Introduction
The El Dorado County Community Development Agency (CDA) has developed this set of protocols and procedures to assist applicants in preparing a Transportation Impact Study (TIS), also known as a Traffic Impact Study or Traffic Impact Analysis, for proposed projects within the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County. These guidelines ensure that the traffic impacts of proposed development projects are addressed in a manner consistent with the policies outlined in the Transportation and Circulation Element of the 2004 El Dorado County General Plan, "A Plan for Managed Growth and Open Roads; A Plan for Quality Neighborhoods and Traffic Relief" (General Plan), as well as any applicable Specific Plan. The guidelines provide a framework for evaluating transportation and circulation impacts of development proposals in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
By adhering to these guidelines, the County ensures that TIS reports deliver comprehensive, accurate, and objective analyses of potential transportation impacts on County facilities and services. A TIS should be a stand-alone document that enables replication by a peer consultant or County staff based on the information provided. The study is intended to be a factual, technical document utilizing state-of-the-practice methodologies and industry standards rather than a persuasive report.
This guide applies to proposed development projects that align with the land use designations and zoning densities of the El Dorado County General Plan at the time of project submission. Applications seeking to amend land use designations or zoning densities, or those leading to concentrated residential development necessitating a General Plan Amendment, will be subject to review by the CDA’s Long Range Planning (LRP) Division, Development Services Division, and Transportation Division. The requirements for a TIS in such cases may differ from those outlined herein. The County maintains an updated Travel Demand Model (TDM) within LRP, managed by LRP’s Traffic Engineer and Transportation Planner. This dynamic model ensures consistency in baseline and forecast information for the County’s transportation network.
Purpose of a Transportation Impact Study
A Transportation Impact Study evaluates the potential effects of proposed projects on surrounding and supporting transportation infrastructure and services. The study identifies whether a project’s transportation effects constitute significant impacts and, if so, how those impacts can be mitigated. The TIS process typically includes a pre-application meeting, scope development and approval, submission and review of draft and revised reports, and final approval by LRP staff.
Project Considerations
Projects requiring a TIS generally involve development activity affecting the County’s transportation system. These may include:
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Modifications or expansions of transportation infrastructure, such as capital improvement projects (CIP) on County roads and state highways.
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Land use entitlements requiring discretionary approval, such as annexations, general plan amendments, specific plans, zoning changes, conditional use permits, commercial parcel maps, and tentative maps.
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Land use activities proposed by agencies other than El Dorado County that are subject to jurisdictional review under state and federal law or require a General Plan Amendment.
Intent of Study Guidelines
These guidelines provide essential elements for preparing and reviewing transportation impact studies. They outline:
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Situations and thresholds that trigger the need for a TIS.
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Scope and extent of required studies.
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Transportation impact analysis methods.
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Criteria for determining significance under CEQA.
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Mitigation measure requirements.
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Documentation guidelines for findings and recommendations.
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Site-specific circulation plan reviews.
While the County primarily reviews TIS reports based on these guidelines, each project is unique. Therefore, these guidelines are not rigidly prescriptive, and early coordination with CDA’s LRP, Development Services, and Transportation Divisions is encouraged to determine the appropriate level of analysis. The County reserves the right to modify procedures and requirements as necessary to ensure accurate and consistent identification of project impacts.
General Plan Context
The Transportation and Circulation Element of the 2004 El Dorado County General Plan emphasizes planning for a countywide road and highway system that ensures the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of people and goods.
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