VMT Screening, Thresholds, and Mitigation Overview
This chapter outlines the screening criteria to determine if a detailed Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis is necessary for land use and transportation projects, presents thresholds of significance, and explores mitigation options for projects with potential VMT impacts.
Key Elements:
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VMT Screening: Screening is based on project size, location, or accessibility to transit. Projects generating less than 110 daily trips or locally serving retail uses under 50,000 square feet are generally exempt from VMT analysis.
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VMT Analysis Methodology: For projects requiring VMT analysis, the City can use SCAG’s travel demand model. Metrics vary by project type, such as "Home-Based VMT" per capita for residential and "Home-Based Work VMT" per employee for office developments.
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VMT Impact Thresholds: Lancaster can adopt its own thresholds or follow recommendations like OPR’s guideline that projects with VMT exceeding 15% below the regional average may signal an impact.
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VMT Mitigation: Reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips through changes in land use or transportation demand management can mitigate VMT impacts.
Screening Criteria:
- Project Size: Exempts projects generating fewer than 110 daily trips.
- Low VMT Area: Residential and office projects in areas with VMT 15% below regional average.
- Transit Priority Areas (TPA): Projects near high-frequency transit stops, with a minimum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.75 and consistent with the regional transportation plan, may also be exempt.
Additionally, affordable housing and transportation projects that promote active travel modes can be screened from VMT analysis. These guidelines ensure that projects align with Lancaster's broader transportation sustainability and environmental goals.
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