Projects Requiring a Transportation Study: Local Requirements in Burbank

Projects Requiring a Transportation Study: Local Requirements in Burbank

The Burbank Municipal Code mandates a transportation study for development projects that meet criteria for significant statewide, regional, or area-wide impact, are residential projects in multi-family zones, are non-residential projects within 150 feet of single-family zones, or require discretionary approval by the Planning Board or City Council, as these may significantly affect the environment under CEQA.

Transportation Impact Checklist:
A project is likely to have a significant transportation or operational impact if:

• A: It conflicts with policies addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities.
• B: It conflicts with CEQA Guidelines §15064.3(b) related to increased Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
• C: It increases hazards due to geometric design or incompatible uses.
• D: It results in inadequate emergency access.
• E: It causes a roadway operational deficiency contrary to the Burbank2035 General Plan.

If any of these conditions apply, a detailed transportation study is required, following these guidelines.

Screening Process for Transportation Studies

City staff use the following criteria to determine if a transportation study is necessary:

1. Policy Conflicts (A):
   A project is presumed not to conflict with policies if:

   • No discretionary approval is required.
   • The project aligns with the Burbank2035 General Plan, SCAG Regional Transportation Plan, and does not impact identified transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities.

2. VMT Impact (B):
   A project is presumed not to have a significant VMT impact if it:

   • Generates fewer than 110 daily trips ("small project").
   • Is a residential, retail, office, or mixed-use project within ½ mile of major transit, meeting specific density, parking, and affordability criteria.
   • Is a 100% affordable housing project or affordable mixed-use infill project.
   • Includes neighborhood-serving retail under 50,000 sq. ft., as determined by the Community Development Department.
   • Does not include elements likely to increase VMT despite meeting these criteria.

3. Safety Hazards (C):
   A project is presumed not to increase hazards if it:

   • Does not alter street access points, realign streets, or introduce trips to deficient access points.
   • Avoids introducing conflicts among vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
   • Adds fewer than 25 AM/PM peak trips to Caltrans off-ramps.
   • Does not include features that substantially increase hazards.

4. Emergency Access (D):
   A project is presumed not to impact emergency access if it does not affect circulation or increase response times.

5. Operational Deficiency (E):
   Projects generating over 50 peak-hour trips may require an Operations Analysis to assess compatibility with the Burbank2035 General Plan.

If a project fails to meet the screening criteria in A–D, a CEQA analysis is required. If the trip generation threshold in E is met, an Operational Analysis may also be required.

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