Supplemental Transportation Analysis Requirements for the Culver City
This section outlines the requirements for a supplemental transportation analysis that must be conducted alongside the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis for the Culver City. These studies aim to address deficiencies in the existing transportation infrastructure due to new development projects.
Traffic Study Components
For projects adding 250 or more new daily trips, or in certain cases even below this threshold, the Culver City requires a transportation study to address potential traffic and parking-related issues. The analysis will focus on several areas:
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Traffic Operations: This will assess how the existing circulation system handles additional vehicular traffic from new developments. The analysis includes:
- Intersection Level of Service (LOS) and queuing.
- Analysis for new or upgraded traffic control devices, such as traffic signals or pedestrian signals.
- Applicability of dedicated bicycle signals.
- Driveway LOS and queuing analysis.
- Neighborhood street impacts.
- Ability to manage loading operations and maneuverability in parking areas.
If the project results in unacceptable LOS or operational impacts, mitigation measures must be proposed and analyzed. Certain projects or their locations may require additional analysis, such as off-peak or weekend traffic for specific businesses, events, or high-traffic uses like health clubs or daycare centers.
Methodology for Analysis
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Project Trip Generation: Calculations will align with the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis using data from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) manuals. In cases where ITE data is not available, the City of San Diego Trip Generation Manual or site-specific rates may be used, with adequate backup materials for review by the Culver City.
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Trip Credits: Projects may qualify for trip credits under certain conditions, which reduce the estimated number of new trips:
- Existing Uses: Credits may apply if an existing use was operational during traffic counts.
- Pass-By Trips: Allowed for retail/commercial developments up to 25%.
- Internal Trip Capture: Up to 10% for mixed-use developments.
- Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD): Up to 25% for projects near transit stations.
- Transportation Demand Management (TDM): Up to 10% for recorded TDM programs.
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Trip Distribution and Assignments: Maps showing trip distribution and assignments at study intersections and project driveways must be included in the transportation study.
Study Intersections and Traffic Counts
Intersections for analysis will be identified in consultation with the Public Works Department (PWD). Manual traffic counts will be conducted during peak hours and may include additional periods, such as weekends, depending on project specifics. Counts should be taken on approved days and conditions, ensuring no construction or holiday effects.
Buildout and Future Forecasts
Forecasts will consider future traffic volumes from the project and related developments. The analysis includes:
- Maps showing related projects, traffic volumes, and peak traffic scenarios.
- Future conditions with and without the project to assess cumulative effects on traffic flow.
LOS Analysis
The LOS analysis uses the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) to evaluate delays and congestion at both signalized and non-signalized intersections. The study should analyze the LOS under various scenarios, including current conditions, future background traffic, and with project impact.
Improvement Measures
Potential improvement measures may include:
- Traffic Management and Control Plans: Temporary plans to manage traffic during construction, including pedestrian and bicycle detours.
- Neighborhood Traffic Management Programs (NTMP): Measures such as speed humps or traffic circles may be required to mitigate project-related impacts on residential streets.
- Street Widening and Other Physical Improvements: Recommendations for street widening or reconfiguration must meet City standards, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Monitoring Programs
The Culver City may require a traffic monitoring program to ensure the project does not adversely affect nearby residential streets or parking availability. Developers might need to take baseline traffic counts before and after the project's completion, with possible penalties if conditions are not met.
All measures considered, including those found infeasible, must be documented. This ensures transparency and accountability in addressing transportation impacts from new developments.
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