To address identified inconsistencies with applicable programs, plans, ordinances, and policies and determine the level of significance after mitigation, the project applicant should consider implementing changes to the proposed project as mitigation measures. These measures should aim to reduce or eliminate the identified inconsistencies and align the project with the City's transportation policy framework.
Reference to the Citywide Design Guidelines is essential for identifying appropriate mitigation measures that align with the City's transportation goals and policies, particularly those related to pedestrian safety, comfort, and overall site plan design principles. The following sections of the Citywide Design Guidelines are particularly relevant when addressing these goals:
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Guideline 1: Promote a Safe, Comfortable, and Accessible Pedestrian Experience for All: Mitigation measures should prioritize the creation of a pedestrian-friendly environment that ensures safety, comfort, and accessibility for all individuals. This may involve enhancements such as wider sidewalks, improved crosswalks, better lighting, and other pedestrian-oriented design elements.
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Guideline 2: Carefully Incorporate Vehicular Access to Preserve the Pedestrian Experience: Mitigation measures should be designed to incorporate vehicular access in a way that does not degrade the pedestrian experience. This may involve strategies like well-placed driveways, traffic calming measures, and landscaping that enhances the streetscape.
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Guideline 3: Design Projects to Actively Engage with Streets and Public Space, Maintaining Human Scale: Mitigation measures should encourage projects to interact with the surrounding streets and public spaces, ensuring a human-scale environment. This might include design elements like ground-floor retail, outdoor seating areas, and architectural features that promote street-level engagement.
By integrating these guidelines into the project's design and considering them as part of the mitigation strategy, the applicant can work to align the project more closely with the City's transportation policies and goals. After implementing these mitigation measures, a reassessment should be conducted to determine the level of significance regarding identified inconsistencies. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a project that not only complies with the City's transportation framework but also contributes positively to the overall urban environment.
Please contact us if you need help preparing a transportation assessment report for a development project in the City of Los Angeles LADOT.