation aligned with CEQA requirements. Additionally, the TIA should provide a local operational assessment to evaluate the project's impact on the City's transportation infrastructure.

The level of analysis required varies based on the project’s size, type, and location. For example:

• Simple Projects: A TIA may include basic trip generation estimates, brief documentation of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) for CEQA compliance, and a site plan review.

• Complex Projects: A more detailed TIA may include an in-depth VMT analysis and intersection operations analysis to assess the project’s effects on local transportation systems.

1.2. Developing the Scope of Work

A clearly defined scope of work is crucial for a thorough and consistent TIA. Table 1 outlines the key study components based on project characteristics. For projects generating more than 50 trips during peak hours, a pre-application transportation scoping meeting between City staff and the transportation consultant is required to discuss the application of these guidelines.

Following the scoping meeting, the transportation consultant must prepare a draft scoping memorandum for City staff review and approval. Key elements to include in the scoping memorandum are:

• Travel Demand Model: Identify the model to be used for detailed VMT analysis.

• Study Intersections: Select intersections to be studied based on the guidance provided in this document.

• Trip Generation Assumptions: Include proposed reductions for pass-by trips, internal capture, and travel demand management strategies.

• Trip Distribution and Assignment: Provide assumptions and a brief justification.

• Transportation Count Periods: Propose appropriate time periods for collecting transportation data.

• Intersection Analysis Tools: Specify tools such as Vistro, Synchro, or other relevant software.

• Project Vicinity Maps: Include maps showing traffic assignments, project location, and proposed study intersections.

City staff commit to reviewing draft scopes within 10 business days of receipt and will request revisions if needed.

Table 1: Typical Study Components

City staff will make reasonable, good-faith efforts to review submitted scoping memoranda within 10 business days and provide timely feedback to ensure project requirements are met efficiently.

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