HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 2022-074RESOLUTION NO. 2022-74
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING GUIDELINES FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF VEHICLE MILES TRAVELLED, INCLUDING
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELLED THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE, FOR
LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT AND FINDING THE SAME NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, the Palm Desert City Council has established Local Guidelines for
Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act for City of Palm Desert (Local
CEQA Guidelines); and
WHEREAS, the State Guidelines for Implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (14 Cal. Code Regs., § 15000 et seq. “State CEQA
Guidelines”) encourage public agencies to develop and publish generally applicable
“thresholds of significance” to be used in determining the significance of a project’s
environmental effects”; and
WHEREAS, State CEQA Guidelines, section 15064.7(a) defines a threshold of
significance as “an identifiable quantitative, qualitative or performance level of a particular
environmental effect, noncompliance with which means the effect will normally be
determined to be significant by the agency and compliance with which means the effect
normally will be determined to be less than significant”; and
WHEREAS, State CEQA Guidelines, section 15064.7(b) requires that thresholds
of significance must be adopted by ordinance, resolution, rule, or regulations, developed
through a public review process, and be supported by substantial evidence; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 743, enacted in 2013 and codified in Public Resources
Code, section 21099, requires changes to the State CEQA Guidelines regarding the
criteria for determining the significance of transportation impacts of projects; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (“OPR”)
proposed, and the California Natural Resources Agency certified and adopted, new State
CEQA Guidelines, section 15064.3 that identifies vehicle miles traveled (“VMT”) –
meaning the amount and distance of automobile travel attributable to a project – as the
generally appropriate metric to evaluate a land use project’s transportation impacts; and
WHEREAS, as a result, automobile delay, as measured by “level of service” and
other similar metrics, generally no longer constitutes a significant environmental effect
under CEQA; and
WHEREAS, State CEQA Guidelines, section 15064.3 went into effect on July 1,
2020, though public agencies may elect to be governed by this section immediately; and
Resolution No. 2022-74 Page 2
WHEREAS, the City’s Local CEQA Guidelines section 5.09 has identified CEQA
Guidelines, section 15064.3 as the standard for determining significance of transportation
impacts; and
WHEREAS, the County of Riverside adopted Transportation Analysis Guidelines
for Level of Service Vehicle Miles Traveled on December 15, 2020 (“County Guidelines”);
and
WHEREAS, the County Guidelines are applicable to Palm Desert in that they use
appropriate VMT thresholds and provide a five step analysis for determining traffic-related
impacts in line with General Plan goals to properly evaluate land use projects, use
appropriate transportation systems management, develop appropriate mitigation if
needed, and coordinate with other jurisdictions in the region to evaluate traffic impacts
when planning and designing regional roadways; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert wishes to adopt the County Guidelines, that
would apply to land use and transportation projects in the City of Palm Desert that are
subject to CEQA; and
WHEREAS, the County Guidelines as applied to the City of Palm Desert are
supported by substantial evidence set forth in the August 25, 2022, City Council staff
report in support of the County Guidelines.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Palm Desert City Council
as follows:
SECTION 1. In its capacity as lead agency, the City of Palm Desert City Council
has evaluated adopting the County Guidelines to determine whether their adoption is
subject to environmental review under Public Resources Code, section 21000 et seq.:
“CEQA”. The City Council for the City of Palm Desert hereby finds and determines that
adopting the County Guidelines is not a project within the meaning of Public Resources
Code, section 21065 and State CEQA Guidelines, section 15378. Adoption of the County
Guidelines would not lead to a direct or a reasonably foreseeable indirect change in the
physical environment. Adoption of the County Guidelines is an administrative activity of
the City. Specifically, the County Guidelines provide guidance to property owners, project
developers, applicants, and proponents for determining the significance of transportation
impacts of land use and transportation projects under CEQA. The County Guidelines do
not approve any specific development and would not lead to any particular physical
change to the environment. Thus, adopting the County Guidelines is not a project under
Public Resources Code, section 21065 and State CEQA Guidelines, section 15378(b)(5).
For these reasons, adopting the County Guidelines is not subject to further environmental
review under CEQA.
SECTION 2. Based upon substantial evidence set forth in the record of
proceedings, including but not limited to the August 25, 2022, City Council Staff Report
recommending adoption of the County Guidelines, the City of Palm Desert hereby adopts
the County Guidelines, for measuring project transportation impacts under CEQA, which
Resolution No. 2022-74 Page 3
are attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by this reference. The County
Guidelines shall supersede and replace any existing transportation thresholds in the City
of Palm Desert’s current Local CEQA Guidelines. The City recognizes that the County
Guidelines may need to be amended over time and therefore hereby adopts future
amendments to the County Guidelines to stay current on screening tools, analysis
methods, and mitigation strategies.
SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by
the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting
this Resolution.
SECTION 4. The documents and materials that constitute the record of
proceedings on which these findings are based are located at City Hall for the City of
Palm Desert, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California. The City Clerk
is the custodian of the record of proceedings.
ADOPTED ON August 25, 2022.
JAN C. HARNIK
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 2022-74 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert on August 25, 2022, by the following
vote:
AYES: JONATHAN, KELLY, NESTANDE, QUINTANILLA, AND HARNIK
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
RECUSED: NONE:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of
the City of Palm Desert, California, on September 2, 2022.
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
Anthony Mejia (Sep 2, 2022 12:58 CDT)
Anthony Mejia (Sep 2, 2022 12:58 CDT)
Resolution No. 2022-74 Page 4
EXHIBIT “A”
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION ANALYSIS GUIDELINES FOR LEVEL OF
SERVICE VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
[inserted behind this page]
TRANSPORTATION
ANALYSIS
GUIDELINES
for
Level of Service
Vehicle Miles Traveled
' ' 1<,2�15 ..
�atricia ��-�o� P.E. �-----�a�;
Director of Transportation
December 2020
Resolution No. 2022-74
Exhibit "A"
PAGE 1 | Transportation Analysis Guidelines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 3
NEED FOR TRANSPORTATION ANALYSES .............................................................................. 4
Overview of Process and Procedures .............................................................................................................................. 4
Transportation Analysis Process ................................................................................................................................... 4
Scoping Agreement .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Traffic Analysis Exemptions ................................................................................................................................................ 6
LEVEL OF SERVICE ...................................................................................................................... 7
Analysis Methodology .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Intersections Analysis ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Roadway Segment Analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Establishing the Study Area ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Analysis Scenarios .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
General Plan Amendments and Specific Plans ....................................................................................................... 8
Data Collection, Trip Generation, Trip Distribution ............................................................................................... 8
Background Traffic from Other Projects and Ambient Growth Rate ........................................................... 11
Build-out Analyses for General Plan Amendments and Specific Plans....................................................... 11
General Plan Consistency Requirements .................................................................................................................... 12
Intersections ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Roadway Segments ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
Site Access, Safety, and Other Analyses ...................................................................................................................... 12
Site Access Analysis ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Safety and Operational Analysis................................................................................................................................ 13
Intersection Turn Lane Queuing Analysis .............................................................................................................. 14
Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis .................................................................................................................................. 14
Improvements to Address LOS Deficiencies ............................................................................................................. 14
Level of Service Improvements .................................................................................................................................. 14
CEQA ASSESSMENT - VMT ANALYSIS ................................................................................... 16
Analysis Process ................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Step 1: Evaluate Land Use Type ................................................................................................................................. 17
Step 2: Screen for Non-Significant Transportation Impact ............................................................................. 18
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Step 3: Identify Significance Measure and Threshold ....................................................................................... 21
Step 4: VMT Analysis for Non-Screened Development .................................................................................... 23
Step 5: Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................................................... 23
Transportation Projects ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
Screen for Non-Significant Transportation Impact ............................................................................................ 24
Significance Threshold and Methodology ............................................................................................................ 26
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS ....................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX B TRAFFIC ANALYSIS EXEMPTIONS ................................................................... 29
APPENDIX C ANALYSIS INPUT PARAMETERS ...................................................................... 30
APPENDIX D LEVEL OF SERVICE TARGETS ............................................................................ 31
APPENDIX E VMT ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY ..................................................................... 32
APPENDIX F RIVERSIDE COUNTY TDM MEASURES ............................................................. 37
APPENDIX G UNIT-BASED SCREENING THRESHOLDS FOR SMALL PROJECTS ................ 41
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INTRODUCTION
The County’s General Plan requires that traffic and circulation impacts of proposed development
projects, General Plan Amendments, and Specific Plans be analyzed. The traffic impacts of proposed
developments are to be analyzed through the preparation of a “Traffic Analysis” or “TA” prepared in
conformance with Riverside County Transportation Department “Transportation Department”
requirements. The TA must be prepared, signed and sealed by a Traffic Engineer or a Civil Engineer
registered in the State of California, qualified to practice traffic engineering “Engineer”. Guidance
included within this document describes the required content, format, and methodology that is
generally required to be utilized in the preparation of a TA, which is subject to the review and approval
of the Transportation Department.
The TA will continue to require the level of service (LOS) analysis to maintain consistency with policies
contained in the County General Plan. The passage of SB-743 requires a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
analysis to assess the impacts required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process.
This document will provide guidance for both the LOS and VMT analyses.
The contents of this document are general guidelines and the Transportation Department has the
discretion to modify the TA requirements based on the unique characteristics of a particular project.
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NEED FOR TRANSPORTATION ANALYSES
The purpose of the Transportation Analysis Guideline is to provide instructions for analyzing projects
in compliance with (1) the County’s General Plan policies and (2) transportation related Vehicle Miles
Traveled (VMT) analysis as required under CEQA.
As the County of Riverside continues to develop both residential and employment generating uses, an
emphasis on transportation network capacity will be needed. Levels of Service (LOS) analysis will
largely be the determinant to assess capacity and operational deficiencies of County roadways. In
order to maintain consistency with the General Plan, projects are to identify deficiencies and provide
recommendations to meet level of service targets.
All projects, whether public or private, requiring a discretionary approval trigger the CEQA review
process. The objective of this process, in part, is to identify significant environmental impacts,
including those from transportation impacts. Under CEQA guidelines, VMT is the principal measure for
determining transportation impacts. Where necessary, projects will be required to prepare a VMT
analysis to identify project impacts and mitigation measures.
OVERVIEW OF PROCESS AND PROCEDURES
For development projects, two analyses will be required: (1) LOS analysis for General Plan consistency
and; (2) VMT analysis for CEQA compliance. Not all projects require both analyses. The Transportation
Department determines the need for a TA in compliance with CEQA guidelines and General Plan
policies.
Transportation Analysis Process
The process of preparing a TA begins with accessing and reviewing the Transportation Land
Management Agency website. The website provides access to the County’s General Plan as well as the
application for a TA scoping agreement. Applicants must fill out the application and submit it along
with the scoping agreement and initial deposit to the Transportation Department.
Scoping Agreement
Figure 1 presents a framework to determine when LOS analysis and VMT analysis would be included
in a scoping agreement for a TA. The Transportation Department will ultimately determine the
required types of analyses required for the TA through its review of the scoping agreement.
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Projects that meet the screening criteria, discussed later, will not be required to prepare a detailed
VMT analysis. Such projects would typically still be required to prepare a LOS analysis, with exceptions
outlined in the Traffic Analysis Exemptions.
Land Use Project Meets CEQA
Screening Criteria
YES
LOS analysis
required only
NO VMT and LOS
analyses required
Figure 1
The scoping agreement provides the following key points in order to establish the scope of the TA:
•Determination of study area, intersections, and roadway links to be analyzed.
•Project trip generation, distribution, and assignment.
•Use of other approved projects for background traffic, traffic growth assumptions, or
integration with RIVTAM/RIVCOM, or other travel demand models approved for use by the
Transportation Department.
•For those projects located within a City’s Sphere of Influence or adjacent to a city, the Engineer
shall also solicit comments on the scoping agreement from City staff. The Engineer shall
submit all comments received from City staff to the Transportation Department for review and
consideration.
•For projects within one-mile of a state highway, or any project that may create a deficiency on
a state highway, the Engineer shall coordinate with Caltrans.
•Identification of unique transportation issues that may be specific to a project’s design or
location related to queuing, sight distance, other safety issues, transit, pedestrian, bicycle,
access, adjacent land uses, etc.
The Engineer shall submit the scoping agreement to the Transportation Department for review and
obtain approval before the preparation of the TA.
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TRAFFIC ANALYSIS EXEMPTIONS
Certain types of projects, because of their size, nature, or location, are exempt from the requirement
of preparing a LOS analysis. The types of projects that are generally exempt from preparing a LOS
analysis are described in APPENDIX B.
The Transportation Department, at its discretion, may require that a TA be prepared for any
development, regardless of size, if there are concerns over safety, operational issues, or if located in an
area that has significant traffic related deficiencies.
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LEVEL OF SERVICE
ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY
The Level of Service analysis is required to maintain traffic operation performance in accordance with
the General Plan policies.
Intersections Analysis
The Transportation Department requires the use of the most recent version of the Transportation
Research Board Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) for both signalized and unsignalized intersections.
Refer to APPENDIX C for the default input parameters to be utilized. When analysis parameters are
not specifically provided in this document, the Engineer determines the appropriate parameters
subject to review and comment the Transportation Department. Any uncertainty should be resolved
during the preparation of the TA in consultation with the Transportation Department.
Roadway Segment Analysis
The Transportation Department may require that analysis of roadway segments be conducted in
certain cases, such as when intersection analyses are not the controlling factor or for general planning
purposes. Roadway segment capacities are provided in APPENDIX D.
Establishing the Study Area
In general, the minimum area to be studied shall include any intersection of 2 or more “Collector” or
higher classification streets, at which the proposed project will add 50 or more peak hour trips, not
exceeding a 5-mile radius from the project site. The Transportation Department may require deviation
from these requirements based on the location.
Analysis Scenarios
The TA shall include the following analysis scenarios:
1.Existing Conditions. Existing traffic will be counted to determine current conditions. Traffic
count data shall be new or recent. In some cases, data up to one year old may be acceptable
with the approval of the Transportation Department. Any exception to this must be requested
prior to approval of the scoping agreement.
2.Project Completion (Existing plus Ambient Growth plus Project). Traffic conditions prior to the
time that the proposed development is completed will be estimated by increasing the existing
traffic counts by an appropriate growth rate to be provided by Transportation Department
staff, projected to the year that the project is estimated to be completed. Traffic generated by
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the proposed project will then be added, and the impacts on the circulation system will be
analyzed. This will be the basis for determining deficiencies as a direct result of the project
implementation. The TA shall provide recommendations necessary to address the identified
deficiencies. The Transportation Department may choose to incorporate the recommendations
as conditions of approval for the project.
3.Cumulative (Existing plus Ambient Growth plus Project plus Cumulative Projects). Traffic
generated by other approved projects in the study area shall be identified and added to the
Project Completion traffic identified in Scenario 2. This may also include projects that are
proposed and in the review process, but not yet approved.
4.Project Phasing. Traffic conditions at each project phase completion are to be analyzed using
the same approach as for the project completion year, if applicable. Traffic associated with
each previous project phase shall be included in the analyses of each successive phase of the
proposed project.
General Plan Amendments and Specific Plans
Development proposals that also include a General Plan Amendment to Land Use or Circulation
Elements, Specific Plan, Zone Change or other that increases traffic beyond what was approved in the
General Plan will also be required to perform a Build-out Analysis to assess long-term deficiencies.
This analysis will determine if the Circulation Element of the General Plan is adequate to accommodate
projected traffic at the target LOS, or if additional improvements are necessary. A phasing plan for all
Specific Plans that identifies necessary improvements for each development phase is required.
The following analysis scenarios should be included for Build-out Analysis:
5.Horizon Year No Project Conditions. This represents traffic conditions at an identified
horizon year (typically coinciding with the forecast horizon year of the RIVTAM/RIVCOM travel
demand forecasting model).
6.Horizon Year plus Project Conditions. Project traffic added to Scenario 5 identified above
(Horizon Year No Project Conditions).
Data Collection, Trip Generation, Trip Distribution
The following recommendations pertaining to traffic count collection, project trip development, and
traffic forecasting methodologies have been developed to maintain consistency across different TAs
and reflect the current state of the practice.
Traffic Counts. Data for existing traffic conditions should be collected for the project using the
following guidelines.
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•Peak period turning movement counts at all study intersections, roadway segments (if
required) and/or driveways, including bicycle and pedestrian counts at intersections with high
non-automotive use, should be collected. For intersections with high percentages of trucks,
turning movement counts should count trucks separately.
•Average Daily Traffic (ADT) for all roadways within study area (if required) and vehicle
classification counts in areas with a high percentage of truck use.
•Traffic counts should not be used if more than one year old without prior approval.
•Traffic data should not be collected on weeks that include a holiday and non-school session
time period unless approved by the Transportation Department.
•Traffic data should not be collected between Thanksgiving and the first week of the New Year
without prior approval.
•Traffic counts should be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.
•For congested conditions, back of queue estimates by approach (and turning movement)
should be conducted every 15 minutes.
•Traffic counts should not be collected in an active construction work-zone.
Unless directed otherwise by the Transportation Department, traffic counts should be collected during
the following timeframes presuming the time period captures the beginning and end times of any
congested conditions.
•Morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM).
•Afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM).
•Midday and school-release peak hours – as directed by the Transportation Department.
•Other peak hours, off-peak hours, weekend, or special event periods may also be required
based on the project location and type of use.
Under circumstances where traffic counts would be collected under atypical conditions (significant
economic downturn, pandemic, etc.) that may result in altered trip patterns or traffic volumes, traffic
count collection details should be approved by the Transportation Department prior to being
undertaken. Depending on the circumstances, it may be preferable to use historic count data, use
factored historical data, big data sources, or other acceptable estimation techniques allowed by the
Transportation Department. Traffic count data should be included in the study appendices.
Trip Generation. Trip generation may be estimated using the Institute of Transportation Engineers
(ITE) Trip Generation Manual (latest edition). Other trip generation sources may be used with the
approval of the Transportation Department. For land uses not included or with a limited sample size in
the ITE Trip Generation Manual or other published sources, local trip generation surveys should be
conducted for at least three similar project sites following the methodology contained in the ITE Trip
Generation Handbook. If locally valid trip generation surveys cannot be conducted, then use of the ITE
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trip generation rates with limited sample size may be allowed but limitations of the data should be
fully disclosed especially related to land use context.
Trip generation for high truck generating uses such as high cube warehouses, logistics space, etc. shall
be based on ITE data when available or shall be determined with Transportation Department staff
input on a case-by-case basis. The proposed trip generation should be listed in the scoping
agreement for review and approval prior to study initiation.
Internal capture for mixed use developments (if applicable) should be calculated using state of the
practice methodologies such as ITE’s mixed use trip generation method or the US Environmental
Protection Agency’s (EPA) mixed-use trip generation (MXD) methodology or other state of the
practice method approved by the Transportation Department prior to use in any studies. Trip
internalization calculations (including gross trips, net trips after internalization, and MXD input
assumptions (such as intersection density, TOD assumptions, acres, etc.) should be documented in the
TA.
For projects that anticipate the generation of significant truck traffic, all truck trips may be converted
into passenger car equivalents (PCE) for the capacity analysis or the analyst should adjust the truck
percentage in the capacity assessment appropriately. The following table shows the PCE factors that
shall be applied for truck traffic:
Vehicle Type PCE Factor2 axle trucks 1.5 3 axle trucks 2.0 4+ axle trucks 3.0
For microsimulation analyses, the measured and/or project heavy truck percentages shall be used.
Trip Distribution. The project’s trip distribution should be based on expected origin-destination
patterns related to the project’s land uses. The trip distribution should be determined based on
consideration of following factors, subject to approval by the Transportation Department:
•Type of proposed development.
•Location and intensity of development.
•Conditions on the roadway network in the vicinity.
•Land uses in the vicinity.
•Truck route system.
•As directed by the Transportation Department.
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In some cases, use of select zone assignments from RIVTAM/RIVCOM or mobile device data
measuring trip distribution for similar sites may be appropriate. Other data may be used to help refine
trip distribution patterns including the relative location of population, commercial, recreational and
employment centers; existing peak hour link and turning movement volumes; ADT volumes; proximity
to regional transportation corridors; and knowledge of local and regional traffic circulation. Directional
movements at key access points to the project shall be provided. A preliminary trip distribution
pattern map shall be submitted in the scoping agreement for review and approval by the
Transportation Department.
Background Traffic from Other Projects and Ambient Growth Rate
Other projects within the vicinity of the project that have received approvals, shall be identified and
their traffic generation included as cumulative traffic in the TA. Proposed projects in the study area
that have been submitted to the County for processing, but not yet approved, may also be included at
the discretion of the Transportation Department. The traffic from the other approved projects or
projects in review shall be included in Cumulative analysis scenario identified previously.
Unless otherwise directed, the TA should utilize an ambient growth rate of two percent (2%) to be
applied to existing volumes to account for other general traffic growth in and around the study area.
Build-out Analyses for General Plan Amendments and Specific Plans
Traffic projections for General Plan Build-out scenarios shall utilize RIVTAM/RIVCOM or other
approved models and shall be identified in the scoping agreement. The Engineer shall use the model
projections as the basis for determining turning- movement volumes for the required intersection
analysis. A manual assignment of the project traffic added to the Build-out traffic may typically be
used to determine total future traffic, as approved by the Transportation Department.
Certain large-scale Specific Plans and General Plan Amendments have the potential to create traffic
deficiencies that are significantly greater than the traffic projections used in the traffic model, which
may also affect the modeling assumptions. For these projects, the Transportation Department may
request that the Build-out analysis utilize RIVTAM/RIVCOM or other model approved by the
Transportation Department be used to develop more detailed focused model runs in order to
determine the projected Build-out traffic. The following are guidelines of projects considered to be
significant and subject to the revised modeling requirements:
•1,500 dwelling units or greater.
•25 acres of commercial or greater.
•150 acres of industrial or greater.
•Any project producing 15,000 daily trips or greater.
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GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY REQUIREMENTS
Intersections
Consistent with the acceptable LOS in the Riverside County General Plan, the Transportation
Department considers the following criteria for application in the TA to identify infrastructure
improvements required to provide acceptable operations. Note that this analysis will be completed to
demonstrate general plan consistency. Specific CEQA thresholds, which are based on VMT
requirements, are described later in these guidelines and shall be the sole basis for determining
CEQA-related transportation impacts.
Operational improvements would be required under the following conditions:
1.When existing traffic conditions (Analysis Scenario 1) exceed the General Plan target LOS.
2.When project traffic, when added to existing traffic (Analysis Scenario 2), will deteriorate the
LOS to below the target LOS.
3.When cumulative traffic (Analysis Scenario 3) exceeds the target LOS.
Improvements may be provided through the TUMF network (or other funding mechanism), project
conditions of approval, or other implementation mechanisms. The General Plan allows the Board of
Supervisors to approve development projects even in instances where the target LOS is exceeded, if
the project has overriding benefits. Examples include projects that provide jobs in a local area, projects
that provide needed transportation improvements that otherwise would not be constructed, projects
that provide habitat conservation, projects that implement non-motorized transportation systems, or
projects that provide some unique benefits to the County which outweigh the traffic deficiencies.
These projects are required to provide operational improvements to the extent that it is economically
feasible as determined by the Board of Supervisors, based on a value engineering analysis.
Roadway Segments
Intersections typically provide the transportation constraint on operational capacity. As such, these
guidelines focus on the evaluation of intersections. However, in some instances, roadway segment
evaluation may be appropriate and may be requested by the Transportation Department. Roadway
segment requirements should be considered, and improvements recommended if the project exceeds
the operational goals noted in the County’s General Plan.
SITE ACCESS, SAFETY, AND OTHER ANALYSES
The TA may be required to analyze site access and safety around the project and on adjacent streets.
The following topics may need to be considered in the TA.
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Site Access Analysis
a)Intersection Sight Distance. All on-site intersections, project access driveways or streets to
public roadways should provide adequate sight distance. Adequate intersection sight distance
should be determined using Ordinance No. 461, Std. No 821.
b)Driveway Length and Gated Entrance. Primary project driveways should have a throat of
sufficient length to allow vehicles to enter the project area without causing subsequent
vehicles to back up into the public street system.
c)Limit Driveway Impacts. Driveway and local street access on arterial streets should be limited
to minimize the impacts on arterial streets. Driveways should be located to maintain a
reasonable distance from an adjacent intersection and/or driveway. Whenever possible,
driveways should be consolidated with adjacent properties. When proposed driveways are
located across from an existing driveway, the centerlines of the driveways should be aligned
with each other.
d)Corner Clearance. A driveway should be a sufficient distance from a signalized intersection so
that right-turn egress movements do not interfere with the right-turn queue at the
intersection. In addition, every effort should be made to provide right-turn egress movements
with sufficient distance to enter the left-turn pocket at the adjacent intersection.
e)Right Turn Lanes at Driveways. If the project right turn peak hour volume is 50 or more
vehicles, a right-turn deceleration lane should be reviewed for appropriateness on all
driveways accessing major arterial and secondary streets. The length of the right turn lane
should be sufficient to allow a vehicle traveling at the posted speed to decelerate before
entering the driveway as outlined in the Caltrans Highway Design Manual.
f)Adequacy of pedestrian facilities. Access to/from the project site providing convenient and
direct access for those users.
g)Bicycle accessibility. Access to/from nearby bike routes to the project site.
h)Accessibility from adjacent transit stops. Access to/from the project site providing
convenient and direct access for those users.
Safety and Operational Analysis
The TA shall examine existing roadway conditions to determine if safety and/or operational
improvements are necessary due to an increase in traffic from the project or cumulative conditions.
The types of improvements to be identified may include, but are not limited to:
•Need for turning lanes.
•Intersections needing future sight distance studies.
•Parking restrictions.
•Measures to reduce cut-through traffic in adjacent residential areas and/or assessment of
needed traffic calming measures.
•Potential impacts to adjacent schools, parks, and/or trails.
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•Queue lengths and deficiencies to adjacent intersections.
•Need for signal interconnect systems.
Intersection Turn Lane Queuing Analysis
The TA shall examine the impacts on queue lengths, need for additional queuing area, and access to
turn lanes at intersections and/or site access driveways.
Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis
The Engineer shall review intersections within the study area, including the project access points, to
determine if signal warrants are met for any of the study year scenarios (Existing, Project Completion,
Cumulative, etc.) Traffic signal warrant analysis should be performed using the latest edition of the
California MUTCD. The warrant analysis should be included in the study appendices. The warrant
analysis worksheets shall be included in the study appendices.
In determining the location of a new traffic signal on an arterial street or approaching an arterial
street, traffic progression and simulation analysis may be required using Synchro/SimTraffic software
or equivalent at the direction of the Transportation Department.
If the TA states that “a traffic signal is warranted” (or “a traffic signal appears to be warranted,” or
similar statement) at an existing unsignalized intersection under existing conditions, 8-hour approach
traffic volume information must be submitted in addition to the peak hourly turning movement
counts for that intersection. This information will enable the County to assess whether a traffic signal
should be installed at the intersection.
IMPROVEMENTS TO ADDRESS LOS DEFICIENCIES
Level of Service Improvements
As described in the Analysis Scenarios section, the Project Completion will be the basis for
determining transportation-related deficiencies caused by the project. Any deficiencies identified in
the TA as a result of the project shall be accompanied by recommendations to address said
deficiencies. The Transportation Department will evaluate the recommendations and determine if they
will be included as part of the conditions of approval.
The TA is also required to identify improvements necessary to address cumulative deficiencies. Within
the TA, the Engineer will need to evaluate and determine if the improvements are eligible facilities in
the WRCOG/CVAG TUMF or other approved funding mechanism (DIF, Road and Bridge Benefit
District, etc.). If the improvements can provide the target LOS, payment into the TUMF (and/or other
adopted funding program) will be considered as the project’s cumulative contribution towards the
identified improvements and will be implemented through conditions of approval. The project’s
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proportionate share shall be identified based on the project’s share of new traffic for other
improvements needed beyond those eligible within an adopted funding program (such as localized
improvements to non-TUMF facilities) or improvements that are not fully “funded” through an
adopted funding program, The proportionate share shall be determined using the following formula:
Fair Share = Project Traffic
Total Traffic – Existing Traffic
The Transportation Department may, at its discretion, condition the project to construct the identified
improvement(s) should it be deemed necessary for the approval and operation of the project.
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CEQA ASSESSMENT - VMT ANALYSIS
CEQA analysis requires an evaluation of project impacts related to VMT. This section provides the
process to assist in determining VMT impacts for various land use projects. The process contains a
stepped approach that includes screening criteria, identifying significance measure and threshold,
VMT analysis, and mitigation measures.
ANALYSIS PROCESS
The following series of analytical steps for SB-743 compliance should be conducted for land use
projects as deemed necessary by the Transportation Department. Figure 2 provides a graphical
representation of this analysis process.
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VMT Analysis Flowchart
Identify VMT MeasureProject ScreeningIdentify VMT ThresholdMitigation MeasuresAssessment of ImpactStart Screened
Evaluate and Identify
End
NO
Project presumed to cause less-than-significant impact
YES
Screening Criteria
• Small Projects
• Transit Priority Area
• Local-Serving Retail
• Affordable Housing
• Local Essential Service
• Map-Based
• Redevelopment Project
• Efficiency Metric
• Total VMT Residential Office Retail Other
VMT/Capita VMT/Employee Total VMT VMT/CapitaVMT/EmployeeTotal VMT
Countywide Average VMT*Net Increase
in Total VMT**See Note
Less than ThresholdFinding of less-than-significant impact. Analysis complete.
YES
Project Specific
Regional Mitigation Bank
NO
Impact Fully Mitigated
Analysis Complete YES
Additional analysis- OR -Significant Impact with Statement of Overriding Considerations
NO
* 15.2 VMT/Capita; 14.2 VMT/Employee** Regional area defined as Riverside County
NoteCountywide Average VMT, Net Increase in Total VMT, or a combination of the two thresholds depending on the land use.
Figure 2
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Step 1: Evaluate Land Use Type
During the initial step the land use projects will need to be evaluated for the following considerations:
•Land use type. For the purposes of analysis, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
land use codes serve as the basis of land use definitions. Although it is recognized that VMT
evaluation tools and methodologies are typically not fully sensitive to some of the distinctions
between some ITE categories, the use of ITE land use codes is useful for maintaining
consistency across analyses, determining trip generation for other planning level tools, and
maintaining a common understanding of trip making characteristics amongst transportation
professionals. The ITE land use code is also used as an input into the sketch planning tool.
•Mixed Use. If there are multiple distinct land uses within the project (residential, office, retail,
etc.), they will be required to be analyzed separately unless they are determined to be
insignificant to the total VMT. Mixed use projects are permitted to account for internal capture,
which depending on the methodology may require a distinct approach not covered in this
documentation.
•Redevelopment projects. As described under the Non-Significant Screening Criteria section,
redevelopment projects which have lower VMT than the existing on-site use can be
determined to have a non-significant impact.
Step 2: Screen for Non-Significant Transportation Impact
The purpose of this step is to determine if a presumption of a non-significant transportation impact
can be made on the facts of the project. The guidance in this section is primarily intended to avoid
unnecessary analysis and findings that would be inconsistent with the intent of SB-743. A detailed
CEQA assessment will not be required for land use elements of a project that meet the screening
criteria shown in Figure 3. If a project is mixed use in nature, only those elements of the project that
do not comply with the elements in Figure 3 would require further evaluation to determine
transportation significance for CEQA purposes. There are certain exceptions to the screening criteria
contained in Figure 3. In cases where these exceptions apply, the Transportation Department will
inform the traffic consultant.
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Figure 3 – Screening Criteria for Development Projects
Project Type Screening Criteria
SMALL PROJECTS 1
This applies to projects with low trip
generation per existing CEQA exemptions or based on the County
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Screening Tables, result in a 3,000
Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide
Equivalent (MTCO2e) per year
screening level threshold.
CalEEMod runs were conducted for
a variety of land uses to determine land uses units under the screening
threshold level.
Presumed to cause a less-than-significant impact:
•Single Family Housing projects less than or equal to 110
Dwelling Units; or
•Multi Family (low rise) Housing projects less than or equal to
147 Dwelling Units; or
•Multi Family (mid-rise) Housing projects less than or equal to
194 Dwelling Units; or
•General Office Building with area less than or equal to 165,000
SF; or
•Retail buildings with area less than or equal to 60,000 SF; or
•Warehouse (unrefrigerated) buildings with area less than or
equal to 208,000 SF; or
•General Light Industrial buildings with area less than or equal to179,000 SF
•Project GHG emissions less than 3,000 Metric Tons of Carbon
Dioxide Equivalent (MTCO2e) as determined by a methodologyacceptable to the Transportation Department; or
•Unless specified above, project trip generation is less than 110trips per day per the ITE Manual or other acceptable source
determined by Riverside County.
PROJECTS NEAR HIGH QUAILITY
TRANSIT 2
High quality transit provides a
viable option for many to replace
automobile trips with transit trips
resulting in an overall reduction in
VMT.
Presumed to cause a less-than-significant impact:
•Within a ½ mile of an existing major transit stop; and
•Maintains a service interval frequency of 15 minutes or less
during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods.
1 Based on substantial evidence for thresholds for small projects, APPENDIX G.
2 2018 OPR Technical Advisory, pg. 13.
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LOCAL-SERVING RETAIL 3
The introduction of new Local-serving retail has been determined
to reduce VMT by shortening trips
that will occur.
Presumed to cause a less-than-significant impact:
•No single store on-site exceeds 50,000 SF; and
•Project is local-serving as determined by the Transportation
Department
AFFORDABLE HOUSING 4
Lower-income residents make fewer trips on average, resulting in lower
VMT overall.
Presumed to cause a less-than-significant impact:
•A high percentage of affordable housing is provided asdetermined by the Riverside County Planning and
Transportation Departments
LOCAL ESSENTIAL SERVICE 5
As with Local-Serving Retail, the introduction of new Local Essential
Services shortens non-discretionary
trips by putting those goods and
services closer to residents,
resulting in an overall reduction in
VMT.
Presumed to cause a less-than-significant impact:
•Project is local-serving as determined by the TransportationDepartment; and
•Local-serving and Day care center; or
•Police or Fire facility; or
•Medical/Dental office building under 50,000 square feet; or
•Government offices (in-person services such as post office,
library, and utilities); or
•Local or Community Parks
MAP-BASED SCREENING 6
This method eliminates the need
for complex analyses, by allowing
existing VMT data to serve as a
basis for the screening smaller
developments. Note that screening
is limited to residential and office
projects.
Presumed to cause a less-than-significant impact:
•Area of development is under threshold as shown on screening
map as allowed by the Transportation Department
3 2018 OPR Technical Advisory, pg. 16.
4 2018 OPR Technical Advisory, pg. 14.
5 Based on assumption that, like local-serving retail, the addition of necessary local in-person services will reduce VMT given that trips to these locations will be made irrespective of distance given their non-discretionary nature.
6 2018 OPR Technical Advisory, pg. 12.
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REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 7
Projects with lower VMT than existing on-site uses, can under
limited circumstances, be presumed
to have a non-significant impact. In
the event this screening does not
apply, projects should be analyzed as though there is no existing uses
on site (project analysis cannot take
credit for existing VMT).
Presumed to cause a less-than-significant impact:
•Project replaces an existing VMT-generating land use and doesnot result in a net overall increase in VMT
Step 3: Identify Significance Measure and Threshold
The purpose of this step is to determine the VMT measure and threshold of significance for
application to a land use project. Significance thresholds are based on land use type, broadly
categorized as efficiency and net change metrics. Efficiency metrics include VMT/capita and Work
VMT/employee8. As described in Figure 4, “Net Change” refers to the net change in regional VMT.
“Net Change” is used for elements that include a significant customer base, such as commercial uses
although it can extend to a variety of uses that have similar characteristics as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4 – Threshold Basis
Threshold Basis Efficiency Net Change
Example Land Use Residential, Office, Industrial Retail, Medical Office, Sports Venue
Measure for VMT Threshold Per capita, per employee Regional VMT change
Customer Component No Yes
Allowable Methods
Non-Significant Screening Criteria, The
Riverside County Sketch Planning Tool,
Travel Demand Model, Other methods
as deemed appropriate by the
Transportation Department
Non-Significant Screening Criteria,
Travel Demand Model, Other methods
as deemed appropriate by the
Transportation Department
The County adopted the county-wide average VMT as threshold of significance. This approach was
adopted consistent with several jurisdictions within the County as well as to address the significant
housing needs as identified in the SCAG regional housing needs assessment (RHNA). The thresholds
of significance, as they relate to the Riverside County, are summarized in Figure 5.
7 2018 OPR Technical Advisory, pg. 18.
8 Work VMT specifically applies to commute trips as represented by the attractions in the Travel Demand Model. Refer to Appendix E for additional information.
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Figure 5 - Measure for VMT Threshold
Land Use Threshold of Significance
Residential Existing county-wide average VMT per capita
Office Existing county-wide average VMT per employee
Retail Net increase in total VMT
Based on these criteria the VMT thresholds of significance shown in Figure 6 have been established. A
project would result in a significant project-generated VMT impact if its VMT exceeds the VMT
threshold shown in Figure 6 based on its respective land use.
Figure 6 – VMT Threshold of Significance
Land Use VMT Threshold Basis
Residential 15.2 VMT/capita Existing county-wide average
VMT per capita.
Office 14.2 Work VMT/employee Existing county-wide average Work VMT per employee
Retail Net regional change Using the county as the basis or other area determined appropriate by the
Transportation Department
Other Employment 14.2 Work VMT/employee Existing county-wide average Work VMT
per employee for similar land uses
Other Customer Net regional change
Using the county as the basis or other
area determined appropriate by the
Transportation Department
Note that the inclusion of “Other Employment” and “Other Customer” refers to all other service and
goods providers that are not included in the basic office/retail categories.
For projects with a significant customer basis it is typically appropriate to separate employee trip
characteristics from the customer base unless the customer base is minimal in nature. Under these
circumstances, it is most appropriate to evaluate the total of the delta in regional VMT resultant from
the customer base plus the delta of VMT resultant from employees based on the following formula:
∆ =E × (𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝐸𝐸−𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑇𝑇)
∆ = DeltaE = Number of EmployeesVMTE = Estimated VMT/employeeVMTT = Threshold VMT/employee
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As provided for under Allowable Methods in Figure 4, some projects may require approaches and
analysis methods not described within this document given their unique locations or the proposed
land use is not appropriately represented in the Travel Demand Model. This can also be the case if
there is unique data associated with a project such as a market study or other relevant data.
Sketch Planning Tool. Riverside County has developed a sketch planning tool for use in SB-743 land
use project analysis. The purpose of the tool is to calculate VMT for a land use project. The source
data of the tool was developed from the RIVTAM travel demand model using the methodology
described in APPENDIX E. As with any sketch planning tool, there are distinct limitations in terms of
its application including limits on the type and size of development that it can be applied to. Note that
it is anticipated that the tool will continue to evolve in response to updates to travel demand model
data or methodological changes adopted by the County and as such it is important that the most
current version of the tool be utilized. Broadly, the sketch planning tool provides the following
information:
•Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation
•VMT Threshold Analysis
•Greenhouse Gas Estimation
•Transportation Demand Management Evaluation
The VMT Analysis methodology is summarized in APPENDIX E.
Step 4: VMT Analysis for Non-Screened Development
Most projects that require a detailed VMT assessment will use one of two methods for assessing a
project’s VMT: (1) Riverside County Sketch Planning Tool; or (2) RIVTAM/RIVCOM or other approved
travel demand forecasting model.
For non-residential or non-office projects, very large projects, or projects that can potentially shift
travel patterns, the sketch tool would not be appropriate or adequate for the VMT assessment. In such
cases, the RIVTAM/RIVCOM model may be required based on a preliminary review of the project.
Refer to the VMT Calculations section of APPENDIX E for detailed steps to calculate a project’s VMT
using RIVTAM.
There may be projects for which neither the Sketch Planning Tool nor the RIVTAM/RICOM model is
appropriate for VMT assessment. In this scenario, the transportation consultant should coordinate with
the Transportation Department to determine the appropriate methodology for the analysis.
Step 5: Mitigation Measures
When project VMT exceeds the threshold(s) of significance, the project will need to mitigate its CEQA
transportation impact. Projects must propose measures to reduce project VMT and can include the
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following VMT reducing strategies – project characteristics, multimodal improvements, parking, and
transportation demand management (TDM). The type and size of the project will determine the most
appropriate mitigation strategies for VMT impacts. For large projects such as general plans or specific
plans, VMT mitigations should concentrate on the project’s density and land use mix, site design,
regional policies, and availability of transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. For smaller projects such
as an individual development project, VMT mitigations will typically require the preparation of a TDM
program. A TDM program is a combination of strategies to reduce VMT. The program is created by an
applicant for their land use project based on a list of strategies agreed to with Riverside County.
Riverside County has developed a list of potential TDM strategies and the magnitude of VMT
reduction that could be achieved. The selection process was guided by the California Air Pollution
Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) recommendations found in the 2010 publication Quantifying
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures. The area context of Riverside County also influenced the type of
TDM strategies that were selected. CAPCOA has found strategies with the largest VMT reduction in
rural areas include vanpools, telecommute or alternative work schedules, and master planned
communities with design and land-use diversity to encourage intra-community travel. Based on
empirical evidence, CAPCOA found the cross-category maximum for all transportation-related
mitigation measures is 15% for suburban settings.
APPENDIX F summarizes available TDM strategies along with the maximum VMT reduction,
applicable land use application, and complementary strategies. The Sketch Planning Tool includes the
TDMs summarized in APPENDIX F.
TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
Depending on the specific nature of a transportation project; it can alter trip patterns, trip lengths, and
even trip generation. Research has determined that capacity-enhancing projects can and often do
increase VMT. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “induced demand.” While methods are
generally less developed for the analysis of induced demand compared to other areas of
transportation analysis, there is still the need to quantify and understand its impact to the
transportation system considering the requirements of SB-743.
Similarly, to land use projects, the approach to transportation project analysis closely align with the
2018 OPR Guidance. In terms of analysis, the analyst should first determine whether the transportation
project has been prescreened and determined to have a non-significant impact as described in the
following section.
Screen for Non-Significant Transportation Impact
The following non-significant impact examples are provided directly from the 2018 OPR Guidance:
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•Rehabilitation, maintenance, replacement, safety, and repair projects designed to improve the
condition of existing transportation assets (e.g., highways; roadways; bridges; culverts;
•Transportation Management System field elements such as cameras, message signs, detection,
or signals; tunnels; transit systems; and assets that serve bicycle and pedestrian facilities) and
that do not add additional motor vehicle capacity
•Roadside safety devices or hardware installation such as median barriers and guardrails
•Roadway shoulder enhancements to provide “breakdown space,” dedicated space for use only
by transit vehicles, to provide bicycle access, or to otherwise improve safety, but which will not
be used as automobile vehicle travel lanes
•Addition of an auxiliary lane of less than one mile in length designed to improve roadway
safety
•Installation, removal, or reconfiguration of traffic lanes that are not for through traffic, such as
left, right, and U-turn pockets, two-way left turn lanes, or emergency breakdown lanes that are
not utilized as through lanes
•Addition of roadway capacity on local or collector streets provided the project also
substantially improves conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and, if applicable, transit
•Conversion of existing general-purpose lanes (including ramps) to managed lanes or transit
lanes, or changing lane management in a manner that would not substantially increase vehicle
travel
•Addition of a new lane that is permanently restricted to use only by transit vehicles
•Reduction in number of through lanes
•Grade separation to separate vehicles from rail, transit, pedestrians or bicycles, or to replace a
lane in order to separate preferential vehicles (e.g., HOV, HOT, or trucks) from general vehicles
•Installation, removal, or reconfiguration of traffic control devices, including Transit Signal
Priority (TSP) features
•Installation of traffic metering systems, detection systems, cameras, changeable message signs
and other electronics designed to optimize vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian flow
•Timing of signals to optimize vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian flow
•Installation of roundabouts or traffic circles
•Installation or reconfiguration of traffic calming devices
•Adoption of or increase in tolls
•Addition of tolled lanes, where tolls are sufficient to mitigate VMT increase
•Initiation of new transit service
•Conversion of streets from one-way to two-way operation with no net increase in number of
traffic lanes
•Removal or relocation of off-street or on-street parking spaces
•Adoption or modification of on-street parking or loading restrictions (including meters, time
limits, accessible spaces, and preferential/reserved parking permit programs)
•Addition of traffic wayfinding signage
•Rehabilitation and maintenance projects that do not add motor vehicle capacity
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•Addition of new or enhanced bike or pedestrian facilities on existing streets/highways or within
existing public rights-of-way
•Addition of Class I bike paths, trails, multi-use paths, or other off-road facilities that serve
nonmotorized travel
•Installation of publicly available alternative fuel/charging infrastructure
•Addition of passing lanes, truck climbing lanes, or truck brake-check lanes in rural areas that
do not increase overall vehicle capacity along the corridor
Significance Threshold and Methodology
For projects that increase roadway capacity and are not identified under the Non-Significant Screening
Criteria in the prior section, the significance criterion should be changed to regional VMT. A finding of
a significant impact would be determined if a transportation project results in a net increase in
regional VMT. Note that for transportation improvements within Caltrans right-of-way, it is required
that the analysis of those improvements be consistent with Caltrans SB-743 analysis guidelines.
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APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TERM DEFINITION
Active Transportation A means of getting around that is powered by human energy, primarily walking and biking.
Impact Refer to a project’s impacts as determined by the transportation standards or CEQA thresholds of significance established by the County.
Improvement A change that addresses the effects, particularly adverse effects, of a project on elements of the transportation
system for which no transportation standards or CEQA
thresholds of significance have been established by the
Transportation Department. Distinct from “mitigation.”
Mitigation A change that addresses the CEQA impacts of a project on elements of the transportation system for which transportation standards or CEQA thresholds of significance have been established. Distinct from “improvement.”
Mixed-Use Project A development project that combines two or more land uses.
Net Change (in Total VMT) Difference in total VMT in the area with and without the project. Performance metric for regional retail projects and transportation projects.
Peak Hour The highest morning or evening hour of travel reported on a transportation network or street.
Project VMT Calculated VMT generated by a development project.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Programmatic measures that discourage drive-alone trips and encourage pedestrian, bicycle, and transit use. One of the four VMT reduction strategies for development projects.
Trip Assignment An assignment of vehicle-trips to transportation facilities based on trip distribution percentages.
Trip Distribution A forecast of the travel direction of vehicle-trips to and from a project.
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Trip Generation The estimated total number of vehicle-trips to and from a project.
VMT per Capita The sum of VMT for personal motorized vehicle-trips
made by all residents of a development project, divided by the total number of residents of the project.
VMT per Employee The sum of VMT for personal motorized vehicle-trips made by all workers of an office or industrial development project, divided by the total number of workers at the project.
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APPENDIX B
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS EXEMPTIONS
Under Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
The following types of development proposals are generally exempt from Traffic Analysis requirements per Board of Supervisor’s action November 5, 1996 (Item No. 3.27):
1.All Residential Parcel Maps.2.Single Family Residential Tracts of less than 100 lots.3.Apartments and other Multiple Family projects of less than 150 units.4.Plot Plan and Uses Cases for projects of one acre or less.5.Preschools, Elementary Schools and Middle Schools.6.Churches, Lodges, Community Centers, Neighborhood Parks and Community Parks.7.Mini Storage Yards8.Congregate Care Facilities that contain significant special services, such as medical facilities,dining facilities, recreation facilities and support retail facilities.9.Level 1 projects (100-200 peak hour trips) in areas where a comprehensive traffic analysis has
been performed and road improvement infrastructure funding mechanisms are in place. The
Transportation Department may, however, require a traffic analysis for projects that are
anticipated to exhibit potential adverse deficiencies on the circulation system.
10.Any use which can demonstrate, based on the most recent edition of the Trip Generation
Report published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) or other approved trip
generation data, trip generation of less than 100 vehicle trips during the peak hours.
These exemptions will apply in most cases, however, the Transportation Department reserves the right
to require a traffic analysis for any development regardless of size and/or type. The level of analysis
shall be determined on an individual basis. The following are examples of conditions under which an
exemption would not be granted.
a.The presence of an existing or potential safety problem.b.The location of the development in an environmentally or otherwise sensitive area, or in anarea that is likely to generate public controversy.c.The presence of a nearby substandard intersection or street. This is normally considered to bean existing Level of Service “D” or worse, or substandard improvements.d.The need for a focused study for access/operational issues.e.A request from an affected agency, such as Caltrans or an adjacent city, which is deemed bythe Transportation Department to be reasonable and rational.
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APPENDIX C
ANALYSIS INPUT PARAMETERS
SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION ANALYSIS INPUT PARAMETERS
PARAMETER VALUE
Base Saturation Flow Rate 1,900 pc/hr/ln
Heavy Vehicle Factor Determine % heavy vehicle in existing traffic stream based on count data or consultation with County Transportation Dept.
Projects with truck intensive uses must convert project trips to
passenger car equivalents (PCE=1.5, 2, and 3 for 2-axle, 3-axle,
and 4+-axle trucks, respectively). Truck intensive uses include
heavy industrial, warehousing or as determined by the
Transportation Department. Grade Include as appropriate
Exclusive left-turn lane Peak hour volume > 100
Dual left-turn lanes Peak hour volume > 300 Protected left-turn phasing Left-turn volumes > 240 vph
Minimum green time 7 seconds each movement in areas of light pedestrian activity. In
areas of heavy pedestrian activity, the minimum green shall be calculated based on the methodology in the Highway Capacity
Manual. Cycle length 60 sec to 120 sec
Lost time Per Highway Capacity Manual Exhibit 10-17 (below)
Major street Minor Street Number of Phases L (s) Protected Protected 4 16 Protected Permitted 3 12
Permitted Protected 3 12 Permitted Permitted 2 8
* All above values are from HCM, 6th Edition. Any deviation from these parameters requires prior approval from
Riverside County Transportation Department. Refer to HCM, 6th Edition for any default values not specifically
identified here.
Intersection analyses should be conducted utilizing acceptable software based on HCM methodology. Closely
spaced intersections are to be analyzed using analysis tools capable of accounting for turn lane storage, queue
length, blockage, etc. such as Synchro.
Actual signal timing and peak hour factors should be collected in the field and utilized in the existing and near-term analyses. In cases where traffic is added from a significant number of cumulative projects, the consultant
shall use their engineering judgment in the application of peak hour factors to maintain consistency with the
existing conditions analyses. A peak hour factor of 1.0 shall be applied to buildout traffic conditions.
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APPENDIX D
LEVEL OF SERVICE TARGETS
Level of Service for Riverside County Roadways1
Roadway Classification Number of Lanes
Maximum Two-Way Traffic Volume (ADT)2
Service Level C Service Level D Service Level E
Collector 2 10,400 11,700 13,000
Secondary 4 20,700 23,300 25,900
Major 4 27,300 30,700 34,100
Arterial 2 14,400 16,200 18,000
Arterial 4 28,700 32,300 35,900
Mountain Arterial3 2 12,900 14,500 16,100
Mountain Arterial 3 16,700 18,800 20,900
Mountain Arterial 4 29,800 33,500 37,200
Urban Arterial 4 28,700 32,300 35,900
Urban Arterial 6 43,100 48,500 53,900
Urban Arterial 8 57,400 64,600 71,800
Expressway 4 32,700 36,800 40,900
Expressway 6 49,000 55,200 61,300
Expressway 8 65,400 73,500 81,700
Freeway 4 61,200 68,900 76,500
Freeway 6 94,000 105,800 117,500
Freeway 8 128,400 144,500 160,500
Freeway 10 160,500 180,500 200,600
Ramp4 1 16,000 18,000 20,000
NOTES:
1 All capacity figures are based on optimum conditions and are intended as guidelines for planning purposes only.
2 Maximum two-way ADT values are based on the 1999 Modified Highway Capacity Manual Level of Service Tables as defined in the Riverside County Congestion Management Program.
3 Two-lane roadways designated as future arterials that conform to arterial design standards for vertical and horizontal alignments are analyzed as arterials.
4 Ramp capacity is given as a one-way traffic volume.
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APPENDIX E
VMT ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY
The following provides guidance regarding required Baseline and Cumulative scenarios as it applies to
land development and transportation projects, Specific Plans, and Community Plans. This analyses
approach is based on guidance provided within the 2018 OPR Technical Advisory on Evaluating
Transportation Impacts in CEQA (2018 OPR Guidance).
Land Development and Transportation Projects
Typically, the comparison between Baseline and Baseline Plus Project scenarios results in an evaluation
of the worst-case scenario whether it be under an efficiency metric (per capita or per employee) or a
net change metric (such as for retail or for a transportation improvement). This is a result of the fact
that Cumulative analyses include additional developments, which typically have the effect of
shortening trips as the proximity of complimentary land uses improve with increasing densities (i.e.
houses are closer to shopping opportunities, houses are closer to employment opportunities, etc.).
Accordingly, it can be presumed that a land development project or transportation project will not
have a significant impact under Cumulative conditions if it is not determined to have one under
Baseline conditions unless there are known circumstances, as determined by Transportation
Department, that might alter this outcome. Unless specifically required by the Transportation
Department, Project analysis for Cumulative conditions is only required if there is a finding of a
significant impact under the Baseline Plus Project conditions.
When a significant impact is determined under Baseline Plus Project conditions, feasible mitigation measures must be identified that could avoid or substantially reduce the impact. Lead agencies are generally given the discretion to determine what mitigation actions are “feasible,” but they must rely on substantial evidence in making these determinations. In addition, CEQA requires the identification of feasible alternatives that could avoid or substantially reduce a project’s significant environmental impacts. If feasible mitigation measures cannot be identified to mitigate the impact of the Project, a Cumulative analysis will be required. A land development project or transportation project that can be sufficiently mitigated to not have a significant impact under Baseline Plus Project conditions would not have to undertake Cumulative analysis.
If Cumulative analysis is determined to be required, the Cumulative analysis should consider the effect
of any planned mitigation measures identified during the Baseline analysis even if those mitigation
measures do not fully mitigate the impact. If the Cumulative conditions analysis also results in a
finding of a significant impact with previously identified mitigation measures, this Cumulative impact
shall result in a finding of a significant and unavoidable impact and must therefore be called out in the
project’s EIR and subject to a Finding of Overriding Consideration.
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Specific Plans and Community Plans
Specific Plans and Community Plans require the same analysis and mitigation approach to Project
analysis as described above, with unique Land uses (residential, office, retail, etc.) being required to be
analyzed in the aggregate against established Riverside County thresholds. Transportation
improvements associated with Specific Plans or Community Plans are also analyzed in the same
manner as described in this guidance. However, for Specific Plans and Community Plans, Riverside
County requires that Cumulative analysis be completed irrespective of the findings of the Baseline Plus
Project conditions. Additionally, No Project and Plus Project conditions under both the Baseline and
Cumulative must provide total Regional VMT values. Note that the Regional VMT values are for
informational purposes and are not used as the basis for the determination of a significant impact.
Analysis Methodology
Travel Demand Models (TDMs) are broadly considered to be amongst the most accurate of available
tools to assess regional and sub-area VMT. While the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG) maintains the regional travel demand model as a part of the Regional Transportation
Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy program (RTP/SCS), Riverside County maintains its own travel
demand model (Riverside County Transportation Analysis Model, RIVTAM) in support of travel
forecasting needs of the various agencies and jurisdictions within the County. The latest available
version of RIVTAM (developed in 2009 based on the SCAG 2008 RTP Model structure) was determined
to be the best fit for developing the VMT thresholds as it has the most up to date land use
information for the County, as well as refined zonal structure within the County.
The 2012 Base Year model scenario was used for the baseline conditions and 2040 Future Year model
scenario was used for the cumulative conditions in the County. Out of the five other counties included
in the model (Ventura County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and
Imperial County), San Bernardino is a major contributor of the trips to Riverside County during a
typical weekday.
As many of the County’s daily trips originate from or have destinations in areas outside of the County
such as San Diego County and the State of Arizona (external trips), their total length could not be
computed solely using RIVTAM, additional analysis was required. The length of these trips was
determined using two main processes, using Big Data and RIVTAM output files. Data was obtained
from Teralytics that summarized the number of trips to and from the County to the surrounding
Counties at the Census Tract level for the entire month of October 2019. The distance between each
Census Tract was determined by using the TransCAD software, the modeling platform that RIVTAM
runs on. The multipath analysis function within the TransCAD software was used to determine the
point to point distance between the centroid of each Census Tract using the internal pathing
algorithm that determines the shortest path along the roadway network between the centroid of each
Census Tract pair. The shortest path between each County Census Tract and each non-County Census
Tract that contained at least one trip was multiplied by the share of the total trips to and from each
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Census Tract within the County to determine the average trip length to and from the County Census
Tract. The big data average trip lengths within the County were compared against the RIVTAM model
internal trip lengths. The big data average trip lengths within the County were found to be slightly
lower than the internal average trip lengths in the RIVTAM model. This was the basis of big data
calibration and the external average trip lengths were adjusted. The calibrated average trip length was
applied to each TAZ based on the TAZ to Census Tract association and multiplied by the number of
external trips to and from that TAZ to determine the total external VMT by TAZ.
These average external trip lengths by TAZ are also available in a spreadsheet form to compute
additional VMT outside the model region if required for a project.
Before beginning the Countywide VMT analysis, the zonal structure and various components of
RIVTAM were thoroughly reviewed to make the best use of model results to determine the VMT
thresholds. Some of the major roadway improvements in the County that occurred after the year 2012
were also included in the model network to compute trip lengths that reflect the most recent travel
patterns.
Model Zone Structure. VMT was computed at Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) level to determine the
thresholds as well as to allow for comparisons among different areas throughout the County. There
are 1807 TAZs within the County, including 623 TAZs within the unincorporated parts of the County.
Socio-Economic Data. Socioeconomic data (SED) and other model inputs are associated with each
TAZ. Out of several different variables in the model SED, the VMT analysis mainly focused on
population, number of households and types of employment that are used in the trip generation
component. VMT computation was focused on the fact that the model uses employment variables by
3 income levels to determine commute trips and only some of the employment variables by industry
type to determine the rest of the trips. Employment variables used in the model are listed below.
Employment by Income Level:
1.Low Income Employment (less than $25,000)
2.Medium Income Employment ($25,000 to $50,000)
3.High Income Employment ($50,000 or more)
Employment by Industry type:
1.Agriculture and mining
2.Construction
3.Manufacturing
4.Wholesale trade
5.Retail trade
6.Transportation, warehousing, and utility
7.Information
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8.Financial activities
9.Professional and business services
10.Education and health services
11.Leisure and hospitality services
12.Other services
13.Public administration
It should be noted that not all the employment variables by industry type in the model are used for
trip generation, therefore commute VMT was calculated for the land use types where trip generation
rates were available in the model.
Trip Generation. The model runs a series of complex steps to estimate daily trip productions and
attractions by various trip purposes for each TAZ. The trip purposes are listed below.
Model Trip Purpose:
1.Home-Based Work Direct (HBWD)
2.Home-Based Work Strategic (HBWS)
3.Home-Based School (HBSC)
4.Home-Based College and University (HBCU)
5.Home-Based Shopping (HBSH)
6.Home-Based Serving-Passenger (HBSP)
7.Home-Based Other (HBO)
8.Work-Based Other (WBO)
9.Other-Based Other (OBO)
The production model uses several variables such as number of workers, household income, age,
household size and car availability depending on the trip purpose. Trip productions for every TAZ in
the model were compiled separately by each trip purpose. The attraction model uses income
categories of employment for the HBW trip purpose, whereas it uses some of the employment
categories for all non-HBW trip purposes. The attraction model estimates trip attractions to each TAZ
by regression coefficients that vary by employment type. Trip attractions for every TAZ were compiled
by each purpose and by each employment type based on these regression coefficients.
Person Trips, Vehicle Occupancy, Trip Distance. Trip productions and attractions were compiled
after the mode choice step, and only auto trips were used for the analysis. Since these auto trips are
person trips, vehicle occupancy factors were applied for carpool 2 and carpool 3+ auto person trips.
The model uses separate factors for carpool 3+ for each trip purpose. After the vehicle trip
productions and attractions were computed for each trip purpose, trip lengths were applied for each
zone pair from the respective skim matrices in the model to compute the production and attraction
VMT by purpose.
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VMT Calculations. The residential VMT was computed by combining the production VMT for all the
Home-Based trip purposes. Commute VMT was computed from the attraction VMT by Home-Based
Work trip purposes.
Residential and commute VMT by each TAZ were computed and average VMT were determined by
County levels to determine the thresholds. A step-by-step process is described below to recalculated
average VMT using the RIVTAM model if required.
Steps to Recalculate average VMT:
1.Run the RIVTAM model with desired network and SED data
2.Compile Population and Total Employment by each TAZ from SED
3.Use peak and off-peak person trip matrices by trip purpose and combine into daily person
trips. These matrices are saved in \msplit\Outputs\. The files are "MS_PK_HBWD.mtx",
"MS_PK_HBWS.mtx", "MS_PK_HBOALL.mtx", "MS_PK_HBSH.mtx", "MS_PK_HBSP.mtx ",
"MS_PK_OBO.mtx", "MS_PK_WBO.mtx", "MS_PK_HBSC.mtx ", "MS_PK_HBCU.mtx”, and similarly
for off-peak.
4.Use the occupancy factors used in the model for each trip purpose to convert the daily person
trips to vehicle trips.
5.Use lengths from the respective Skim matrices and multiply to the daily vehicle trips for Drive
Alone, Carpool 2, and Carpool 3+ trips to compute daily VMT by purpose. These skim matrix
files are “SPMATPK_DA.mtx”, “SPMATPK_SR2.mtx”, “SPMATPK_SR3.mtx”, and similarly for off-
peak.
6.Extract the daily VMT sum of productions by each TAZ and by trip purpose.
7.Extract the daily VMT sum of attractions by each TAZ and by trip purpose.
8.Combine the sum of productions by each TAZ for all the Home-Based trip purposes, i.e.
“HBWD”, ”HBWS”, ”HBOALL”, ”HBSH”, ”HBSP”, ”HBSC”, ”HBCU”. This will be the Residential
VMT for internal trips.
9.Combine the sum of attractions by each TAZ for only the Home-Based-Work trip purposes, i.e.
“HBWD”, ”HBWS”. This will be the Work VMT for internal trips.
10.For the external VMT, directly use vehicle trips from the Origin-Destination tables. The files are
“AM_OD.mtx”, “PM_OD.mtx”, “MD_OD.mtx”, “NT_OD.mtx”. Combine these vehicle trips to daily
trips.
11.Extract daily OD trips sum of productions only for the external vehicle trips.
12.Extract daily OD trips sum of attractions only for the external vehicle trips.
13.Since the OD vehicles trips are for all purposes, multiply the share of Home-Based trip purpose
and Home-Based-Work purpose from the mode choice person trips tables to derive the
external Residential and Work external trips.
14.Multiply these external trips to the average lengths provided separately by the County.
15.Add external VMT to the internal VMT to get the final VMT for each TAZ.
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APPENDIX F
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TDM MEASURES
#
Transportation Demand Management Measure Description TDM Type
Riverside County Max VMT Reduction
Parking Strategies
3 Parking Cash-Out Provide employees a choice of forgoing current parking for a cash payment to be
determined by the employer. The higher
the cash payment, the higher the
reduction.
Incentive 2.0%
4 Price Workplace Parking Implements workplace parking pricing for employees at employment locations for all land-use contexts and all types of
development that include employment
where trips originate at home and
terminate at work.
Incentive 5.0%
6 Parking
Management Strategies
Strategies to encourage efficiency in
parking facilities and improve the quality of service to parking users
- 3.0%
Transit Strategies
5 Transit Rerouting Coordinate with local transit agency to provide or reroute existing transit services near the site
Infrastructure 1.0%
6 Transit Stops Coordinate with local transit agency to provide bus stop near the site Infrastructure 1.0%
7 Safe and Well-Lit Access to Transit Enhance the route for people walking or bicycling to nearby transit (typically off-site). Provide Emergency 911 phones
along these routes to enhance safety.
Infrastructure 1.0%
8 Implement Neighborhood Shuttle
Implement project-operated or project-sponsored neighborhood shuttle serving residents, employees, and visitors of the
project site
Incentive 3.0%
9 Transit Subsidies Involves the subsidization of transit fare for residents and employees of the project site. This strategy assumes transit
Incentive 3.0%
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service is already present in the project area.
Communication & Information Strategies
10 Mandatory Travel Behavior Change Program, Promotions & Marketing
Involves the development of a travel behavior change program that targets individuals’ attitudes, goals, and travel behaviors, educating participants on the impacts of their travel choices and the opportunities to alter their habits.
Provide a web site that allows employees
to research other modes of
transportation for commuting. Involves
the use of marketing and promotional
tools to educate and inform travelers
about site-specific transportation
options and the effects of their travel
choices with passive educational and
promotional materials.
Incentive 1.0%
11 Promotions & Marketing Involves the use of marketing and promotional tools to educate and inform
travelers about site-specific
transportation options and the effects of
their travel choices with passive
educational and promotional materials.
Incentive 1.0%
Commuting Strategies
12 Required Commute Trip Reduction Program
Employee-focused travel behavior change program that targets individuals’ attitudes, goals, and travel behaviors, educating participants on the impacts of their travel choices and the opportunities to alter their habits.
Incentive 1.0%
13 Employer Sponsored Vanpool or Shuttle Implementation of employer-sponsored employee vanpool or shuttle providing new opportunities for access to connect employees to the project site.
Incentive / Infrastructure 3.0%
14 Preferential Carpool / Vanpool Parking Spaces
Reserved carpool / vanpool spaces closer to the building entrance. Infrastructure 1.0%
15 On-site Carts or Shuttles Provide on-site cart or shuttle for employees to travel across campus. Incentive / Infrastructure 3.0%
16 Emergency Ride Home (ERH) Program
Provides an occasional subsidized ride to commuters who use alternative modes. Guaranteed ride home for people if they need to go home in the middle of the day due to an emergency or stay late
Incentive 3.0%
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and need a ride at a time when transit service is not available.
17 Alternative Work
Schedule or Telework
(Telecommuting,
Distance-Learning,
etc.)
Flextime, Compressed Work Week
(CWW), staggered shifts, and use of telecommunications as a substitute for
physical travel.
Incentive 10.0%*
18 On-site Childcare Provides on-site childcare to remove the need to drive a child to daycare at a
separate location.
Infrastructure 2.0%
Shared Mobility Strategies
19 Designated Parking Spaces for Car Share Vehicles
Reserved car share spaces closer to the building entrance. Infrastructure 1.0%
20 School Carpool Program Implements a school carpool program to encourage ridesharing for students. Incentive 15.0%
Bicycle Infrastructure Strategies
21 Bike Share Implement bike share to allow people to have on-demand access to a bicycle, as-needed.
Incentive / Infrastructure 0.25%
22 Implement/Improve On-street Bicycle Facility
Implements or provides funding for improvements to corridors and crossings for bike networks identified within a one-half mile buffer area of the project boundary, to support safe and comfortable bicycle travel.
Infrastructure 0.625%
23 Include Bike Parking in Excess of City Code
Implements short and long-term bicycle parking to support safe and comfortable bicycle travel by providing parking facilities at destinations
Infrastructure 0.625%
24 Include Secure Bike Parking and Showers Implements additional end-of-trip bicycle facilities to support safe and comfortable bicycle travel.
Infrastructure 0.625%
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Neighborhood Enhancement Strategies
25 Traffic Calming Improvements Implements traffic calming measures throughout and around the perimeter of the project site that encourage people to
walk, bike, or take transit within the development and to the development from other locations.
Infrastructure 1.0%
26 Pedestrian Network Improvements Implements pedestrian network improvements throughout and around the project site that encourages people to walk.
Infrastructure 2.0%
Miscellaneous Strategies
27 Virtual Care Strategies for Hospitals
Resources to allow patients to access healthcare services or communicate with healthcare staff through online or off-site programs.
Infrastructure 6.0%
28 On-site Affordable Housing Provides on-site affordable housing. Infrastructure 4.0%
* Percentage may be increased if demonstrated by substantial evidence. This may be in the form of published research studies or
similar.
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APPENDIX G
UNIT-BASED SCREENING THRESHOLDS
FOR SMALL PROJECTS
The Riverside County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Screening Tables document (July 17, 2018) identifies
a 3,000 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MTCO2e) per year screening level threshold to
identify projects that require the use of the Screening Tables or a project-specific technical analysis to
quantify and mitigate project emissions.
The County determined the size of development that is too small to be able to provide the level of
greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions expected from the Screening Tables or alternate emission
analysis method. To do this the County determined the GHG emission amount allowed by a project
such that 90 percent of the emissions on average from all projects would exceed that level and be
“captured” by the Screening Table or alternate emission analysis method. The GHG emissions
calculations from the VMT Tool should be used in conjunction with the County’s GHG emissions
screening tables.
California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod version 2016.3.2) was used to determine the
maximum number of dwelling units or square footage that would remain within the 3,000 MTCO2e
per year screening threshold. CalEEMod is a statewide land use emissions computer model designed
to quantify potential criteria pollutant emissions associated with both construction and operations
from a variety of land use projects. This model was selected because it is provided by the California Air
Resources Board (CARB) to be used statewide for developing project-level GHG emissions. CalEEMod
was used with the built-in default trip lengths and types.
CalEEMod runs were conducted for a variety of land uses in order to determine the land use units that
trigger SCAQMD threshold of 3,000 MT CO2e/year, as well the CO2e emissions on a per-unit (dwelling
unit or thousand square feet) rate that could be used in the VMT Tool. The land uses and
corresponding CO2e emissions rates are shown in Table 1.
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Table 1 - Land Uses and CO2e Emissions Rates
Land Use DU or TSF Total MTCO2e MTCO2e per DU or TSF
Single Family 110 2,997 27.25
Multi-Family (low-rise) 147 2,989 20.34
Multi-Family (mid-rise) 194 2,997 15.45
General Office Building 165 2,989 18.11
Retail 60 2,983 49.72
Warehouse (Unrefrigerated) 208 2,995 14.40
General Light Industrial 179 2,997 16.74
DU = dwelling unit, TSF = Thousand Square Feet
CalEEMod relies on known emissions data associated with certain activities or equipment (i.e. default
values) that can be used if site-specific information is not available. CalEEMod contains default values
to use in each specific local air district region or county. Input values were selected to be specific to
the South Coast portion of Riverside County as the majority of future development that would utilize
the screening thresholds is anticipated in this area of the County.
The following outlines the assumptions used in the CalEEMod calculations:
•CalEEMod uses Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) 9th Edition daily trip generation rates
by default. Modeling for the VMT Tool updated CalEEMod defaults to use ITE 10th Edition
rates.
•Rural trip lengths are longer than urban trip lengths and were conservatively used.
•The CalEEMod mobile source (vehicle) emissions are based on emissions rates from CARB’s
EMissions FACtor Model (EMFAC). The CalEEMod default EMFAC2014 emissions rates were
updated with EMFAC2017 emissions rates, which are the latest available from CARB.
•The CalEEMod carbon intensity factor was adjusted within the model to represent Southern
California Edison’s (SCE) current emissions rate. The electricity emission intensity factor in
CalEEMod was revised to use the SCE’s reported rate in their 2018 Corporate Responsibility
and Sustainability Report. As of 2017, SCE’s power mix was at 32 percent renewable energy
and will be required to achieve the 60 percent renewable energy goal by 2030 established by
SB 100.
•Energy savings from water conservation resulting from the Green Building Code Standards for
indoor water use and California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance for outdoor water
use are not included in CalEEMod. Conservatively, no updates were made to CalEEMod to
account for these measures.
•The 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (adopted on May 9, 2018) took effect on
January 1, 2020. Under the 2019 standards, homes would use about 53 percent less energy and
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nonresidential buildings would use about 30 percent less energy than buildings under the
2016 standards. Conservatively, no updates were made to CalEEMod to account for these
reductions under the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
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