Local Transportation Analysis (LTA) Guidelines – City of Clovis
Purpose
A Local Transportation Analysis (LTA) evaluates a development project's effects on the surrounding circulation network, particularly access and operations near the site. Separate from CEQA review, the LTA focuses on ensuring safe, efficient connections for all travel modes—vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit. It helps identify potential operational and safety issues and needed improvements aligned with City policy. These guidelines provide a framework for preparing LTAs while allowing flexibility for professional judgment based on unique project conditions.
LTA Triggers
An LTA is required unless waived by the City Engineer when any of the following occur:
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The project generates more than 100 peak hour vehicle trips.
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The project proposes a General Plan Amendment (GPA) that increases trip generation potential.
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The project affects intersections or roadways already operating at unacceptable levels of service.
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The project significantly alters off-site circulation or access, as determined by the City Engineer.
LTAs must be updated if more than two years pass without project activity. For phased developments, if the master LTA already assessed the phases, no supplemental analysis is typically required.
Study Area
The scope of the study area is determined case by case and must be approved by the Traffic Engineering Manager. The analysis must cover:
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Pedestrian, bike, and transit facilities within 0.5 miles of the project.
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Major intersections providing direct access.
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Signalized intersections within 0.5 miles where the project adds ≥50 peak hour trips, and beyond 0.5 miles where ≥100 peak hour trips are added.
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Unsignalized intersections within 0.5 miles where ≥50 peak hour trips are added.
The LTA must document existing and planned pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities and identify any deficiencies.
Agency Coordination
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Caltrans: The City or consultant must consult Caltrans regarding potential impacts to State highway facilities and confirm the scope and methods used. The analysis must comply with the latest Caltrans guidance.
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Other Agencies: Coordination is also required with the City of Fresno and Fresno County for impacts to their facilities. If the study area is within one mile of Clovis's sphere of influence, City staff must review the scope and final analysis.
Level of Service (LOS) Standards
LOS D or better is required for all intersections and roadways in the near-term unless otherwise specified in the General Plan EIR. Long-range conditions must also meet LOS D, except in areas where LOS E or F is allowed per the EIR. Exceptions may be granted where reduced LOS supports broader community goals, such as protecting open space or promoting pedestrian environments.
LOS Methodologies
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Signalized Intersections: Analyze using the latest HCM and approved software (e.g., Synchro, Vistro, HCS). If intersections are closely spaced, consider simulation to address spillback and platooning issues.
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Unsignalized Intersections: Use HCM methods and MUTCD guidance with City-approved software.
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Signal Warrants: Follow MUTCD signal warrant criteria.
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Roundabouts: SIDRA may be used for individual roundabouts, but simulation is required for chained roundabouts. Methodology must be approved by the City, and local driver behavior must be accounted for.
Default Assumptions
LOS analysis should use:
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Signal timing plans when available.
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Minimum 12-second protected left-turn splits and pedestrian phases per MUTCD.
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Existing or natural cycle lengths, kept constant unless the project alters operations.
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Pedestrian calls assumed at 10/hour if no data is available.
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Standard yellow and all-red times.
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Collected peak hour factors for existing/near-term scenarios and HCM defaults for cumulative conditions.
All assumptions must be documented and justified.
Analysis Scenarios
For GPA projects:
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Existing Conditions
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Existing + Project
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Near-Term (Existing + Approved/Pending + Project)
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Cumulative without Project
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Cumulative with Project
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Phased buildout years (if applicable)
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Project and GPA land use trip tracing to Caltrans interchanges
For General Plan-consistent projects:
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Existing Conditions
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Existing + Project
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Near-Term
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Phased buildout years (if applicable)
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Project trip distribution to Caltrans interchanges
Improvements should only be assumed if fully funded in a Capital Improvement Program or impact fee program. Otherwise, they may be conditions of approval.
Cumulative Volume Forecasting
Cumulative volumes must follow Fresno COG model procedures (e.g., FRATAR method). Required model runs include:
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Existing Conditions
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Cumulative No Project
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Cumulative with Project
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SelectZone runs
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Near-Term, if applicable
Consultants must work closely with Fresno COG staff to prepare accurate scopes, ensure model validity, and document all modeling assumptions and responses in the Appendix.
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