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For unsignalized study area intersections that may require signalization, a traffic signal warrant analysis should be conducted. This analysis should be based on Caltrans Peak Hour Warrant for existing intersections, while the Caltrans Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Warrant should be used for future intersections. Even if an intersection meets the traffic signal warrant criteria, other factors (e.g., proximity to adjacent signalized intersections) should be considered to determine the most appropriate traffic control solution.
A roadway segment analysis is required for Zone Changes or General Plan Amendments where the project is expected to generate more traffic than currently allowed under designated land use. Roadways listed on the County’s Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) must be included.
The level of service (LOS) for roadway segments is defined using the ADT-to-LOS relationship provided in Table 4. LOS D or better is required for all segments in the City of Laguna Hills. If ADT values exceed LOS D, a peak-hour directional analysis should be performed using a 1,700 vehicles/hour/lane capacity threshold. Directional volume-to-capacity (V/C) ratios must be calculated, with a maximum acceptable ratio of 0.90 during peak hours.
The City of Laguna Hills requires LOS D or better for intersections and roadway segments listed in the MPAH. This is equivalent to an ICU or V/C ratio of 0.90 or less at signalized study intersections. Critical intersections with constraints will be identified prior to the traffic study scoping agreement. OCTA-designated intersections must meet a LOS of E or better.
A project's LOS impact is defined by its effect on ICU or V/C ratios at intersections and roadway segments:
For unsignalized intersections, an impact occurs if LOS exceeds D and the following are true:
A table summarizing LOS impacts and necessary mitigation measures should be provided. Projects with cumulative impacts may pay fair-share costs for improvements.
Site access and internal circulation must be reviewed as part of the traffic study, considering land use and site plans. For projects with significant truck traffic, turning templates should be used for driveways and internal circulation. Design should follow the City’s Parking Code requirements.
Parking must comply with the City’s parking code or, for mixed-use projects, a shared parking plan based on the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Shared Parking document. If a project requires parking rates not listed in the City’s code, a special parking demand study must be provided, including data from at least three similar sites.
A queuing analysis may be necessary for specific projects (e.g., drive-thru restaurants, gated communities) to ensure adequate vehicle stacking. Queuing methodologies such as the Crommelin Methodology or on-site queuing studies at similar sites should be utilized. The 95th percentile queue length must be calculated using an average vehicle length of 20 feet.
Certain projects may involve special traffic or parking issues. These will be identified during the traffic study scoping agreement.
The traffic study should include recommendations for traffic improvements, both in writing and graphical form. For direct LOS impacts, the project may need to fully mitigate the impact to meet the City's standards. For indirect impacts (cumulative impacts), fair-share contributions may be required. These contributions should be calculated based on the project’s contribution to traffic growth.
Our Services are available throughout City of Laguna Hills of Orange County with Zip code 92653
