AGENDA REPORT
City Council
MEETING
DATE:
September 9, 2026
PREPARED
BY:
Abe Bandegan, PE, TE
City Traffic Engineer
DEPARTMENT
DIRECTOR:
Dan Nutter, PE
DEPARTMENT: Engineering CITY
MANAGER:
Jennifer Campbell
SUBJECT:
Introduction of Ordinance 2026-11 amending City of Encinitas Municipal Code, Chapter 23.36 and Chapter 23.08 to establish local traffic study requirements and authorize related transportation improvements, mitigation measures, and fair-share contributions for development projects and adoption of Resolution No. 2026-45 adopting the City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1. Conduct a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 23.36, Right-ofWay Standards, Street Improvement Standards, and Building Line Requirements, and Chapter 23.08 Design Review, of the Encinitas Municipal Code.
2. Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-11, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending Chapter 23.36 of the Encinitas Municipal Code Right-ofWay Standards, Street Improvement Standards, and Building Line Requirements, and Chapter 23.08 Design Review, to Establish Local Traffic Study Requirements, Development Project Review Procedures, and Authority for Related Transportation Improvements and Fair-Share Contributions.”
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-45, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Adopting the City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines.” ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The action is also exempt from CEQA under Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines because it involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 1 of 33
This item does not relate to the Climate Action Plan.
GENERAL PLAN/ CITY COUNCIL FOCUS AREAS:
This project aligns with Circulation Element Goal 1: “Encinitas should have a transportation system that is safe, convenient, and efficient, and sensitive to and compatible with surrounding community character,” and Circulation Element Goal 2: “The City will make every effort to develop a varied transportation system that is capable of serving both the existing population and future residents while preserving community values and character.” This project also aligns with the 2026-27 City Council Focus Area 3: safe and efficient mobility and circulation for all modes of transportation and Focus Area 6: strengthening and adhering to the general plan while implementing responsible development.
FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND:
Over the past year, City staff has been working to address FY 2025-26 City Council Work Plan Objectives 8.1.B and 8.1.C, which are included in the City Council’s 2025-2026 Annual Work Plan and relate to the City’s review of local traffic study requirements and transportation improvements associated with development projects. This effort has included coordination among Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Land Development Engineering, Development Services, and the City Attorney’s Office to evaluate the City’s current traffic study practices, review existing Municipal Code authority, and develop a clearer framework for how transportation impacts from development projects are evaluated and addressed.
Historically, the City has required traffic studies for certain development projects pursuant to Encinitas Municipal Code Section 23.08.060.B. However, the City has not had a comprehensive City Council-adopted Traffic Impact Analysis document establishing standardized procedures for project screening, study scoping, trip generation, study area selection, analysis scenarios, Level of Service evaluation, safety review, active transportation and transit review, and fair-share contribution calculations. As a result, staff identified the need to better define when a Traffic Study is required, what information must be evaluated, how project-related transportation effects are reviewed, and how related improvements or fair-share contributions may be required as conditions of development approval.
This work also responds to changes in State law related to transportation analysis under CEQA.
Senate Bill 743 changed the CEQA transportation impact metric from automobile Level of Service to Vehicle Miles Traveled. While Level of Service may no longer be used to determine the significance of transportation impacts under CEQA, State law does not prevent local agencies from applying Level of Service policies outside of CEQA for purposes such as General Plan consistency, local roadway operations, infrastructure planning, and development project review.
The proposed Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines and Municipal Code amendments are intended to clearly distinguish the City’s local Traffic Study process from CEQA Vehicle Miles Traveled analysis.
The proposed Ordinance amends Chapter 23.36 of the Encinitas Municipal Code to establish local Traffic Study requirements, development project review procedures, and authority for related 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 2 of 33
transportation improvements, mitigation measures, and fair-share contributions. The proposed Resolution separately adopts the City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines as the technical document used to administer the City’s local Traffic Study process. Together, these actions provide a more consistent, transparent, and defensible framework for reviewing development-related transportation impacts while maintaining consistency with the City’s existing General Plan Circulation Element policies and City Council mobility and circulation objectives.
ANALYSIS:
The proposed action includes two related components: introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-11 and adoption of Resolution No. 2026-45. Ordinance No. 2026-11 would amend Chapter 23.36 and Chapter 23.08 of the Encinitas Municipal Code to establish local Traffic Study requirements, development project review procedures, and authority for transportation improvements, mitigation measures, and fair-share contributions related to development projects. Resolution No. 2026-45 would adopt the City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines as the technical document used to implement the City’s local Traffic Study process.
The proposed Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Guidelines were developed by staff to establish a clear and consistent framework for evaluating the transportation impacts of development projects within the City of Encinitas. The Guidelines provide direction to applicants, traffic engineering consultants, and City staff regarding the preparation, review, and approval of TIAs and establish standardized methodologies for determining project impacts to the City’s transportation network.
The proposed TIA Guidelines, included as Exhibit A to Resolution No. 2026-45, include the following key components:
• Project Screening Criteria:
Establishes thresholds identifying which projects are required to prepare a Traffic Impact Analysis, including commercial developments exceeding 2,000 square feet, residential projects with five or more units, or projects generating 50 or more daily trips. • Scoping Evaluation Memorandum:
Requires applicants to coordinate with City staff prior to preparing a TIA to define study areas, intersections, analysis scenarios, trip generation assumptions, and study methodologies. This process is intended to improve consistency and streamline the review process.
• Trip Generation and Traffic Forecasting Methodology:
Establishes standardized procedures for calculating project trip generation using SANDAG and Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) methodologies, including provisions for trip credits, internal capture adjustments, and pass-by trip reductions. • Study Area and Traffic Analysis Requirements:
Defines how study intersections, roadway segments, and traffic impact areas are identified based on project-generated traffic volumes and operational impacts. • Traffic Analysis Scenarios:
Requires evaluation of Existing Conditions, Existing Plus Project Conditions, and Cumulative Conditions to assess both near-term and future transportation impacts associated with development projects.
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 3 of 33
• Level of Service (LOS) Analysis:
Establishes methodologies and thresholds for evaluating roadway segment and intersection operations consistent with the City’s existing General Plan Circulation Element policies regarding Level of Service standards.
• Safety, Queuing, and Site Access Analysis:
Requires evaluation of traffic safety conditions, collision history, vehicle queuing, driveway operations, and site access design to identify operational or safety concerns associated with proposed developments.
• Active Transportation and Transit Evaluation:
Incorporates analysis of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities to ensure consistency with the City’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP), Modal Alternatives Project (MAP), and multimodal transportation goals.
• Fair Share and Mitigation Requirements:
Establishes procedures for determining project fair-share contributions toward transportation improvements and identifying mitigation measures necessary to address project-related transportation impacts.
• Standardized TIA Report Format:
Provides applicants and consultants with a consistent report structure and documentation requirements to improve clarity, completeness, and efficiency during City review.
Senate Bill (SB) 743, which became effective statewide in 2020, changed how transportation impacts are evaluated under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Prior to SB 743, transportation impacts under CEQA were primarily evaluated using automobile Level of Service (LOS), which measures vehicle delay and roadway congestion. SB 743 shifted the focus of CEQA transportation analysis from vehicle delay to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) to better support statewide goals related to greenhouse gas reduction, multimodal transportation, and sustainable land use planning. As a result, LOS can no longer be used as a significance threshold for transportation impacts under CEQA. However, SB 743 does not prohibit local agencies from continuing to evaluate LOS for purposes outside of CEQA, including implementation of General Plan policies, roadway operations analysis, infrastructure planning, and local transportation decision-making.
While Senate Bill 743 eliminated LOS as a metric for determining transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), local agencies may continue applying LOS policies outside of CEQA review processes. The proposed Guidelines clarify that LOS analysis will continue to be used by the City for consistency with the General Plan goals and policies, while Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis will continue to be evaluated separately in accordance with State requirements.
The proposed Guidelines were prepared in consideration of the City’s adopted General Plan Circulation Element policies, including Policy 1.2: “Endeavor to maintain LOS C as a basic design guideline for the local system of roadways understanding that the guideline may not be attainable in all cases,” and Policy 1.3: “Prohibit development which results in LOS E or F at any intersection unless no alternatives exist and an overriding public need can be demonstrated.” Staff developed the proposed Guidelines after evaluating existing City practices, reviewing methodologies utilized by neighboring agencies, incorporating current transportation engineering 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 4 of 33
standards, and considering recent changes in State transportation and CEQA requirements. The Guidelines are intended to provide applicants, consultants, and City staff with a predictable and transparent process for evaluating transportation impacts associated with development projects while ensuring consistency with adopted City policies and transportation objectives.
The new Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines for the City of Encinitas will establish a standardized methodology for evaluating and mitigating transportation impacts associated with future development projects citywide.
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 2026-11 and adopt Resolution No. 2026-45 to establish a clear local framework for requiring, preparing, reviewing, and implementing Traffic Studies for development projects and to adopt the City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines as the technical document used to administer the City’s local Traffic Study process.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance No. 2026-11, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Amending Encinitas Municipal Code Chapter 23.36 Right-of-Way Standards, Street Improvement Standards, and Building Line Requirements and Chapter 23.08 Design Review of the Encinitas Municipal Code to Establish Local Traffic Study Requirements, Development Project Review Procedures, and Authority for Related Transportation Improvements and Fair-Share Contributions”
2. Resolution No. 2026-45, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, Adopting the City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines”
3. Exhibit A to Resolution No. 2026-45, City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 5 of 33
ATTACHMENT 1
ORDINANCE 2026-11
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 23.36 OF THE ENCINITAS MUNICIPAL CODE RIGHT-OF-WAY
STANDARDS, STREET IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS, AND BUILDING LINE REQUIREMENTS, AND CHAPTER 23.08 DESIGN REVIEW, TO ESTABLISH LOCAL
TRAFFIC STUDY REQUIREMENTS, DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW PROCEDURES, AND AUTHORITY FOR RELATED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS AND FAIRSHARE CONTRIBUTIONS WHEREAS, Chapter 23.36 of the Encinitas Municipal Code establishes requirements for right-of-way standards, street improvement standards, and building line requirements; and WHEREAS, Council Strategic Objectives 8.1B and 8.1C are included in the City Council’s 2025-2026 Annual Work Plan and relate to the City’s review of local traffic study requirements and transportation improvements associated with development projects; and WHEREAS, the City desires to amend Chapter 23.36 and Chapter 23.08 to establish local Traffic Study requirements and development project review procedures, and to authorize related transportation improvements, mitigation measures, and fair-share contributions as conditions of development approval; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to clarify that local Traffic Study requirements are separate from transportation impact analysis conducted under the California Environmental Quality Act, which evaluates Vehicle Miles Traveled.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, hereby ordains as follows:
SECTION ONE: CHAPTER 23.36 RIGHT-OF-WAY STANDARDS, STREET IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS, AND BUILDING LINE REQUIREMENTS, AND CHAPTER 23.08 DESIGN REVIEW
That Chapter 23.36 and Chapter 23.08 of the Encinitas Municipal Code is hereby amended as shown below to modify Section 23.36.020, Section 23.36.030, Section 23.36.040, Section 23.36.050, Section 23.36.170 and Section 23.08.060 (underline is used to denote new text being added and strikethrough is used to denote removed text):
Chapter 23.36.020. Definitions.
"Agricultural building"
is a building located on agricultural property and used to shelter farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other farm produce, in which there is no human habitation, and which is not used by the public.
"Centerline of street."
The centerline of a street shall be as shown on a final subdivision map filed in accordance 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 6 of 33
ATTACHMENT 1
with the Subdivision Map Act or pursuant to any of the earlier or following versions of the Subdivision Map Act, a record of survey filed pursuant to Chapter 15 of the Business and Professions Code, a subdivision or parcel map filed pursuant to Division 2 of the Government Code, an official map filed pursuant to Division 3 of the Government Code, an "AS BUILT" / "Record Drawings" Road Survey plan prepared by and on file in the Office of the Director, an "AS BUILT" / "Record Drawings" state highway plan prepared by and on file in the office of the District Director of the California State Department of Transportation, or in the event that no such map is filed, or in the event that the centerline shown on such map or maps does not meet with the approval of the Director, the centerline of a street as shown on an alignment study which has been adopted by City Council resolution following a public hearing.
If a centerline appears on more than one qualifying map or plan, the centerline shown on the most recent document will be taken as the centerline for purposes of this chapter if the Director determines that the most recent document accurately depicts the correct centerline.
If the Director finds that the centerline established pursuant to the Code is not a practical or reasonable centerline or is otherwise unacceptable, the Director will prepare and process an alignment study, or direct that the applicant is to prepare and process an alignment study pursuant to this chapter. In that event, the applicant shall grant right-of-way along the proposed alignment, and the Director shall accept the right-of-way subject to its being improved to standards specified in this chapter. A secured agreement pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be accepted in lieu of construction of the required improvements prior to the issuance of a building permit.
"Director"
is the Director of Engineering Public Works.
"General Plan highway"
is any street identified on the Circulation Element of the General Plan as amended or hereafter amended and the centerline of which is established as provided in this chapter.
"New floor area"
is floor area as defined in Municipal Code Chapter 30.04 that is created by a new building or building addition.
“Development Project”
is a project requiring City approval that may result in construction, a change in use, or increased traffic demand, including but not limited to general plan amendments, specific plans, master plans, rezones, development reviews, variances, use permits, administrative adjustments, minor modifications, and development agreements. “Traffic Study”
is a traffic impact analysis prepared in accordance with the City’s Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines, as determined by the City Engineer, or successor documents. 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 7 of 33
ATTACHMENT 1
A Traffic Study is separate from the analysis conducted under the California Environmental Quality Act, which evaluates Vehicle Miles Traveled. (Ord. 95-12; Ord. 2007-04; Ord. 2009-08; Ord. 2014-12; Ord. 2026-11) Chapter 23.36.030. Requirement.
A. Unless the owner complies with the provisions of this chapter, no building permit shall be issued for any building or structure to be located on a parcel of land.
B. Without exception, no development shall violate the setback requirements established by this chapter.
C. The Director, utilizing standard engineering practices, may, in instances where construction of public improvements is determined to be infeasible, consider whether to authorize the payment of in-lieu fees for the future construction of the required public improvements. The inlieu fee shall be equivalent to that fee established by the City Council of the City of Encinitas in effect at the time of the City review of permits for the development of the property.
D. Where required by the City, completion of a Traffic Study and implementation of any associated improvements, mitigation measures, or fair-share contributions identified pursuant to the City’s adopted TIA Guidelines shall be a condition of development approval or building permit issuance. (Ord. 2026-11)
Chapter 23.36.040. Development Project Review Procedures.
A. A Traffic Study shall be required for development projects as determined in accordance with the City’s adopted Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines.
B. The scope of the Traffic Study, including the study area, methodology, analysis scenarios, and required transportation review components, shall be determined pursuant to the City’s adopted Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines.
C. A Traffic Study shall identify project-related transportation impacts and any required improvements, mitigation measures, or fair-share contributions reasonably related to the project’s impacts.
D. Required improvements and fair-share contributions identified through a Traffic Study may be incorporated as conditions of development approval.
E. The City’s adopted Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines establish local mobility and circulation review requirements and shall not be used to determine the significance of transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act. California Environmental Quality Act transportation impacts shall be evaluated separately in accordance with applicable Vehicle Miles Traveled requirements.
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 8 of 33
ATTACHMENT 1
(Ord. 2026-11)
Chapter 23.36.050. Exceptions.
When in compliance with all other City ordinances and regulations, the following projects are exempted from the other provisions of this chapter:
A. Commercial Projects. Right-of-way dedication and public improvements shall not be required for building permits for commercial projects when the total new square footage of the commercial structure does not exceed 500 square feet unless it is shown upon review of a Ttraffic Sstudy that the traffic impact of the commercial development is for a use that would generate traffic in excess of a general commercial/retail structure of 500 square feet.
Right-of-way dedication and public improvements in compliance with this chapter shall be required for building permits for commercial development when the total square footage of the commercial structure is 500 square feet or greater, or when review of a Ttraffic Sstudy shows that the traffic impact of the commercial development is for a use that would generate traffic in excess of a general commercial/retail structure of 500 square feet.
When a property is developed on an incremental basis, the cumulative development over a period of five years following the approval of the first building permit for the property shall be considered in total and the exceptions in this section shall not apply when the total new square footage of the commercial structure over the five year period is 500 square feet or greater, or when review of a Ttraffic Sstudy shows that the traffic impact of the commercial development is for a use that would generate traffic in excess of general commercial/retail structure of 500 square feet.
B. Residential Projects.
1. Residential Single-Family Additions.
a. Building permits for additions to an existing residential single-family dwelling when the total habitable square footage of the residential structure addition does not exceed 500 square feet, and the total square footage of habitable and nonhabitable residential structure additions do not exceed 750 square feet will not be required to comply with the rights-of-way dedication or public improvement requirements of this chapter.
b. Building permits for residential single-family dwelling additions when the total habitable square footage of the addition to a residential structure does not exceed 2,000 square feet, and the total square footage of habitable and nonhabitable residential structures, including any additions, does not exceed 2,500 square feet will be required to comply with the rights-of-way dedication requirements, but will not be required to comply with the public improvement requirements of this chapter.
c. Building permits for residential single-family dwelling additions when the total habitable square footage of the addition to a residential structure is 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 9 of 33
ATTACHMENT 1
greater than 2,000 square feet, or the total square footage of habitable and nonhabitable residential structures, including any additions, is greater than 2,500 square feet will be required to comply with the rights-of-way dedication requirements and public improvement requirements, other than the requirements contained in Section 23.36.120 of this chapter. d. When a property is developed on an incremental basis, the cumulative development over a period of five years following the approval of the first building permit for the property shall be considered for the 500 square foot threshold for rights-of-way dedication and 2,000 or 2,500 square foot thresholds for public improvements.
2. Residential New Construction. Rights-of-way dedication and public improvements in compliance with this chapter shall be required for building permits for a new residential structure, except that the requirements contained in Section 23.36.120 to place underground the existing overhead public utilities shall not apply to a single-family home unless the single-family home is part of another application creating more than one single family home. A new residential structure that is part of another application creating more than one single-family home may be required to comply with the requirement to place underground the existing overhead public utilities contained in Section 23.36.120.
C. Agricultural Buildings. The exceptions in this section shall not apply to building line requirements.
(Ord. 2007-04; Ord. 2026-11)
Chapter 23.36.170. Connection to a Dedicated and Improved Street.
The right-of-way and improvement of any alley, street, or general plan highway required by this chapter shall not be considered adequate unless the right-of-way and improvement connects to a street in the City maintained road system or an improved and dedicated state highway or an improved and dedicated City street or dedicated right-of-way (off site) with a minimum width of 40 feet, A.C. pavement with a minimum width of 28 feet on approved base, and A.C. dikes. Such off site connection which is necessary to provide access to such alley, street, or General Plan highway, shall be acquired and the required improvements shall be constructed by the owner. (Ord. 2017-07; Ord. 2026-11)
Chapter 23.08.060. Procedure.
A. The owner, or the owner's authorized agent, of the real property on which the construction activity is proposed shall make application for a design review permit to the Director on a form approved by the Director. The application must be accompanied by a filing fee in an amount set, from time to time, by resolution of the City Council, together with whatever additional plans and information the Director deems necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. Application shall include the necessary sets of 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 10 of 33
ATTACHMENT 1
plans, maps, and displays in sufficient detail to explain the proposed project's c ompliance with the regulations contained in this chapter.
B. Any application for a new nonresidential project in excess of 2,000 square feet of building area and any residential project resulting in five or more units, shall submit a traffic study to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer Public Works Director. The traffic study shall be completed by a City-approved traffic engineer.
C. When the application has been received and properly noticed, the Director shall render a final determination or the Director shall place the matter on the agenda of the Planning Commission.
D. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission may, by majority vote, approve, disapprove in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or conditionally approve or continue the application for a design review permit. A maximum of two hearings may be held but additional hearings can be held if requested or agreed to by the applicant.
E. If the Planning Commission is required to make an advisory recommendation to the City Council or render a final determination on the application for a design review permit, the Director shall submit the matter to the Planning Commission at a noticed, public hearing.
F. Upon receipt of the advisory recommendations from the Planning Commission, the Director shall set the application for a design review permit at a noticed, public hearing for the next available meeting of the City Council. Following the public hearing, the City Council may, by majority vote, approve, disapprove in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or conditionally approve the application for design review permit. (Ord. 89-17; Ord. 96-07; Ord. 2003-10; Ord. 2026-11)
SECTION TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE.
This project is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to General Rule, Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines since there would be no possibility of a significant effect on the environment and pursuant to CEQA Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines which exempts organizational or administrative activities of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment in that amendments to the Municipal Code regard local administrative procedure updates.
SECTION THREE: CONSISTENCY.
Any provision of the Encinitas Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 11 of 33
ATTACHMENT 1
provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to affect the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION FOUR: SEVERABILITY.
If any chapter, article, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, word, or portion of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance or its application to other persons. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each chapter, article, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, word, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions of the application thereof to any person, be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION FIVE: EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its passage and the City Clerk of the City of Encinitas is hereby authorized to use summary publication procedures pursuant to Government Code Section 36933 utilizing the Coast News, a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Encinitas.
This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on September 9, 2026.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the _____ day of __________________.
______________________________
Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________________
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 12 of 33
ATTACHMENT 1
Pete Weichers, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
______________________________________
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
CERTIFICATION: I, Pete Weichers, Interim City Clerk of the City of Encinitas, California, do hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing ordinance was duly and regularly introduced at a meeting of the City Council on the 9
th day of September 2026 and that thereafter
the said ordinance was duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the City Council on the _____ of _________________, 2026 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Encinitas, California, this _____ day of ______, 2026.
_____________________________________
Pete Weichers, City Clerk
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 13 of 33
ATTACHMENT 2
RESOLUTION 2026-45
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING THE CITY OF ENCINITAS TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS GUIDELINES WHEREAS, the City of Encinitas is responsible for reviewing development projects for consistency with applicable transportation, mobility, circulation, and public improvement requirements; and
WHEREAS, Council Strategic Objectives 8.1B and 8.1C are included in the City Council’s 2025-2026 Annual Work Plan and relate to the City’s review of local traffic study requirements and transportation improvements associated with development projects; and WHEREAS, the City desires to adopt Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines to establish local procedures for determining when a Traffic Study is required for development projects and to identify the scope, methodology, study area, analysis scenarios, and transportation review components for such studies; and
WHEREAS, the Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines are separate from transportation impact analysis conducted under the California Environmental Quality Act, which evaluates Vehicle Miles Traveled; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposed Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines and desires to adopt the guidelines for use by City staff, applicants, consultants, and members of the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, that the foregoing recitals are true and correct, and the City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines, attached hereto as Exhibit A, are hereby adopted, effective immediately.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Engineer, or designee, is authorized to administer, interpret, and implement the City of Encinitas Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines, and to approve minor administrative updates, technical corrections, forms, procedures, or appendices necessary to carry out the intent of the guidelines, provided such updates do not materially change the policy direction adopted by the City Council.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ____day of ____ 2026 by the City Council of the City of Encinitas, State of California:
______________________________
Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Pete Weichers, City Clerk
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 14 of 33
ATTACHMENT 2
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
CERTIFICATION: I, Pete Weichers, City Clerk of the City of Encinitas, California, do hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the ____day of ____, 2026 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Pete Weichers, City Clerk
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 15 of 33
1 Traffic Impact Analysis for Site
Development Guidelines
City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
September 2026
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 16 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
2 Table of Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................3
1.1 Overview............................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Purpose .............................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Screening Criteria................................................................................................. 4 2 Scoping Evaluation Memorandum................................................................................. 5
2.1 Trip Generation .................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Study Area Selection .............................................................................................. 7
2.2.1 Trip Distribution Assumptions............................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Trip Assignment................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Study Scenarios..................................................................................................... 9 3 Traffic Impact Analysis Components................................................................................11
3.1 Traffic Count and Data Collection.............................................................................11
3.2 Analysis Scenarios.................................................................................................11
3.2.1 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................11
3.2.2 Existing Plus Project Condition .............................................................................12
3.2.3 Cumulative Conditions........................................................................................12
3.3 Traffic Growth and Concurrent Developments............................................................13
3.3.1 Ambient Growth Rate ........................................................................................13
3.3.2 Concurrent (Approved and Pending) Projects ..........................................................13
3.3.3 Planned Transportation Improvements..................................................................13
3.4 Impact Analysis and Methodology............................................................................13
3.4.1 Roadway Segment Level of Service........................................................................13
3.4.2 Intersection Level of Service.................................................................................14
3.4.3 Supplementary Analysis......................................................................................14
3.5 Fair Share Contributions.........................................................................................16
3.5.1 Existing Plus Project...........................................................................................16
3.5.2 Cumulative Impact ............................................................................................16
3.6 Traffic Mitigation Fees...........................................................................................17 4 Traffic Impact Analysis Format .......................................................................................17 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 17 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
3 1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
The Traffic Impact Analysis for Site Development Guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the “TIA Guidelines”) define and support the City of Encinitas’ policies for evaluating the transportation impacts of certain land development actions on the City’s transportation network. Typical land development actions subject to the TIA Guidelines include new projects and redevelopment projects, as described in Sections
2.1 and 2.2.
This document provides guidance for the preparation of a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) by a property owner or land developer (hereinafter referred to as the “Applicant”) and establishes a consistent approach for City of Encinitas staff when reviewing such analyses.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of the TIA Guidelines is to identify transportation system improvements that address potential adverse impacts to the City’s transportation network associated with a land development action.
New development can affect public infrastructure, travel patterns, and the performance of the transportation system. It is critical that the City’s growth be supported by resilient and sustainable transportation infrastructure. These guidelines provide a framework for identifying transportation system improvements needed to support new development while preserving the community’s quality of life prior to project approval and construction.
The City of Encinitas’ Circulation Element of the General Plan establishes Level of Service (LOS) policies and standards for evaluating the performance of local roadways and intersections.
Policy 1.2: Endeavor to maintain Level of Service C as a basic design guideline for the local system of roadways understanding that the guideline may not be attainable in all cases.
Policy 1.3: Prohibit development which results in Level of Service E or F at any intersection unless no alternatives exist and an overriding public need can be demonstrated.
Pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 743, Level of Service (LOS) is no longer used as a metric for evaluating transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and LOS conditions are not considered environmental impacts under CEQA. However, SB 743 “does not preclude the application of local general plan policies, zoning codes, conditions of approval, thresholds, or any other planning requirements.” (See Public Resources Code, § 21099(b)(4).) Consistent with this provision, the City will continue to apply its LOS policies outside the CEQA process to maintain consistency with its General Plan. LOS shall not be used to determine the significance of transportation impacts under CEQA. Transportation impacts under CEQA shall be evaluated 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 18 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
4 separately in accordance with applicable Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) requirements and the City of Encinitas VMT Analysis Guidelines.
As such, a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) is required for all projects subject to Encinitas Municipal Code (EMC) 23.08.060.B, which states:
“Any application for a new nonresidential project in excess of 2,000 square feet of building area and any residential project resulting in five or more units, shall submit a traffic study to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer. The traffic study shall be completed by a City-approved traffic engineer.”
The requirements for preparing a TIA to evaluate LOS are outlined in the City’s Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines. The TIA must be prepared by a licensed civil or traffic engineer with documented experience in traffic engineering and transportation planning and must be approved by the City’s Traffic Engineering Division. A TIA is not considered final or complete until all required revisions have been incorporated and the document has been accepted by the City. Specifically, a completed TIA should:
▪ Provide an overview of the proposed development, including its size, land use, and location.
▪ Evaluate existing transportation network conditions in the vicinity of, and serving, the proposed development.
▪ Analyze the anticipated impacts of the proposed development on traffic operations and safety.
▪ Identify and recommend transportation system improvements that enhance transportation serving the development area and address the projected transportation impacts of the proposed development.
1.3 Screening Criteria
Consistent with Encinitas Municipal Code (EMC) Section 23.08.060.B, a Traffic Study, also referred to as a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), is required for:
• Any new commercial project with more than 2,000 square feet of building area; or • Any new residential project consisting of five or more units; or • Any development or redevelopment, including a change in existing land use, adding 50 or more daily trips.
For an existing-use trip generation credit calculation, refer to Section 2.1. 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 19 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
5 2 Scoping Evaluation Memorandum
Upon initial communication with City staff regarding screening criteria, if determined that a new development or redevelopment project meets the threshold requiring a TIA, the Applicant shall contact the City Traffic Engineer and submit a Scoping Evaluation Memorandum.
The purpose of the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum is to provide the City with essential information regarding the proposed project, establish analysis parameters, and guide the Applicant in conducting a preliminary assessment of the transportation network within the defined study area.
This section of the Guidelines outlines the required content and provides direction for preparation of the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum. The Scoping Evaluation Memorandum shall:
• Outline the basic characteristics of the proposed development including project size, land use, and expected trip generation including applicable trip reductions and credits. (ref. 3.1) • Define the study parametersincluding the study area (ref. 3.2), study intersections, transportation corridors, and study scenarios.
The Applicant should also be aware of the following when preparing the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum:
• Following review and prior to approval of the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum, the City Traffic Engineer may require modifications to specific analysis parameters. If additional discussion is necessary, the Applicant may request a meeting with City staff. • All information contained in the approved Scoping Evaluation Memorandum shall be incorporated into the subsequent TIA. The Applicant shall notify the City Traffic Engineer if any project details or study parameters change between approval of the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum and submittal of the completed TIA. The City reserves the right to modify analysis requirements based on its review of any changes to the development proposal.
2.1 Trip Generation
Total trip generation serves as the basis for determining the level of impact that a new development will have on the existing and future transportation network.
The development project’s vehicle trip generation forecast should be determined using both the current version of SANDAG’s Not So Brief Guide of Vehicle Trip Generation Rates for the San Diego Region and the current version of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual. These guides include rates for a wide range of land use categories. If a specific land use category is identified in both guides, the Applicant shall use the higher trip generation rate of the two. If a specific land use category is not listed in the SANDAG guide, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual may be used as an alternative, subject to the approval of the City Traffic Engineer.
Trip generation data from other local agencies or other appropriate sources may also be considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to the approval of the City Traffic Engineer. To provide a better understanding of locally generated trips for special case uses, actual trip generation from local 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 20 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
6 developments of similar land uses may be used in lieu and requested by City staff. For these instances, data should be collected locally at three or more locations for each land use type within the proposed development. All observed locations should be operating at full capacity during data collection. The City Traffic Engineer must pre-approve the data collection locations based on factors including size (e.g., square footage, units), count locations, and data collection dates. If the collected data does not support a decisive conclusion regarding trip generation, the Applicant shall supplement the locally collected data with trip generation rates from SANDAG or ITE.
Once total trip generation is calculated for the development, trip reductions may be applied to account for trips that are not expected to result in a net increase in vehicle trips on the transportation network.
The following trip generation credit and adjustments may be considered:
• Existing Use Credits:
For redevelopment projects, a Trip Generation Letter must be submitted to calculate the net increase or decrease in trips to and from the project site. If a project results in 50 or more net new daily vehicle trips, a Traffic Impact Analysis shall be required.
Trip credits may only be applied to projects with land uses that were legally established and actively operating within two (2) years prior to the date of the project application.
For the purposes of these Guidelines, “actively operating” shall mean that the use was open and conducting business or occupancy in accordance with a valid business license, certificate of occupancy, or other required City approvals during the applicable time period.
The Applicant shall provide documentation satisfactorily to the City demonstrating the prior legal establishment and active operation of the use. Acceptable documentation may include, but is not limited to, business licenses, certificates of occupancy, utility records, lease agreements, tax records, or other official records deemed appropriate by the City. Failure to provide adequate documentation shall result in denial of trip credit. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to provide sufficient documentation demonstrating the prior legal and active use.
The use shall be operational during the traffic count collection period for the trip-generation data to accurately reflect existing conditions. If the use is not operational during the traffic count collection period, it shall be considered a new use, and its associated trips shall be included in the project’s trip-generation calculation and level-of-service analysis. • Internal Capture Adjustments:
Internal capture adjustments may be applied to mixed-use developments where a portion of trips occurs entirely within the project site and does not utilize the public roadway system.
Internal capture estimates must follow the methodology outlined in the ITE Trip Generation Handbook (or other methodology/tools, to be approved by City’s Traffic Engineer) and shall be supported by site design features that promote safe and convenient internal circulation, including pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, to the satisfaction of the City’s Traffic Engineer.
The City may require justification demonstrating that the proposed internal capture rates are 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 21 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
7 appropriate for local conditions and consistent with observed behavior in comparable developments.
• Pass-by Adjustments:
Pass by trip reductions may be applied to land uses that attract customers already traveling on adjacent roadways, such as retail, drive-through, or service oriented uses. Pass by rates should be based on SANDAG, ITE data or other City approved sources and may only be applied to the peak hours for which such adjustments are supported. Pass by trips reduce the number of new trips added to the roadway network but do not reduce the total number of trips entering or exiting the project site. All proposed pass by adjustments are subject to review and approval by the City’s Traffic Engineer to ensure they are reasonable and consistent with local travel patterns.
2.2 Study Area Selection
The study area is defined as the area around the proposed development that includes all the study intersections and connecting roadway segments that the City’s Traffic Engineer deems necessary for an adequate review of the proposed project’s traffic and safety impacts. The study area should be confirmed in the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum.
Analysis of a study intersection may include facilities on intersection roadways up to half-block from the midpoint of the study intersection. For example, if a transit stop is 100 feet from the midpoint of a study intersection, it should be subject to the relevant study requirements described in this document. Off-site mitigation measures meant to improve the performance of a study intersection may extend up to halfblock from the intersection midpoint.
Addition of an intersection may be appropriate if the site trips are expected to have a significant impact (50 trips added) on the intersection, if the intersection is located close to the proposed development, or if the intersection is located between two other study intersections.
Any roadway segment receiving more than 50 daily trips from the trips generated by the development project shall be studied to evaluate the level of impact on Level of Service (LOS).
The applicant is required to conduct a traffic review and safety review for all study segments and study intersections defined in the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum. The full extent of the study area indicates the bounds within which vehicle trips generated by the development are expected to impact traffic performance and safety.
A study area figure should be provided in the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum for review by the City Traffic Engineer. The figure should include an aerial map of the entire study area and identify study area intersections based on the preliminary project trip generation, distribution, and assignment. Deviation from the criteria for study intersection selection should be justified with a detailed explanation in the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum. The City Traffic Engineer will review the proposed study area and make 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 22 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
8 additions or exclusions as necessary in coordination with the Applicant and before the commencement of a TIA.
2.2.1 Trip Distribution Assumptions
The trip distribution of traffic through the study area should be provided for all study scenarios which will be used to define the study area and traffic impact analyses. The applicant should also consider the following when determining appropriate trip distribution:
• Existing traffic patterns and tendencies in the study area and AM and PM peak hour directional trends.
• Expected traffic patterns and tendencies of the proposed development’s land uses and nearby land uses.
• Proposed site access locations.
• Logical assignment of trips to project access points (i.e. trips should be routed to take the shortest and most direct path). Travel-time analyses may be required by the City Traffic Engineer to determine the shortest and most direct path of travel.
Professional engineering judgement should ultimately be used to determine the trip distribution with documentation of any assumptions. For projects generating more than 1,000 daily trips, a select zone assignment from SANDAG shall be the basis for trip generation. Distribution maps should be a plan view representation of the study area, including all study intersections and access. Distinct trip distribution maps should be submitted in the TIA for each peak hour (AM and PM), and distinguishable exiting and entering trips.
The City Traffic Engineer shall have final authority to determine the appropriate trip distribution and study area for each project. The City Traffic Engineer may require modifications to the proposed trip distribution, study area, analysis scenarios, or affected intersections based on the project’s location, size, land use, access, anticipated traffic generation, surrounding roadway network, existing or projected traffic conditions, or other factors that may affect transportation operations. The applicant shall be responsible for providing any additional analysis or documentation requested by the City Traffic Engineer to adequately evaluate the project’s potential traffic impacts.
2.2.2 Trip Assignment
Once trip distribution percentages are established, project trips shall be assigned to the roadway network and study intersections in accordance with the distribution patterns. Trip assignment should reflect:
• The most direct and logical travel paths
• Physical roadway constraints (e.g., turn restrictions, one‑way streets) • Site access design and driveway locations
• Expected driver behavior based on surrounding land uses 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 23 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
9 Study Area intersections will be selected based on the trip distributions and assignments.
2.3 Study Scenarios
Table 1 on the following page shows the study scenarios that are required. It should be noted that the scenarios below are the minimum required scenarios required and additional scenarios might be required upon review of the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum by the Traffic Engineering Division. 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 24 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
10 Table 1.
Daily Trip
Generation
(ADT)
Intersection/Roadway
Segment Analysis
Requirements
Analysis Scenarios
0-50 • Trip Generation Letter
• Study Area: Driveways
• Analysis Requirements: Scoping memo, driveway sight
distance and queuing analysis3
51-100
• All project driveways
• Signalized, AWSC1,
SSSC1intersections, and
roadway segments up to
the first adjacent
intersection from the
project driveway
• All of the above; and
• Study Area: Signalized, AWSC1, SSSC1intersections,
and roadway segments up to the first adjacent
intersection from the project driveway
• Study Scenarios: Existing Conditions, Existing Plus
Proposed Project Conditions
• Analysis Requirements: Use City-provided signal
timing/phasing
• Provide Synchro files to City with submittal for review • Bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities per the Active Transportation Plan (ATP), Modal Alternatives Project
(MAP), and North County Transit District Bus Stop
Development Standards4
• Safety analysis using previous five (5) years of collision data4,5
• Analysis with Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP)
>100
• All project driveways
• Signalized, AWSC1,
SSSC1intersections, and
up to the furthest
intersection that
experiences at least 50
new trips per day
• All of the above; and
• Study Scenarios: Near Term (approved and pending
projects) Conditions/Cumulative Conditions, Near
Term Plus Proposed Project Conditions (includes
approved and pending projects)/Cumulative
Conditions
1. “AWSC”: All-Way Stop Control. “SSSC”: Side Street Stop Control.
2. Distance from the project site is measured from the outer project boundary.
3. Analysis shall include queuing analysis for all critical turning movements.
4. Area to be evaluated to be based on same radius provided in Column 2 of the Table.
5. Collisions from the past five (5) years shall be used for analysis.
Upon review and approval of the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum, Applicant will prepare and submit the TIA based on additional guidelines below.
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 25 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
11 3 Traffic Impact Analysis Components
3.1 Traffic Count and Data Collection
The applicant is responsible for collecting traffic counts at all study intersections and other locations agreed upon in the Scoping Memorandum. Counts used for traffic analysis should be collected no more than two years before the time at which the Scoping Memorandum is approved.
Counts should be collected, at a minimum, between the hours of 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and when schools are in session (and during non-holiday weeks).
Counts should be collected in 15-minute intervals and should not be more than two years old, at the time of the first Planning Commission hearing. When directed by the City Traffic Engineer, the applicant should also collect counts during any irregular peak hours, such as midday, weekend, or late night. Irregular peak hours may be caused by specific land uses in areas with high volume traffic at irregular hours.
Recent traffic count data, which is less than two years old at the time the traffic analysis is prepared, may be used so long as there are no major changes in traffic conditions in the vicinity due to more recent development, roadway network changes.
The applicant should consult the City’s traffic engineer for any circumstances that may require a nontraditional traffic count methodology. Other items for consideration include:
• Traffic counts should not be collected when traffic volumes are significantly impacted by external conditions such as weather events, holidays, summer, major events or construction.
In addition to turning‑movement counts, the Applicant shall collect or compile the following data as applicable:
• Signal timing and phasing (City‑provided timing must be used for all signalized intersections) • Collision history for the previous five (5) years
Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Data may be required on a case-by-case basis.
All data sources, collection dates, and methodologies must be documented in the TIA.
3.2 Analysis Scenarios
Per Table 1 and approved Scoping Evaluation Memorandum, the Traffic Impact Analysis shall evaluate the following scenarios unless otherwise directed by the City’s Traffic Engineer.
3.2.1 Existing Conditions
The Existing Conditions scenario represents traffic volumes, roadway configurations, traffic control, and multimodal facilities as they operate at the time of data collection. This scenario establishes the baseline against which all project-related changes are measured. Existing Conditions shall incorporate:
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 26 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
12 • Current turning‑movement counts
• Existing signal timing and phasing (as provided by the City) • Existing roadway geometry and striping
• Existing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities
• Existing safety conditions based on the most recent five (5) years of collision data
3.2.2 Existing Plus Project Condition
The Existing Plus Project scenario reflects Existing Conditions with the addition of project-generated traffic. This scenario identifies the direct operational effects of the proposed development. Analyses shall include:
• Intersection Level of Service (LOS)
• Roadway segment LOS, where applicable
• Queuing analysis for all critical movements
• Site access operations and sight distance
• Safety implications based on added project traffic
If deficiencies are identified under this scenario, the TIA shall identify feasible improvements or operational adjustments to address project-related impacts.
3.2.3 Cumulative Conditions
The Cumulative Conditions scenario represents future traffic conditions that include:
• Ambient traffic growth, as approved in the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum • Traffic from approved and pending developments identified by the City • Planned roadway or signal improvements expected to be in place within the cumulative horizon year
This scenario evaluates the project’s contribution to future network performance and identifies whether the project may cause cumulative deficiencies. Analyses shall include:
• Intersection LOS
• Roadway segment LOS, where applicable
• Queuing and storage adequacy
• Safety considerations consistent with the Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 27 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
13 3.3 Traffic Growth and Concurrent Developments
Traffic growth assumptions are necessary to develop the Cumulative Conditions scenario. All assumptions shall be documented and approved by the City’s Traffic Engineer prior to use in TIA.
3.3.1 Ambient Growth Rate
An annual ambient growth rate shall be applied to Existing traffic volumes to account for regional background growth. The City will provide the appropriate rate based on historic traffic trends, regional forecasts, and planned development activity.
3.3.2 Concurrent (Approved and Pending) Projects
The Cumulative Conditions scenario shall include traffic from all approved and pending developments within the study area. The City will provide a list of applicable projects, including project size, land use, and estimated trip generation. The Applicant shall incorporate these trips using reasonable trip distribution and assignment assumptions consistent with Section 3.3.
3.3.3 Planned Transportation Improvements
Roadway, intersection, or signal improvements that are funded, programmed, or under construction at the time of the analysis may be included in the Cumulative Conditions scenario, subject to City approval.
Improvements that are conceptual or unfunded shall not be assumed.
3.4 Impact Analysis and Methodology
Traffic capacity analysis is required to evaluate how the proposed development affects the operational performance of roadway segments and intersections within the study area. All analyses shall be conducted using methodologies consistent with the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) and shall incorporate City‑approved assumptions, including signal timing, lane geometry, and traffic volumes. The purpose of this analysis is to determine whether the project results in operational deficiencies or contributes to conditions that are inconsistent with the City’s Circulation Element policies.
3.4.1 Roadway Segment Level of Service
Roadway segment Level of Service (LOS) shall be evaluated for all study roadway segments identified in the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum. LOS shall be determined using volume‑to‑capacity (V/C) ratios and, where applicable, speed‑based performance metrics. The analysis shall reflect Existing, Existing Plus Project, and Cumulative Conditions.
Circulation Element Policy 1.2 states:
“Endeavor to maintain Level of Service C as a basic design guideline for the local system of roadways understanding that the guideline may not be attainable in all cases.” 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 28 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
14 A project is considered inconsistent with Policy 1.2 if it results in an unacceptable degradation of roadway segment operations.
If the project exceeds the allowable change, the TIA shall identify feasible improvements or operational strategies to address the deficiency, subject to review and approval by the City’s Traffic Engineer.
Table 2: Level of Service (LOS) Thresholds for Roadway Segments LOS with Project Allowable Change due to Project
D, E, or F Volume to Capacity (V/C) Ratio Speed (mph)
0.02 or 2% 1
3.4.2 Intersection Level of Service
Intersection Level of Service (LOS) shall be evaluated for all study intersections using the most recent version of Synchro or other City‑approved software. LOS shall be reported for each movement, each approach, and the overall intersection for the AM and PM peak hours under Existing, Existing Plus Project, and Cumulative Conditions.
Circulation Element Policy 1.3 states:
“Prohibit development which results in Level of Service E or F at any intersection unless no alternatives exist and an overriding public need can be demonstrated.” A project is considered inconsistent with Policy 1.3 if it causes an intersection operating at LOS D or better to degrade to LOS E or F, or if it increases delay at an intersection already operating at LOS E or F.
If the project exceeds the allowable change, the TIA shall identify feasible improvements or operational strategies to address the deficiency. All recommended improvements shall be evaluated for operational effectiveness, feasibility, and consistency with City policies, and are subject to approval by the City’s Traffic Engineer.
Table 3: Level of Service (LOS) Thresholds for Intersections LOS with Project Allowable Change due to Project
E or F Average Delay (second/vehicle): 2
3.4.3 Supplementary Analysis
These supplemental analyses may be required on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the City. The scope of the supplementary analyses methodology will be defined during the Scoping Evaluation Memorandum review by the City Traffic Engineer.
Intersection Traffic Control Warrant Analysis
An Intersection Traffic Control Warrant Analysis shall be conducted to determine whether the installation or modification of traffic control devices, including traffic signals or stop control, is justified at a study 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 29 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
15 intersection. The analysis shall be prepared in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) and shall consider applicable warrant criteria, including traffic volumes, pedestrian activity, collision history, and roadway characteristics. The analysis shall evaluate conditions with and without project-generated traffic and identify whether the project contributes to or triggers the need for traffic control improvements.
Site Access Analysis
A Site Access Analysis shall be conducted to evaluate the adequacy, safety, and operational performance of all proposed project access points. The analysis shall consider sight distance, driveway spacing, turning movements, vehicle conflicts, and interactions with pedestrians, bicyclists, and adjacent land uses. The analysis shall also evaluate consistency with City standards and applicable design guidelines. The purpose of this analysis is to ensure that site access is designed to operate safely and efficiently without adversely affecting the surrounding transportation network.
Queuing Analysis
A Queuing Analysis shall be conducted to evaluate whether adequate storage length is provided for turning movements and on-site vehicle queues under peak traffic conditions. Queuing analysis shall be based on the 95th-percentile queue. Any project for which the 95th-percentile queue exceeds the available storage length under Existing Plus Project Conditions or under the Cumulative Conditions analysis shall be responsible for extending the available storage length to accommodate the projected queue, as a condition of approval for the project.
The analysis shall estimate existing and projected queue lengths and compare them to available storage for critical movements, including left-turn lanes, right-turn lanes, and drive-through facilities, where applicable. The analysis shall identify any potential for queue spillback into adjacent travel lanes or intersections and shall recommend design or operational improvements to address deficiencies.
Active Transportation and Public Transit Analysis
An Active Transportation and Public Transit Analysis shall be conducted to evaluate the project’s effects on existing and planned pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities within the study area. The analysis shall assess connectivity, accessibility, and safety for non-motorized users, as well as proximity to and interaction with transit services. The analysis shall demonstrate consistency with the City’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP), Modal Alternatives Project (MAP), and applicable transit agency standards. The purpose of this analysis is to ensure that the project supports multimodal mobility and does not adversely affect active transportation or transit operations.
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 30 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
16 Safety Analysis
A Safety Analysis shall be conducted to evaluate existing and potential safety conditions within the study area and to determine whether the project may introduce or exacerbate safety concerns. The analysis shall include a review of a minimum of five (5) years of collision data, consistent with the City’s Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP), and shall consider roadway geometry, traffic control, and multimodal interactions. The analysis shall identify patterns or trends in collision data and recommend appropriate improvements or mitigation measures to enhance overall roadway safety.
3.5 Fair Share Contributions
A project shall contribute a fair share toward improvements under two conditions. ▪ An approved Capital Improvement Program in the study area (Applicant contributes to the project funding)
▪ Cumulative Impact triggers an improvement (each applicant contributes its fair share) Fair share shall be calculated based on the percentage of the proposed project’s contribution to each study location that is impacted. The fair share contribution is calculated using the total trips generated by the project divided by the total “new” traffic, which is the net increase in traffic volume from all proposed projects and growth using the formulas for the following scenarios:
3.5.1 Existing Plus Project
If there is an existing traffic-related project in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) underway by the City (in design or construction), the applicant shall pay its fair share contribution to the CIP project and shall be proportionate to the amount of traffic generated by the project over the existing traffic for a roadway segment or intersection.
𝐶 =
A
A+B
𝑥 100% 𝑥 [CIP Project Cost (Design + Construction)]
Where: A = Project Traffic Volume, B = Existing Traffic Volume, C = Fair Share Cost
3.5.2 Cumulative Impact
For Circulation Element Policy 1.2 and Policy 1.3 inconsistencies, that are cumulative in nature, such as a future traffic signal warranted by the cumulative impact of multiple future developments, a fair share computation shall be computed and reported for each such mitigation.
𝐶 =
A
A + B
𝑥 100%
Where: A = Project Traffic Volume, B = Cumulative Existing Traffic Volume, C = Fair Share Percentage
2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 31 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
17 3.6 Traffic Mitigation Fees
All projects that generate an increase in traffic to the City’s transportation network are subject to Traffic Mitigation Fees, pursuant to Encinitas Municipal Code (EMC) Chapter 23.94. These fees must be paid in full prior to the issuance of a building permit for the project. 4 Traffic Impact Analysis Format
A TIA shall include the following items. Additional items may be requested by City’s Traffic Division dependent on the characteristics of the project.
Note: Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis shall be provided as a separate report and shall follow the City’s VMT Analysis Guidelines.
1. Introduction
a) Purpose of the TIA objective
b) Project description, proposed land use, current zoning and proposed opening year c) Project location and vicinity map
d) Site plan of proposed project
2. Methodology and Impact Thresholds
a) Analysis scenarios
3. Existing Conditions
a) Existing roadway network
b) Existing traffic control and intersection geometrics c) Existing traffic volumes – AM and PM peak hour and ADT d) Existing level of service (LOS) at intersections and roadways e) Existing bicycle facilities
f) Existing transit facilities
g) Existing pedestrian facilities
4. Project Traffic
a) Trip generation
b) Trip distribution (%) and assignment (Exhibit)
c) Project peak hour turning movements and ADT (Exhibit) 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 32 of 33
.2 City of Encinitas
Engineering Department
18 d) Cumulative project(s) trip generation and distribution. Cumulative projects include approved and pending project within a one-mile radius of the project site (for cumulative analysis). Note: Projects shall include any approved developments within the past five (5) years that have not yet been constructed and are therefore not generating traffic at the time of traffic count collection. In addition, any pending projects with submitted applications that predate the subject project, but have not yet been approved, shall also be included.
5. Project Impacts
a) Intersection and roadway analysis for different analysis scenarios b) Identification of intersection and roadway segment deficiencies/consistency with General Plan Policies 1.2 and 1.3 of the Circulation Element
6. Site Access Analysis and Queuing Analysis
a) Sight distance analysis
b) Access queuing analysis (including additional traffic adding to existing left- and right- turn pockets in the study area)
7. Active Transportation and Public Transit Analysis
8. Safety Analysis
a) Collision review in the vicinity of the project site
9. Improvements & Summary
a) Proposed improvements at intersections
b) Proposed improvements at roadway segments
10. Appendix
a) Traffic counts (including turning movement counts)
b) Intersection analysis worksheets/Synchro reports
c) SANDAG select zone analysis run (if needed)
d) Signal timing sheets (to be provided by the City)
e) Traffic signal warrant/stop sign warrant worksheets (if applicable) 2026-09-09 Item #12C Page 33 of 33