(a) Purpose.
This section describes specific considerations for
evaluating a project's transportation impacts. Generally, vehicle miles
traveled is the most appropriate measure of transportation impacts. For the
purposes of this section, "vehicle miles traveled" refers to the amount and
distance of automobile travel attributable to a project. Other relevant
considerations may include the effects of the project on transit and
non-motorized travel. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) below (regarding
roadway capacity), a project's effect on automobile delay shall not constitute
a significant environmental impact.
(b) Criteria for Analyzing Transportation
Impacts.
(1) Land Use Projects. Vehicle miles
traveled exceeding an applicable threshold of significance may indicate a
significant impact. Generally, projects within one-half mile of either an
existing major transit stop or a stop along an existing high quality transit
corridor should be presumed to cause a less than significant transportation
impact. Projects that decrease vehicle miles traveled in the project area
compared to existing conditions should be presumed to have a less than
significant transportation impact.
(2) Transportation Projects. Transportation
projects that reduce, or have no impact on, vehicle miles traveled should be
presumed to cause a less than significant transportation impact. For roadway
capacity projects, agencies have discretion to determine the appropriate
measure of transportation impact consistent with CEQA and other applicable
requirements. To the extent that such impacts have already been adequately
addressed at a programmatic level, such as in a regional transportation plan
EIR, a lead agency may tier from that analysis as provided in Section
15152.
(3) Qualitative Analysis. If existing models
or methods are not available to estimate the vehicle miles traveled for the
particular project being considered, a lead agency may analyze the project's
vehicle miles traveled qualitatively. Such a qualitative analysis would
evaluate factors such as the availability of transit, proximity to other
destinations, etc. For many projects, a qualitative analysis of construction
traffic may be appropriate.
(4)
Methodology. A lead agency has discretion to choose the most appropriate
methodology to evaluate a project's vehicle miles traveled, including whether
to express the change in absolute terms, per capita, per household or in any
other measure. A lead agency may use models to estimate a project's vehicle
miles traveled, and may revise those estimates to reflect professional judgment
based on substantial evidence. Any assumptions used to estimate vehicle miles
traveled and any revisions to model outputs should be documented and explained
in the environmental document prepared for the project. The standard of
adequacy in Section
15151 shall apply to the analysis
described in this section.
(c) Applicability.
The provisions of this section shall apply prospectively as
described in section
15007. A lead agency may elect to
be governed by the provisions of this section immediately. Beginning on July 1,
2020, the provisions of this section shall apply
statewide.
Notes
Cal. Code
Regs. Tit. 14, §
15064.3
1. New
section filed 12-28-2018; operative 12-28-2018 pursuant to Government Code
section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2018, No. 52).
Note: Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21099, Public
Resources Code. Reference: Sections 21099 and 21100, Public Resources Code;
Cleveland National Forest Foundation v. San Diego Association of Governments
(2017) 17 Cal.App.5th 413; Ukiah Citizens for Safety First v. City of Ukiah
(2016) 248 Cal.App.4th 256; California Clean Energy Committee v. City of
Woodland (2014) 225 Cal. App. 4th
173.
1. New
section filed 12-28-2018; operative
12/28/2018
pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register
2018, No. 52).
