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Need for Transportation Impact Analysis for City of Moreno Valley Traffic Impact Preparation Guide

Need for Transportation Impact Analysis

A Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) is essential for evaluating the potential traffic and circulation effects of proposed development projects. The requirement for a TIA may arise from the need to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), maintain Level of Service (LOS) standards set forth by the General Plan, or both. The TIA process ensures that new developments do not significantly increase congestion or negatively impact traffic flow in the surrounding area.

CEQA Compliance and LOS Standards

To comply with CEQA, a multi-step process is used to determine whether a project may significantly increase Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). If a project does not meet the screening criteria, a full analysis of VMT impacts is required. The data for this analysis is derived from the Riverside County Transportation Analysis Model (RIVTAM) and the Riverside County Model (RIVCOM). In addition to VMT analysis, a LOS analysis evaluates the project’s direct impacts on the transportation network. For projects consistent with the General Plan and zoning, the LOS analysis focuses on near-term conditions. For projects not consistent with the General Plan, both near-term and build-out conditions must be analyzed. If the analysis identifies a decline in LOS, feasible mitigation measures must be implemented to maintain the required level of service.

Near-Term and Build-Out Analysis

The near-term analysis compares existing conditions to an "existing plus project" scenario, evaluating how the project affects traffic operations in its immediate vicinity. The build-out analysis compares the "General Plan Without Project" scenario to the "General Plan With Project" scenario, considering long-term impacts when the General Plan is fully implemented. The Transportation Engineering Division determines whether a project requires a minor or major TIA based on the project's size and impact. A minor study assesses project access points and adjacent intersections, while a major study includes additional intersections and potential long-term effects on the road network.

Transportation Impact Analysis Exemptions

Certain projects are exempt from preparing a TIA due to their size, nature, or location. However, the Transportation Engineering Division may require a TIA for any development, regardless of size, if there are concerns about safety, operational efficiency, or if the project is located in a high-traffic area.

Exemptions from LOS Analysis

The following types of projects typically do not require a LOS analysis as part of their TIA:

  • Residential parcel maps

  • Single-family residential tracts with fewer than 100 lots

  • Multi-family projects with fewer than 150 units

  • Plot plans and use cases for projects on one acre or less

  • Preschools

  • Local-serving churches, lodges, community centers, and parks

  • Mini storage yards

  • Congregate care facilities with specialized services

  • Any project generating fewer than 100 peak-hour vehicle trips

Even if a project falls within these exemptions, the City may still require a traffic study if:

  • There is an existing or potential safety concern

  • The development is in an environmentally sensitive or controversial area

  • The project is near a substandard intersection or street

  • A focused study is needed for access or operational concerns

  • Affected agencies, such as Caltrans, request additional analysis

Special Use Projects Requiring Additional Analysis

Some projects involve unique land uses that necessitate a more detailed TIA, including:

  • Truck-Intensive Uses: Projects that generate significant truck traffic must submit an analysis of truck access routes, road adequacy, safety issues, and potential impacts on nearby businesses and residences. Truck traffic should be evaluated using Passenger Car Equivalents (PCEs), and this analysis must be included in the Scoping Agreement.

  • Special Events: Land uses associated with periodic special events, such as parades, carnivals, sporting events, and entertainment venues, may require weekend and off-peak traffic analyses. A traffic management plan must be included to mitigate traffic impacts and ensure adequate site circulation and parking availability.

VMT Analysis Requirements

Certain projects and activities do not require a VMT analysis as part of their TIA. These projects typically have characteristics that reduce travel demand and do not contribute to increased vehicle miles traveled. Exempt projects include:

  • Developments located in Transit Priority Areas (TPA)

  • Projects in low-VMT generating areas

  • Local-serving K-12 schools and community colleges

  • Local-serving parks, gas stations, banks, and hotels

  • Student housing projects

  • Projects generating fewer than 400 daily vehicle trips

Thresholds for VMT Analysis Exemptions

A project generating fewer than 400 daily vehicle trips is generally exempt from VMT analysis. This threshold corresponds to:

  • 42 single-family housing units

  • 60 multi-family, condominium, or townhouse units

  • 41,000 sq. ft. of office space

  • 10,500 sq. ft. of general retail space

  • 57,500 sq. ft. of light industrial space

  • 112,500 sq. ft. of warehouse space

  • 285,700 sq. ft. of high cube transload and short-term storage warehouse space

The exact threshold may vary based on project-specific details and tenant usage.

Coordination with the Transportation Engineering Division

To streamline the TIA preparation and review process, developers must coordinate with the Transportation Engineering Division (TED) before submitting a draft TIA. The Engineer must prepare a TIA Scoping Agreement, which must be approved by TED before starting the analysis. The Scoping Agreement ensures agreement on key study parameters, including:

  • Study area, intersections, and roadway segments to be analyzed

  • Project trip generation, distribution, and assignment

  • Screening criteria for VMT assessment or methodologies for estimating VMT

  • Coordination with adjacent agencies for projects near city limits

  • Identification of site-specific issues such as safety, transit access, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and surrounding land uses

Developers can contact TED at 951.413.3140 to obtain an electronic copy of the Scoping Agreement template.

 

A TIA is a critical tool in evaluating the transportation impacts of new developments. By analyzing LOS and VMT, the study helps ensure that projects comply with CEQA, meet General Plan requirements, and contribute to a well-functioning transportation system. While some projects may be exempt from TIA requirements, others may require a more detailed analysis to address specific traffic concerns. Early coordination with the Transportation Engineering Division is essential for a smooth review process and to determine the necessary scope of analysis. Through careful planning and mitigation, new developments can be integrated into the transportation network while minimizing negative impacts on traffic flow and roadway capacity.

 

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