REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
STUDY SESSION: Update on Proposed Changes to the City's Transportation Analysis Methodology from Level of Service to Vehicle Miles Traveled
Report
BACKGROUND
Staff will conduct a second study session with the Planning Commission to provide an update on proposed changes to the City's transportation analysis methodology from Level of Service (LOS) to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
In September 2013, the State of California approved Senate Bill 743 (SB 743), which changes the way transportation impacts should be analyzed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by removing automobile Level of Service (LOS) from environmental transportation analysis and replacing it with the State recommended Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) methodology. While LOS measures traffic delay at signalized intersections or roadway segments, VMT generally measures the distance a vehicle will travel to a destination.
In December 2018, the State of California published a technical guidance document titled, “Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA”, which contains technical recommendations on how CEQA lead agencies should assess VMT, create and evaluate thresholds of significance related to VMT impacts, and require and monitor impact mitigation measures. All California lead agencies (which include cities, counties, etc.) are required to implement VMT as the methodology for conducting CEQA analysis for projects by July 2020. The Valley Transportation Authority is working with all Santa Clara County member agencies to provide technical support and promote consistencies between cities in transitioning from LOS to VMT in environmental documents.
On November 5, 2019 a City Council study session was held to provide an overview and update on the City’s effort to comply with SB 743. Staff provided the background and goals of SB 743, discussed how transportation analysis for development projects is currently performed, provided a brief explanation of VMT and how it is determined, and introduced potential future policy considerations that the City Council may be asked to consider. Additionally, a proposed overall work plan was presented, and City Council and the public provided feedback and direction to staff on the overall effort.
As with the City Council, a Planning Commission study session was also held on December 11, 2019 to provide an overview and update on the City’s effort to comply with SB 743. The Planning Commission and the public provided feedback and direction to staff on the overall effort.
Issues raised by the Planning Commission included current traffic conditions, regional transportation, and a desire for more Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) reduction than currently required in existing TDM programs in other cities. Commissioners recognized the value of the bike and scooter share programs, and there was a lot of discussion about the limited availability of transit options today. The Commissioners provided a wish list that included: Vision Zero, a minimum VMT reduction of 35 percent, and a focus on the importance of Level of Service (LOS) and better TDM documentation. There were also discussions of Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) in order to address nonresidential transportation issues and provide overall support for the transition to VMT.
DISCUSSION
At the study session on April 22, 2020, staff will provide the following:
• A brief recap of the December 11, 2019 Planning Commission study session, including feedback received.
• An update on staff’s progress since December 2019, including an updated workplan with schedule.
• Staff evaluation of key policy areas for the Planning Commission to consider and provide feedback on to staff, such as:
o Baseline VMT: Setting the baseline VMT that the City will be measured against (i.e. City, County, or SF Region VMT baselines)
o Impact Criteria: Determining the proper significant impact thresholds or impact criteria for use during environmental analysis
o VMT Exemptions: Establishing CEQA VMT project exemptions (i.e. exempt from VMT analysis)
o Level of Service: Continuing to utilize LOS as a transportation congestion metric that projects are evaluated against (i.e. traffic operational analysis)
The goal of the study session is to further discuss the key policy options and the potential impacts to transportation analysis for projects under CEQA and how adoption of this new policy will affect land development in Santa Clara. Additionally, staff will seek the Commission’s input on the changes to the City’s transportation analysis methodology and processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from formal review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(1) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15268(a), which provide that ministerial actions are exempt from the requirements of CEQA. The proposed implementation of VMT as the methodology for conducting future CEQA analyses is mandated by SB 743 and thus constitutes a ministerial action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than staff time and expense.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the Community Development Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Michael Liw, Assistant Director of Public Works