The extent of information to be provided depends upon the expected trip generation of the proposed project. The information provided in the traffic impact study shall include:
(a) A description of the site, surroundings and study area. Illustrations and a narrative should describe the characteristics of the site and adjacent roadway system (functional classification, lanes, speed limits, etc.). This description should include surrounding land uses, expected development in the vicinity which could influence future traffic conditions, special site features and a description of any committed roadway improvements. The study should define and justify the study area selected for analysis.
(b) A description of the requested use which relates to traffic generation, such as the number and types of dwelling units, the gross and usable floor area, the number of employees and shift change factors. Intended phasing or future expansion should also be noted.
(c) A description of existing peak-hour traffic volumes (and daily volumes if applicable) at intersections and on street(s) adjacent to the site. The existing level of service analysis shall be provided for intersections in the vicinity that are expected to experience an increase in traffic of at least five percent (5%) due to the proposed project. Existing traffic counts shall not be over two (2) years old from the date of submittal of the report.
(d) Roadway characteristics, described and illustrated, as appropriate. Features to be addressed include existing rights-of-way, lane configurations, geometrics, signal timing, traffic control devices, posted speed limits, average running speeds, sight distance information, existing driveways and potential turning movement conflicts in the vicinity of the site.
(e) For projects that will be completed and occupied within one (1) year of a traffic impact statement submittal, an analysis of background traffic (i.e. the expected increase in traffic volumes related to approved projects and historic annual percentage increases).
(f) Forecasted trip generation of the proposed use for the a.m.(if applicable) peak hour, the p.m. peak hour and an average weekday. A weekend forecast may also be required for certain commercial uses. The forecasts shall be based on one (1) standard deviation above the average rate outlined in the most recent edition of Trip Generation published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). The applicant may use other commonly-accepted sources of data or supplement the standard data with data from at least three (3) similar projects in northwest Ohio. For rezoning requests, the study should contrast the traffic impacts of typical uses permitted in the requested zoning district with uses permitted in the current zoning district. The determination of typical uses shall be made by the Planning and Zoning Administrator. Any trip reduction for pass-by trips, transit, ridesharing, other modes, internal capture rates, etc., shall be both based on the ITE. The community may accept in whole or in part the trip reduction rates used. For projects intended to be developed in phases, the trip generation by phase shall be described.
(g) Distribution of Traffic: The projected traffic generated shall be distributed (inbound v. outbound; left turn v. right turn) onto the existing street network to project turning movements at site access points and nearby intersections where required. Projected peak hour turning movement volumes shall be illustrated in the report. A description of the application of standard engineering procedures for determining the distribution should also be attached.
(h) Capacity Analysis: A before and after level of service or "capacity" analysis at the proposed access points and nearby intersections shall be completed using the procedures outlined in the most recent edition of the Highway Capacity Manual published by the Transportation Research Board.
(i) Mitigation Alternatives: The study shall outline mitigation measures and demonstrate any changes to the level of service achieved by these measures. Any alternatives or suggested phasing of improvements should be described. The mitigation measures may include items such as roadway widening, need for bypass lanes or deceleration tapers/lanes, changes to signalization, use of access management techniques or a reduction in the proposed intensity of use.
(j) Waiver of Study Contents: The study contents listed in Section 1255.07(a) through (i) may be waived or modified by the Planning Commission. Reasons for the waiver or modification shall be documented and the following factors may be considered:
(1) Roadway improvements are already scheduled which are expected to mitigate any impacts associated with the proposed project.
(2) The existing level of service is not expected to be significantly impacted by the proposed project due to specific conditions at this location.
(3) A similar traffic study was previously prepared for the site and is still considered applicable.
(Ord. 27-2006. Passed 3-7-06.)