4.0 Mitigation Measures
The primary reference for quantifying VMT mitigation measures is the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures (August 2010). Other sources may be approved by the Public Services Director, provided that they include substantial evidence to support the VMT reduction estimates. All mitigation measures must be clearly listed, quantified, and accompanied by calculations and supporting documentation.
Project Location and Setting
The effectiveness of VMT mitigation measures is significantly influenced by the project’s location. In suburban settings like the City of Laguna Hills, access to transit, multimodal infrastructure, and diverse land uses is typically limited. This reduces the potential effectiveness of transportation demand management (TDM) strategies, which are key to reducing VMT.
To assess VMT reduction potential, users should identify the appropriate project location setting as defined by CAPCOA (Pages 59-60) and follow CAPCOA's guidance regarding the maximum achievable VMT reduction for that setting.
VMT Quantification Tools
The California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), developed by CAPCOA, may be used to quantify VMT reduction measures. It is recommended that any mitigation measures used for VMT reduction align with requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions under CEQA.
For further guidance, Appendix D includes CAPCOA fact sheets detailing transportation measures that can be used for VMT reduction.
Evaluating Mitigated VMT Rate
Once all feasible mitigation measures are applied, the project’s Mitigated Project VMT Rate should be calculated and compared to the applicable significance thresholds. The mitigated VMT rate is determined as follows:
- If the mitigated VMT rate is below the citywide average, the project is presumed to have a less than significant impact with mitigation.
- If the mitigated VMT rate remains above the citywide average after all feasible mitigation measures are applied, the project may have a potentially significant and unavoidable impact.
Our Services are available throughout City of Laguna Hills of Orange County with Zipcode 92653