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Projects Requiring VMT Analysis – Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)

PROJECTS REQUIRING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) ANALYSIS

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) determines whether a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis is necessary based on its guidelines and Section 65.2 of the TRPA Code of Ordinances. Various types of development projects within the Lake Tahoe Basin that impact the regional transportation system may require a VMT analysis, including:

  • Modifications or expansions of transportation infrastructure, such as road and highway capital improvement projects.

  • Land use entitlements that necessitate a TRPA permit.

  • Adoption or amendment of area plans, community plans, or plan area statements.

  • Land use activities proposed by other agencies that fall under TRPA’s jurisdiction under the Bi-State Compact.

If a project falls within one of these categories, it may be subject to one of three outcomes:

  1. Screening from Further VMT Analysis – If a project meets the screening criteria in Section 1.4, it does not require further VMT analysis. However, the applicant must still calculate VMT generation to confirm eligibility for screening and determine the appropriate mobility mitigation fee. TRPA provides the Project Impact Assessment (PIA) Tool for this purpose.

  2. VMT Analysis Using the PIA Tool – Certain projects may be fully analyzed using the PIA Tool, which generates a report that the applicant can submit with their application. Details on using this tool are found in Section 1.5.

  3. Detailed VMT Analysis – Some projects require a comprehensive VMT analysis conducted by a qualified transportation analyst following TRPA guidelines.

DETERMINING THE NECESSITY OF A VMT ANALYSIS

All non-screened projects must undergo a VMT analysis. This can be accomplished in one of two ways:

  • Using the PIA Tool – The PIA Tool provides an expedited analysis for projects consisting of residential, tourist accommodation, or public service uses. Projects must align with the surrounding built environment in terms of density, mix of uses, and transit accessibility.

  • Conducting a Detailed VMT Analysis – If a project does not qualify for analysis through the PIA Tool, a more comprehensive study must be performed by a qualified analyst.

To determine the required analysis, the following questions should be addressed:

  1. Does the project meet the screening criteria in Section 1.4?

    • Yes: The project is exempt from further VMT analysis. A mobility mitigation fee must still be paid.

    • No: Proceed to the next question.

  2. Does the project consist exclusively of residential, tourist accommodation, or public service uses?

    • Yes: The project may use the PIA Tool, provided it aligns with the surrounding built environment. Alternatively, a detailed analysis can be conducted at the applicant’s discretion.

    • No: A comprehensive VMT analysis is required, including an Initial Environmental Checklist (IEC) impact analysis.

PROJECT ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK

SCREENED PROJECTS (EXEMPT FROM FURTHER ANALYSIS)

Certain projects are presumed to have a less-than-significant VMT impact and are therefore exempt from further analysis. These projects include:

  • Deed-Restricted Affordable, Moderate, and Achievable Housing – Projects in which 100% of units are deed-restricted for affordable, moderate, or achievable income levels and located in areas eligible for Residential Bonus Units.

  • Low VMT Generating Projects – Projects producing low VMT, with the thresholds defined as:

    • Up to 1,300 average daily VMT in Centers and within a half-mile of Center boundaries.

    • Up to 715 average daily VMT in other areas.

  • Specific Transportation Projects – Active transportation and transit projects that do not substantially increase vehicle travel.

  • Projects Evaluated in an Area Plan – Developments that have been fully analyzed in a conforming TRPA area plan.

PROJECTS ANALYZED USING THE PIA TOOL

Projects eligible for PIA Tool analysis include:

  • Residential developments not otherwise screened.

  • Tourist accommodation projects.

  • Public service developments.

PROJECTS REQUIRING A DETAILED VMT ANALYSIS

Projects that do not meet the criteria for screening or PIA Tool analysis require a comprehensive VMT study. This applies to:

  • Commercial and recreational projects not eligible for screening.

  • Transportation projects with potential VMT increases.

  • Other development types requiring in-depth review.

MOBILITY MITIGATION FEE REQUIREMENTS

All projects that generate unmitigated VMT must pay a mobility mitigation fee, except active transportation projects, such as pedestrian, bicycle, and transit initiatives. While screened projects do not require additional VMT analysis, they must still calculate and pay the mobility mitigation fee. Further details on mitigation fees are provided in Section 4.4.

TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS EXEMPT FROM VMT ANALYSIS

Certain transportation projects, as identified in the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research’s Technical Advisory (December 2018), are exempt from VMT analysis, including:

  • Infrastructure Maintenance & Safety Improvements

    • Rehabilitation and maintenance projects.

    • Roadside safety enhancements (e.g., guardrails, median barriers).

    • Roadway shoulder improvements for safety, bicycle access, or transit.

    • Auxiliary lanes under one mile for safety purposes.

    • Traffic control device installations (e.g., signal timing, metering systems).

    • Traffic calming measures (e.g., roundabouts, speed humps).

    • Changes in lane management that do not substantially increase vehicle travel.

  • Transit & Active Transportation Projects

    • New or enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

    • Transit service expansions.

    • Publicly available alternative fuel or charging infrastructure.

    • Mobility hubs evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

  • Roadway Modifications Without Capacity Increase

    • Conversion of streets from one-way to two-way operation.

    • Removal or relocation of parking spaces.

    • Toll lane additions where tolls mitigate increased VMT.

    • Reduction of general-purpose lanes.

PROJECTS FULLY ANALYZED IN A TRPA AREA PLAN

Projects included in a TRPA area plan environmental document (IEC, EA, or EIS) may be exempt if they meet all of the following:

  • The project was explicitly described in the area plan’s environmental document.

  • The project’s impacts were fully analyzed in accordance with TRPA’s VMT guidelines.

  • The project incorporates required mitigation measures from the area plan’s analysis.

CONCLUSION

TRPA's VMT analysis requirements ensure that development in the Lake Tahoe Basin aligns with sustainable transportation goals. Projects may be screened, analyzed using the PIA Tool, or require a detailed study. Even exempt projects must calculate VMT generation and pay applicable mitigation fees. By following these guidelines, applicants can determine the level of analysis required and ensure compliance with TRPA’s transportation impact assessment standards.

 

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