The expanded sections on VMT Methodology, Significance Thresholds, and Mitigation Strategies provide a robust framework for evaluating and addressing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impacts. Here's a brief summary of key points:
4.5 Methodology
- Projects use efficiency-based metrics (e.g., VMT per capita, per employee) compared to county averages, or absolute metrics (e.g., Total City VMT).
- Guidelines reference LA County TIA methods for regional-serving retail and cumulative impacts.
5.0 VMT Significance Thresholds
5.1 Project-Level VMT Significance Thresholds
A project will be deemed to have a significant Project-Level VMT impact if it exceeds the thresholds outlined in Table 2.
| Land Use Category | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Residential | VMT per capita exceeds 85% of the County Average VMT per capita |
| Office | VMT per employee exceeds 85% of the County Average VMT per employee |
| Industrial | VMT per employee exceeds 85% of the County Average VMT per employee |
| Regional-Serving Retail | Generates a net increase in Total City VMT |
| Private School/University | Generates a net increase in Total City VMT |
| Lodging | Generates a net increase in Total City VMT |
Table 2: Project VMT Thresholds for Typical Land Use Categories
For projects that do not align with the categories listed in Table 2, the thresholds in Table 3 will apply.
| Type of VMT Metric | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Efficiency-Based | Project VMT exceeds 85% of the County Average VMT |
| Absolute | Generates a net increase in Total VMT |
Table 3: Project VMT Thresholds for Unique Land Uses
Mixed-Use Projects:
- Individual Component Analysis: Each land use component in a mixed-use project must be analyzed separately using the thresholds in Table 2 or Table 3.
- Internal Capture Credit: If trips between land uses within the project are internally captured, a credit may be applied, subject to approval by the City Traffic Engineer.
5.2 Cumulative (Buildout) VMT Significance Threshold
A project will have a significant cumulative VMT impact if it generates a net increase in Total VMT for the Buildout Year 2040.