All traffic impact studies shall include the following items:
(a) A Description of the Site, Surroundings, and Study Area. Illustrations and a narrative shall describe the characteristics of the site and adjacent roadway system (functional classification, lanes, speed limits, etc.). This description shall include surrounding land uses, expected development in the vicinity which could influence future traffic conditions, special site features and a description of any planned roadway improvements. The study shall define and justify the study area selected for analysis.
(b) Description of the Proposed Development. A description of factors 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 shall also be noted.
(c) Description of Existing Traffic Conditions. Existing conditions including existing peak hour traffic volumes (and daily volumes if applicable) on street(s) adjacent to the site. Existing counts and levels of service for intersections in the vicinity, which are expected to be impacted, shall be provided. Traffic count date shall not be more than two (2) years old.
(d) Roadway Characteristics Shall Be Described and Illustrated, as Appropriate. Features to be addressed include land configurations, geometries, signal timing, traffic control devices, posted speed limits, average running speeds, and any sight distance limitations. Existing levels of service shall be calculated for intersections included within the study area. The existing right of way shall be identified along with any planned expansion of the right of way. Existing driveways and potential turning movement conflicts in the vicinity of the site shall be illustrated and described.
(e) Background Traffic Growth. For any project requiring a Traffic Impact Study with a construction completion date beyond one (1) year at the time of the traffic study, the analysis shall also include a scenario analyzing forecast traffic at date of construction completion.
(f) Trip Generation. Forecasted trip generation of the proposed development for the a.m. (if applicable) and p.m. peak hour and average day shall be calculated. This forecast shall be based on the data and procedures outlined in the most recent edition of Trip Generation published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).
(g) Phased Projects. For projects intended to be developed in phases, the trip generation by phase shall be described.
(h) Methodology. A description of the application of standard engineering procedures for determining the distribution shall be attached (trip distribution model, market studies, counts at existing driveways, etc.).
(i) Impact Analysis. Level of service or "capacity" analysis at the proposed access points using the procedures outlined in the most recent edition of the Highway Capacity Manual published by the Transportation Research Board shall be provided. Before and after capacity analyses shall be performed for all street intersections where the expected traffic generated at the site will comprise at least five percent (5%) of the existing intersection capacity.
(j) Access Design/Access Management Standards. The study shall include a map and description of the location and design of proposed access (driveways or new street intersections) including: any sight distance limitations, dimensions from adjacent driveways and intersections within a minimum of two hundred fifty feet (250 ft.) on either side of the main roadway, data to demonstrate that the number of driveways proposed is the fewest necessary, and support that the access points will provide safe and efficient traffic operation.
(k) Other Study Items. In addition to the above information required for the Traffic Impact Study, the study shall also include the applicable information for the proposed development as follows:
(1) Need for, or provision of, any additional right of way where planned or desired by the applicable transportation agency.
(2) Changes that should be considered to the site plan layout.
(3) If the use involves a drive through facility, the adequacy of the queuing area shall be evaluated.
(4) If a median crossover is desired, separate analysis shall be provided.
(5) If a traffic signal is being requested, the applicable traffic signal warrants shall be provided along with an analysis of traffic progression along the roadway through coordination with other signals.
(6) Description of site circulation and available sight distances at site driveways.
(7) Description of opportunities to define pedestrian circulation to and from the site, and any anticipated impact relative to existing or planned bike/walking trails and/or dedicated bike lanes in roadways. The weight and relative importance of such considerations shall be proportional to the size of the proposed development and proximity of existing or planned bike or walking trails and/or dedicated bike lanes.
(8) The Traffic Impact 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 shall be described. The mitigation measures may include items such as roadway widening, turn lane geometries, changes to signalization, elimination or combination of access points, or reduction in the proposed intensity of use. Any applicable local or State agency shall review proposed mitigation measures. The responsibility for construction and timing of roadway improvements shall be described.
(9) Mitigation/Alternatives. The Traffic Impact 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 shall be described. The mitigation measures may include items such as roadway widening, turn lane geometries, changes to signalization, elimination or combination of access points, or reduction in the proposed intensity of use. Any applicable local or State agency shall review proposed mitigation measures. The responsibility for construction and timing of roadway improvements shall be described.
(10) Qualifications. Any Traffic Impact Study involving roadway or traffic signal design work shall be prepared by, or under the supervision of, a registered engineer (P.E.) with specific training in traffic engineering. The Traffic Impact Study shall include a resume of the preparer responsible for the report. The Traffic Impact Study may also include relevant experience of the preparer's firm.
(Ord. 2020-131. Passed 11-23-20.)