3.1 Required Transportation Reports
Proposed developments in Torrance, unless exempt as per Sections 3.2 or 3.3, must submit the following reports:
3.1.1 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)-Based Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA)
The VMT-based TIA evaluates whether a project aligns with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, specifically Section 15064.3, subdivision (b), as per the Environmental Checklist Form (CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G). This analysis addresses the following key question:
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Would the project conflict with or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
Projects exempt from CEQA review are not required to prepare a TIA. The recommended methodology for conducting a VMT-based TIA is detailed in Section 4.0 of this document.
3.1.2 Level-of-Service (LOS)-Based Traffic Circulation Analysis (TCA)
A TCA focuses on traditional traffic measures, such as roadway capacity and delay, to assess the circulation impacts of proposed developments. Guidelines for preparing this report can be found at Torrance Traffic Guidelines.
3.1.3 Exemption Screening Flowcharts
Flowcharts are provided to streamline the process of determining whether a project is exempt from TIA or TCA requirements.
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Figure 6 presents a comprehensive flowchart for exemption screening.
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Figure 7 details the sub-process for assessing a project’s potential for TIA exemption, determining whether it meets at least one TIA Exemption Screening criterion (A or B). Projects with exemption potential must complete further steps outlined in Figure 6 to confirm their exemption status.
The City Traffic Engineer has the final authority to require a TIA or TCA for any development, even if it appears to meet exemption criteria. All exemptions must be approved by the City Traffic Engineer.
3.2 Screening Criteria for VMT-Based TIA Exemption
3.2.1 Applicability
VMT analysis is required only for projects subject to CEQA review. Projects meeting at least one criterion in Sections 3.2.2 to 3.2.7 are typically expected to have a less-than-significant transportation impact and may not require a detailed VMT analysis. However, further evaluation is required for projects inconsistent with the 2020–2045 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), or for projects that impact transit systems, bicycle, or pedestrian networks.
To determine exemption eligibility, applicants must:
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Confirm consistency with the 2020–2045 SCAG RTP/SCS by contacting the assigned Planner.
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Submit a TIA exemption request to the City Traffic Engineer, including:
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Applicable screening criteria.
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Supporting documentation (e.g., a Trip Generation Memo prepared by a licensed Civil or Traffic Engineer).
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A site plan with clearly indicated access points.
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Conceptual plans for any public right-of-way modifications.
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Documentation from the Planner confirming SCAG RTP/SCS consistency.
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3.2.2 Small Projects
Criterion: Does the project generate a net increase of 110 or fewer daily trips?
Daily trips are calculated based on the most current Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual. Projects generating 110 or fewer daily trips are typically exempt from VMT analysis.
3.2.3 Map-Based Screening for Residential and Office Projects
Criterion: Is the project a residential development in a low VMT per capita area or an office development in a low VMT per employee area?
Using SCAG’s Regional Travel Demand Model (RTDM), low VMT areas are identified (below 85% of the Los Angeles County average for 2021). Figures 8 and 9 show Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) meeting these thresholds.
To satisfy this criterion, projects must:
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Be located in a yellow-highlighted TAZ (Figure 8 for residential, Figure 9 for office).
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Incorporate features consistent with existing parcels in the TAZ.
Applicants must obtain concurrence from the assigned Planner verifying these conditions.
3.2.4 Proximity to Transit
Criterion: Is the project within one-half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor?
A major transit stop includes rail stations, bus rapid transit stations, ferry terminals, or intersections of major bus routes with service intervals of 15 minutes or less during peak commute hours. High-quality transit corridors feature fixed-route bus services with peak service intervals of 15 minutes or less. Figure 10 identifies Transit Priority Areas (TPAs).
Projects located within TPAs are eligible for exemption, except those with:
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A Floor Area Ratio (FAR) below 0.75.
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Excessive parking provision.
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Inconsistencies with the SCAG RTP/SCS.
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Replacement of affordable housing with fewer moderate- or high-income units.
3.2.5 Affordable Residential Development
Criterion: Does the project consist entirely of affordable housing units?
If 100% of the residential component of a mixed-use project is affordable housing, it may be exempt from further VMT analysis. Non-residential components of mixed-use projects remain subject to evaluation.
3.2.6 Local-Serving Retail
Criterion: Does the project include a retail use of 50,000 square feet or less?
Retail developments of 50,000 square feet or smaller, as classified under ITE’s 800 (Retail) or 900 (Services) categories, are presumed to have less-than-significant VMT impacts. For mixed-use projects, this applies only to the retail component if it meets the size criterion.
3.2.7 Local-Serving Public Facilities
Criterion: Is the project a locally serving public facility?
Facilities such as transit centers, schools, libraries, parks, post offices, and government offices are presumed to have less-than-significant VMT impacts. Private schools, however, are not included in this category.
3.3 Screening Criteria for LOS-Based TCA Exemption
A TCA is not required for projects generating fewer than 500 new weekday trips, as determined using the latest ITE Trip Generation Manual. Applicants may be required to submit a Trip Generation Memo to facilitate exemption review. The City Traffic Engineer has final authority over TCA exemptions.