SR 198 WB Ramps
Northbound Westbound
SR 198 WB Ramps
Shirk Rd
Shirk Rd
Turning Movement Report
Rd 92 @ SR 198 WB Ramps
Tulare
Thursday, November 02, 2023 Clear
36.3281
-119.3677
Metro Traffic Data Inc.
310 N. Irwin Street - Suite 20
Hanford, CA 93230 Prepared For:
Ruettgers & Schuler Civil Engineers
800-975-6938 Phone/Fax 1800 30th St, Ste 260
www.metrotrafficdata.com Bakersfield, CA 93301
LOCATION LATITUDE
COUNTY LONGITUDE
COLLECTION DATE WEATHER
Time U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 6:00 AM - 6:15 AM 0 0 37 5 0 0 18 21 0 1 0 15 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 6:15 AM - 6:30 AM 0 0 33 7 0 0 26 14 0 2 0 18 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 6:30 AM - 6:45 AM 0 0 48 4 0 0 20 23 0 1 0 27 1 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 6:45 AM - 7:00 AM 0 0 69 5 1 0 29 32 0 3 0 36 0 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 7:00 AM - 7:15 AM 0 0 48 7 0 0 42 34 0 4 0 38 1 12 4 0 0 0 0 0 7:15 AM - 7:30 AM 0 0 74 10 1 0 36 45 0 3 0 33 0 13 3 0 0 0 0 0 7:30 AM - 7:45 AM 0 0 85 22 1 0 62 57 0 6 0 40 1 20 5 0 0 0 0 0 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM 0 0 95 23 0 0 72 58 0 6 0 69 0 22 4 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 0 489 83 3 0 305 284 0 26 0 276 3 85 25 0 0 0 0 0 Time U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM 0 0 52 4 1 0 89 53 0 4 0 55 0 38 2 0 0 0 0 0 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM 0 0 59 11 3 0 78 66 0 0 0 53 0 34 5 0 0 0 0 0 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM 0 0 65 8 3 0 86 74 0 2 0 45 1 38 6 0 0 0 0 0 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM 0 0 65 11 1 0 84 62 0 1 0 56 2 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM 0 0 64 10 3 0 93 72 0 2 0 69 0 43 1 0 0 0 0 0 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM 0 0 62 11 1 0 78 63 0 1 0 58 1 37 1 0 0 0 0 0 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM 0 0 59 16 2 0 88 50 0 0 0 47 0 31 1 0 0 0 0 0 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM 0 0 50 9 1 0 52 48 0 1 0 52 1 28 2 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 0 476 80 15 0 648 488 0 11 0 435 5 286 18 0 0 0 0 0 PEAK HOUR U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM 0 0 302 62 2 0 212 194 0 19 0 180 2 67 16 0 0 0 0 0 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM 0 0 256 40 8 0 341 271 0 6 0 228 4 155 8 0 0 0 0 0 PHF Trucks PHF
AM 0.751 3.6% PM 0 271 341 0 0.927
PM 0.922 1.7% AM 0 194 212 0 0.781
PHF 0.864 0.684
AM PM
0 0 0 0
228 180 0 0
4 2 0 0
155 67 0 0
PM AM
PHF
##### ##### PHF
0.771 0 0 302 62 AM
0.974 0 0 256 40 PM
Southbound
Southbound Eastbound
Northbound Eastbound Westbound
Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound
SR 198 EB Ramps
Northbound Westbound
SR 198 EB Ramps
Shirk Rd
Shirk Rd
Turning Movement Report
Rd 92 @ SR 198 EB Ramps
Tulare
Thursday, November 02, 2023 Clear
36.3265
-119.3677
Metro Traffic Data Inc.
310 N. Irwin Street - Suite 20
Hanford, CA 93230 Prepared For:
Ruettgers & Schuler Civil Engineers
800-975-6938 Phone/Fax 1800 30th St, Ste 260
www.metrotrafficdata.com Bakersfield, CA 93301
LOCATION LATITUDE
COUNTY LONGITUDE
COLLECTION DATE WEATHER
Time U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 6:00 AM - 6:15 AM 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 6:15 AM - 6:30 AM 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6:30 AM - 6:45 AM 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 6:45 AM - 7:00 AM 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 7:00 AM - 7:15 AM 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 7:15 AM - 7:30 AM 0 0 0 16 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 1 7:30 AM - 7:45 AM 0 0 0 32 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM 0 0 1 47 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 1 TOTAL 0 0 2 134 2 0 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 48 0 1 2
Time U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM 0 0 1 18 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 1 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM 0 0 0 17 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 2 0 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM 0 0 2 13 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 0 2 0 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM 0 0 0 8 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 0 3 1 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM 0 0 0 23 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 2 0 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM 0 0 1 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0 2 0 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM 0 0 0 21 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 27 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 0 4 136 0 0 9 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 206 0 11 2
PEAK HOUR U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM 0 0 1 113 2 0 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 0 1 2 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM 0 0 1 74 0 0 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 118 0 7 1 PHF Trucks PHF
AM 0.605 4.0% PM 0 2 6 0 0.667
PM 0.886 0.5% AM 0 1 3 0 0.5
PHF ##### #####
AM PM
0 0 1 7
0 0 0 0
0 0 31 118
0 0 0 1
PM AM
PHF
0.615 0.656 PHF
0.594 0 0 1 113 AM
0.815 0 0 1 74 PM
Southbound
Southbound Eastbound
Northbound Eastbound Westbound
Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound
Tulare Ave
Northbound Westbound
Dirt Rd
Roeben St
Roeben St
Turning Movement Report
Roeben St @ Tulare Ave
Tulare
Thursday, November 02, 2023 Clear
36.3200
-119.3586
Metro Traffic Data Inc.
310 N. Irwin Street - Suite 20
Hanford, CA 93230 Prepared For:
Ruettgers & Schuler Civil Engineers
800-975-6938 Phone/Fax 1800 30th St, Ste 260
www.metrotrafficdata.com Bakersfield, CA 93301
LOCATION LATITUDE
COUNTY LONGITUDE
COLLECTION DATE WEATHER
Time U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 6:00 AM - 6:15 AM 0 3 18 0 1 0 3 17 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 8 26 0 6:15 AM - 6:30 AM 0 0 14 4 0 0 3 14 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 15 7 24 0 6:30 AM - 6:45 AM 0 5 25 0 0 0 4 18 2 2 0 0 2 2 1 0 8 22 29 0 6:45 AM - 7:00 AM 0 8 41 2 1 0 9 32 1 1 0 0 3 6 0 0 10 17 34 0 7:00 AM - 7:15 AM 0 7 29 8 1 0 13 28 1 1 0 0 11 4 0 0 5 11 33 0 7:15 AM - 7:30 AM 0 10 28 6 0 0 19 34 0 1 0 1 9 5 0 0 15 15 48 0 7:30 AM - 7:45 AM 0 20 49 5 1 0 31 45 2 1 0 0 9 11 0 0 16 26 66 0 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM 0 5 67 12 0 0 26 48 3 1 0 0 19 10 0 0 19 23 53 1 TOTAL 0 58 271 37 4 0 108 236 9 9 0 3 58 38 1 0 90 129 313 1 Time U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM 0 8 36 5 0 0 44 43 3 2 0 2 27 17 0 0 13 15 22 1 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM 0 8 45 10 1 0 48 48 1 0 0 3 24 13 0 0 6 13 25 2 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM 0 9 37 12 4 0 67 49 2 1 0 1 23 22 1 0 7 20 31 1 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM 0 13 41 11 0 0 54 43 3 1 0 4 34 9 0 0 9 14 32 1 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM 0 6 37 13 1 0 56 47 3 2 0 5 39 19 0 0 9 17 33 1 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM 0 6 43 10 1 0 55 52 1 0 0 3 34 15 2 0 10 18 23 3 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM 0 8 48 15 0 0 40 37 4 0 0 0 27 11 0 0 11 17 30 0 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM 0 11 31 10 0 0 40 36 1 1 0 2 24 9 1 0 3 12 26 0 TOTAL 0 69 318 86 7 0 404 355 18 7 0 20 232 115 4 0 68 126 222 9 PEAK HOUR U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM 0 42 173 31 2 0 89 155 6 4 0 1 48 30 0 0 55 75 200 1 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM 0 34 158 46 6 0 232 191 9 4 0 13 130 65 3 0 35 69 119 6 PHF Trucks PHF
AM 0.794 0.8% PM 9 191 232 0 0.915
PM 0.969 1.7% AM 6 155 89 0 0.801
PHF 0.825 0.681
AM PM
0 0 200 119
13 1 75 69
130 48 55 35
65 30 0 0
PM AM
PHF
0.764 0.945 PHF
0.732 0 42 173 31 AM
0.915 0 34 158 46 PM
Southbound
Southbound Eastbound
Northbound Eastbound Westbound
Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound
Walnut Ave
Northbound Westbound
Walnut Ave
Shirk Rd
Shirk Rd
Turning Movement Report
Rd 92 @ Walnut Ave
Tulare
Thursday, November 02, 2023 Clear
36.3127
-119.3675
Metro Traffic Data Inc.
310 N. Irwin Street - Suite 20
Hanford, CA 93230 Prepared For:
Ruettgers & Schuler Civil Engineers
800-975-6938 Phone/Fax 1800 30th St, Ste 260
www.metrotrafficdata.com Bakersfield, CA 93301
LOCATION LATITUDE
COUNTY LONGITUDE
COLLECTION DATE WEATHER
Time U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 6:00 AM - 6:15 AM 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 6 1 0 0 1 15 1 0 6:15 AM - 6:30 AM 0 14 1 2 0 0 1 2 4 0 0 3 6 5 0 0 0 17 0 0 6:30 AM - 6:45 AM 0 19 3 1 0 0 3 3 9 0 0 0 4 5 0 0 2 35 3 0 6:45 AM - 7:00 AM 0 19 7 1 0 0 1 4 14 0 0 6 3 3 0 0 1 28 2 0 7:00 AM - 7:15 AM 0 15 4 2 0 0 4 7 10 0 0 6 16 9 0 0 3 21 2 0 7:15 AM - 7:30 AM 0 23 7 3 0 0 4 9 9 0 0 4 16 13 0 0 1 42 0 0 7:30 AM - 7:45 AM 0 33 10 6 0 0 10 7 15 1 0 4 21 15 0 0 3 57 4 3 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM 0 30 14 6 0 0 3 6 12 1 0 21 36 17 1 0 4 48 7 0 TOTAL 0 167 46 21 0 0 26 40 73 2 0 45 108 68 1 0 15 263 19 3 Time U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM 0 6 7 2 1 0 11 9 11 0 0 12 43 17 2 0 6 40 11 0 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM 0 14 8 3 1 0 2 14 12 1 0 7 56 20 1 0 4 24 9 1 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM 0 13 7 4 0 0 6 8 13 0 0 13 53 29 1 0 3 30 2 1 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM 0 14 7 2 1 0 3 8 14 0 0 14 57 30 0 0 5 26 10 0 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM 0 24 12 2 1 0 4 8 17 0 0 10 66 27 0 0 4 38 8 0 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM 0 11 12 4 1 0 5 10 11 1 0 10 65 34 1 0 3 30 9 1 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM 0 5 13 13 0 0 5 11 13 0 0 10 38 30 0 0 7 35 9 0 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM 0 14 8 4 0 0 5 14 9 0 0 11 39 23 0 0 5 19 10 0 TOTAL 0 101 74 34 5 0 41 82 100 2 0 87 417 210 5 0 37 242 68 3 PEAK HOUR U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks U-Turn Left Thru Right Trucks 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM 0 101 35 17 0 0 21 29 46 2 0 35 89 54 1 0 11 168 13 3 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM 0 54 44 21 3 0 17 37 55 1 0 44 226 121 1 0 19 129 36 1 PHF Trucks PHF
AM 0.759 1.0% PM 55 37 17 0 0.94
PM 0.913 0.7% AM 46 29 21 0 0.75
PHF 0.897 0.601
AM PM
0 0 13 36
44 35 168 129
226 89 11 19
121 54 0 0
PM AM
PHF
0.75 0.902 PHF
0.765 0 101 35 17 AM
0.783 0 54 44 21 PM
Southbound
Southbound Eastbound
Northbound Eastbound Westbound
Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound
Walnut Ave
Northbound Westbound
Walnut Ave
Roeben St
Roeben St
Turning Movement Report
Roeben St @ Walnut Ave
Tulare
Thursday, November 02, 2023 Clear
36.3127
-119.3586
April 17th, 2024
06-Tul-198-PM 5.5 to 6.1
1 Traffic Accident Surveillance and Analysis System (TASAS) Collision Data Summary
The data provided is protected by 23 U.S.C. § 407, and shall not be subject to discovery, nor admitted as evidence in any applicable legal proceeding against the State of California. By allowing the release of this information, the State of California, Department of Transportation does not waive any rights it has under 23 U.S.C. § 407.
SR 198 PM 05.500 to PM 06.100
Table 1 summarizes collision rates for the SR 198 freeway ramps at Shirk Road interchange in the County of Tulare. The Table B reports were generated on April 17, 2024, and they depict existing collision rates per million vehicles for the most recent 36-month period from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023, from the Traffic Accident Surveillance and Analysis System (TASAS).
Table 1
TASAS Table B Collision Rates
06-Tul-198
PM 5.50/6.10
TOTAL
No. of
Collisions
ACTUAL
(per million vehicles)
AVERAGE
(per million vehicles)
Fatal
Collisions
Fatal +
Injury
Collisions
Total (1) Fatal
Collisions
Fatal +
Injury
Collisions
Total (1)
PM 005.590
WB On From
Shirk Road
0 0.000 0.00 0.00 0.002 0.23 0.63
PM 005.601
EB Off to Shirk
Road
2 0.00 0.00 0.68 0.003 0.38 1.04
PM 005.901
EB On From
Shirk Road
0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.002 0.23 0.63
PM 005.965
WB Off to Shirk
Road
0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.003 0.38 1.04
(1) All reported collisions (includes Property Damage Only (PDO) Collisions) Analysis of the TASAS Table B records shows 2 collisions within the EB off-ramp to Shirk Road and study periods summarized above. It reflects that the actual Fatal, Fatal + Injury, and Total collision rates are below the average for similar facilities statewide.
Detailed analysis per the TASAS Table B shows that the primary collision factors in the segment were:
• “Speeding” (2)
April 17th, 2024
06-Tul-198-PM 5.5 to 6.1
2 The types of collisions included:
• “Hit Object” (1), and
• “Rear End” (1)
The object hit in the “Hit Object” collision was reported as a dike or curb.
End of summary.
ER/CW
VOL LOS VOL LOS VOL LOS VOL LOS VOL LOS VOL LOS
Tulare Ave to Walnut AveShirk St: 722 C 753 C 854 C 870 C 1022 C 1054 CShirk St to Roeben StWalnut Ave:
- C - C 159 C 184 C 205 C 250 C
VOL LOS VOL LOS VOL LOS VOL LOS VOL LOS VOL LOS
Tulare Ave to Walnut AveShirk St: 624 C 648 C 733 C 749 C 870 C 879 CShirk St to Roeben StWalnut Ave:
- C - C 150 C 166 C 207 C 234 C
Street 2023
2023+Project
Two-Way LOS 2028
2028+Project
Two-Way LOS
2033
Two-Way LOS
2033+Project
Two-Way LOS
2033+Project
Two-Way LOS
AM Peak Hour Traffic Analysi
s
Street 2023
2023+Project
Two-Way LOS 2028
2028+Project
Two-Way LOS
2033
Two-Way LOS
PM Peak Hour Traffic Analysi
s
Appendix E
Agricultural Mitigation Memo
ELLIOT PROPERTY
Agricultural Mitigation Memo
MITIGATION
Mitigation Measure AG-1: Following Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 18.04: Agricultural Land Preservation Program, the developer will acquire a minimum of 43.11 acres of Prime Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance. This land will be located in the southern San Joaquin Valley, but outside of Visalia’s Sphere of Influence. This farmland will be preserved for long-term agricultural uses.
California Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) The FMMP is implemented by the California Department of Conservation (DOC) to conserve and protect agricultural lands within the State. Land is included in this program based on soil type, annual crop yields, and other factors that influence the quality of farmland. The FMMP mapping categories for the most important statewide farmland are as follows:
• Prime Farmland has the ideal physical and chemical composition for crop production. It has been used for irrigated production in the four years prior to classification and can produce sustained yields. 51% of the Visalia Planning Area is classified as Prime Farmland. • Farmland of Statewide Importance has also been used for irrigated production in the four years prior to classification and is only slightly poorer quality than Prime Farmland. 11% of the Visalia Planning Area is classified as Farmland of Statewide Importance. • Unique Farmland has been cropped in the four years prior to classification and does not meet the criteria for Prime Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance but has produced specific crops with high economic value. Less than 1% of the Visalia Planning Area is classified as Unique Farmland.
• Farmland of Local Importance encompasses farmland that does not meet the criteria for the previous three categories. These may lack irrigation, produce major crops, be zoned as agricultural, and/or support dairy. 2% of the Visalia Planning Area is classified as Farmland of Local Importance.
Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 18.04: Agricultural Land Preservation Program Chapter 18.04 of the Visalia Municipal Code details the Agricultural Land Preservation Program (Program) in Visalia. The agricultural land preservation program intends to establish a process for the required preservation of agricultural land through the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements or the payment of an in-lieu fee for projects.
Easement Acquisition: The applicant shall convey, or arrange for the conveyance of, an area of land meeting its preserved land obligation to a qualified entity for execution of an agricultural conservation easement thereon. This shall include the conveyance of land within an agricultural land mitigation bank.
Determination of Preserved Land Obligation: The preserved land obligation shall be calculated at a ratio of one acre of preserved land for each acre of converted land. Converted land acreage shall be calculated by determining the applicable project acreage less the acreage of exclusions.
All projects authorized by the City that would result in the conversion of prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance are subject to the provisions detailed in the Program. Projects can be exempt or excluded from the Program due to:
1. Location. Projects, or portions thereof, located on lands that are not within the Tier II Urban Development Boundary or the Tier III Urban Growth Boundary.
2. Size. Projects of five acres or less in gross area. The City may disallow the use of this exemption if it finds that the subject property has been subdivided into five-acre or smaller parcels in whole or in part to avoid the preserved land obligation in accordance with this chapter.
3. Prior Compliance. Projects on sites that have demonstrated compliance with the provisions of this chapter for affected acreage.
Projects consistent with any of the following criteria are not subject to the provisions of this chapter and shall be excluded from the preserved land obligation Such exclusions may comprise the entire project area or may be a portion of the project area acreage. Only such portions of the project area that falls within any of the following categories shall be excluded.
1. Farmland Designation. Acreage not designated as prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance on the most recent Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) map published by the California Department of Conservation.
2. Farmland Designation. Acreage that may be designated as prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance on the most recent Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) map published by the California Department of Conservation but meets at least one of the following standards.
o Land Use. The land is not currently and has not been used for irrigated agricultural production for a minimum of four consecutive calendar years. o Soils. The soil type is not listed on the Soil Candidate Listing for Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance for Tulare County, as maintained by the Department of Conservation for purposes of the FMMP.
3. Project Type or Use. The following projects are exempt from the Program:
o Affordable housing projects that comply with State Density Bonus Law. o Agricultural processing uses.
o Agricultural buffers.
o Public facilities.
o Roadways.
Eligibility of Land for Easement. The preserved land shall meet all the following requirements to be eligible for placement in an agricultural conservation easement:
1. The preserved land shall be in the southern San Joaquin Valley, with preference afforded to preserved land located within 10 miles of the City limits. The preserved land must be located outside any city’s limits and sphere of influence.
2. The preserved land shall be designated as prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance on the most recently published FMMP map.
3. The preserved land shall be a minimum of 20 contiguous acres in size.
4. The preserved land shall be zoned and planned for agricultural uses consistent with the purposes of an agricultural conservation easement.
5. The preserved land shall have at least one verified source of water.
6. The preserved land shall not be encumbered by any use or structure that would be incompatible with the purpose of the agricultural conservation easement. Such uses shall be deducted from the total acreage being preserved.
Eligibility of In-Lieu Fee Payment. To be eligible for payment of an in-lieu fee to satisfy the preserved land obligation, either of the following standards must be met.
1. The total preserved land obligation is less than 20 acres.
2. If the total preserved land obligation is 20 acres or more, the applicant must demonstrate at least one of the following to the satisfaction of the City:
a. No qualified entity exists;
b. The applicant has met with all qualified entities and all such entities are unable or unwilling to assist with the acquisition of an agricultural conservation easement, as certified in writing to the City; or
c. Working with a qualified entity, the applicant has made at least one good faith offer to purchase an agricultural conservation easement, but any and all such offers have been declined by the potential seller, as certified in writing to the City.
City of Visalia General Plan
The 2030 General Plan includes the policies related to agricultural resources that correlate to the proposed Project:
• LU-P-14: Recognize the importance of agriculture-related business to the City and region, and support the continuation and development of agriculture and agriculture related enterprises in and around Visalia by:
o Implementing growth boundaries and cooperating with the County on agricultural preservation efforts;
o Accommodating agriculture-related industries in industrial districts; o Facilitating successful farmers’ markets;
o Helping to promote locally grown and produced agricultural goods, and the image of Visalia and Tulare County as an agricultural region.
• LU-P-19: Ensure that growth occurs in a compact and concentric fashion by implementing the General Plan’s phased growth strategy.
• LU-P-21: Allow annexation and development of residential, commercial, and industrial land to occur within the Tier II UDB and the Tier III Urban Growth Boundary consistent with the City’s Land Use Diagram, according to the stated phasing thresholds. • LU-P-30: Maintain greenbelts, or agricultural/open space buffer areas, between Visalia and other communities by implementing growth boundaries and working with Tulare County and land developers to prevent premature urban growth north of the St. Johns River and in other sensitive locations within the timeframe of this General Plan. • LU-P-31: Promote the preservation of permanent agricultural open space around the City by protecting viable agricultural operations and land within the City limits in the airport and wastewater treatment plant environs.
• LU-P-32: Continue to maintain a 20-acre minimum for parcel map proposals in areas designated for Agriculture to encourage viable agricultural operations in the Planning Area. • OSC-P-27: To allow efficient cultivation, pest control and harvesting methods; require buffer and transition areas between urban development and adjoining or nearby agricultural land. • OSC-P-28: Require new development to implement measures, as appropriate, to minimize soil erosion related to grading, site preparation, landscaping, and construction.
Tulare County General Plan
The 2030 Tulare County General Plan contains following policies related to agricultural resources that correlate to the proposed project:
• AG-1.1: The County shall maintain agriculture as the primary land use in the valley region of the County, not only in recognition of the economic importance of agriculture, but also in terms of agriculture’s real contribution to the conservation of open space and natural resources. • AG-1.6: The County shall consider developing an Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to help protect and preserve agricultural lands (including “Important Farmlands”), as defined in this Element. This program may require payment of an in-lieu fee sufficient to purchase a farmland conservation easement, farmland deed restriction, or other farmland conservation mechanism as a condition of approval for conservation of important agricultural land to non-agricultural use. If available, the ACEP shall be used for replacement lands determined to be of statewide significance (Prime or other Important Farmlands), or sensitive and necessary for the preservation of agricultural land, including land that may be a part of a community separator as part of a comprehensive program to establish community separators. The in-lieu fee or other conservation mechanism shall recognize the importance of land value and shall require equivalent mitigation.
• AG-1.7: The County shall promote the preservation of its agricultural economic base and open space resources through the implementation of resource management programs such as the Williamson Act, Rural Valley Lands Plan, Foothill Growth Management Plan or similar types of strategies and the identification of growth boundaries for all urban areas located in the County.
• AG-1.8: The County shall not approve applications for preserves or regular Williamson Act contracts on lands located within a UDB and/or HDB unless it is demonstrated that the restriction of such land will not detrimentally affect the growth of the community involved for the succeeding 10 years, that the property in question has special public values for open space, conservation, other comparable uses, or that the contract is consistent with the publicly desirable future use and control of the land in question. If proposed within a UDB of an incorporated city, the County shall give written notice to the affected city pursuant to Government Code §51233.
• AG-1.10: The County shall oppose extension of urban services, such as sewer lines, water lines, or other urban infrastructure, into areas designated for agriculture use unless necessary to resolve a public health situation. Where necessary to address a public health issue, services should be located in public rights-of-way in order to prevent interference with agricultural operations and to provide ease of access for operation and maintenance. Service capacity and length of lines should be designed to prevent the conversion of agricultural lands into urban/suburban uses.
• AG-1.11: The County shall examine the feasibility of employing agricultural buffers between agricultural and non-agricultural uses, and along the edges of UDBs and HDBs. Considering factors include the type of operation and chemicals used for spraying, building orientation, planting of trees for screening, location of existing and future rights-of-way (roads, railroads, canals, power lines, etc.), and unique site conditions. • LU-1.8: The County shall encourage and provide incentives for infill development to occur in communities and hamlets within or adjacent to existing development in order to maximize the use of land within existing urban areas, minimize the conversion of existing agricultural land, and minimize environmental concerns associated with new development. • LU-2.1: The County shall maintain agriculturally-designated areas for agriculture use by directing urban development away from valuable agricultural lands to cities, unincorporated communities, hamlets, and planned community areas where public facilities and infrastructure are available.
• PF-1.2: The County shall ensure that urban development only takes place in the following areas:
o Within incorporated cities and CACUDBs
o Within the UDBs of adjacent cities in other counties, unincorporated communities, planned community areas, and HDBs of hamlets
o Within foothill development corridors as determined by procedures set forth in Foothill Growth Management Plan
o Within areas set aside for urban use in the Mountain Framework Plan and the mountain sub-area plans; and
o Within other areas suited for non-agricultural development, as determined by the procedures set forth in the Rural Valley Lands Plan.
• PF-1.3: The County shall encourage those types of urban land uses that benefit from urban services to develop within UDBs and HDBs. Permanent uses which do not benefit from urban services shall be discouraged within these areas. This shall not apply to agricultural or agricultural support uses, including the cultivation of land or other uses accessory to the cultivation of land provided that such accessory uses are time-limited through Special Use Permit procedures.
• PF-1.4: The County shall encourage urban development to locate in existing UDBs and HDBs where infrastructure is available or may be established in conjunction with development. The County shall ensure that development does not occur unless adequate infrastructure is available, that sufficient water supplies are available or can be made available, and that there are adequate provisions for long term management and maintenance of infrastructure and identified water supplies.
EXISTING FARMLAND
The proposed Project Site is located within the City of Visalia Planning Area in Tulare County. The Site is west of S Roeben Street, east of S Shirk Road, and south of Tulare Street. The Site is approximately 3.5 miles southwest of the Visalia downtown. The Project involves construction on APNs 087-010-006 and 087-010-008. The Site is topographically flat, with agricultural uses to the north and west and single-family housing to the south and east. The Site is zoned AE-20 (Exclusive Agriculture, 20 Acre Minimum Site Area) by Tulare County but will be zoned R-1-5, Single Family Residential, 5,000 square foot minimum site area, by the City of Visalia, pending annexation.
The Visalia General Plan Designation is Low-Density Residential. The Site contains agricultural uses, vacant land, and an oak grove.
The site is 59.13 acres in total. 57.82 acres are designated as Prime Farmland by the 2018 FMMP.
The remaining 1.31 acres are designated as Urban and Built-Up Land. Although the site is mostly Prime Farmland, it is designated for Low-Density Residential uses by the Visalia General Plan. The proposed project will follow this designation.
Visalia is planning for growth in this area due to its proximity to similar uses. Single-family homes currently exist to the east and south of the site. Farmland currently exists to the north and west of the site, however, these farmlands are designated as Low-Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, Neighborhood Commercial, and Parks/Recreation by the Visalia General Plan.
The site borders the existing Visalia City boundaries to the east and is located within Visalia’s Tier 2 Urban Development Boundary. These factors, along with the existing infrastructure and development in the surrounding area, make this site an ideal location for annexation and new development.
MITIGATED FARMLAND
The Project Site is not exempt from the Program. The Site is within the Tier 2 UBD and is larger than five acres. Following the Program’s policies, the 1.31 acres designated as Urban and Built-up land will be exempt. The remaining 57.82 acres are Prime Farmland, which has been used for irrigated agricultural production in the past four years. However, of these 57.82 acres, 10.47 will be roadways and 4.24 acres will be a public park. According to the Program, public facilities, including roadways and parks, are excluded from the mitigation. The remaining 43.11 acres will need to be mitigated.
The farmland for the mitigation would follow all requirements set out in the Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 18.04. This includes:
1. The preserved land will be in the southern San Joaquin Valley and will be outside Visalia’s City Limits/Sphere of Influence.
2. The preserved land will designated as prime farmland.
3. The preserved land shall be a minimum of 20 contiguous acres in size.
4. The preserved land will be zoned and planned for agricultural uses consistent with the purposes of an agricultural conservation easement.
5. The preserved land will have at least one verified source of water.
6. The preserved land will not be encumbered by any use or structure that would be incompatible with the purpose of the agricultural conservation easement.
IMPACTS OF PROJECT
The Project Site is currently occupied by agricultural land with field crops. Implementation of the proposed Project would result in the permanent conversion of approximately 57.82 acres of Prime Farmland to non-agricultural uses.
The loss of Prime Farmland on the Project Site would result in the decrease of Important Farmland inventory in the Visalia Planning Area. The Visalia Planning Area currently has an Important Farmland inventory of 43,155 acres, 33,991 acres of which were categorized as Prime Farmland. Implementation of the Project would convert 57.82 acres of Prime Farmland, which would result in a 0.13 percent decrease in the total Important Farmland inventory of the Visalia Planning Area and a 0.17 percent decrease in the Prime Farmland inventory.
Mitigation Measure AG-1 will secure 43.11 acres of permanent Prime Farmland outside of Visalia’s development boundaries to reduce this impact.
BENEFITS OF PROJECT AND MITIGATION
While the Project will impact the farmland inventory, it will bring benefits to Visalia. The Project will add new housing close to the existing City. This will reduce the need for housing further away, which would potentially add transportation and infrastructure impacts. Additionally, separating farmland from existing residential neighborhoods is ideal for both the farmland and neighborhoods. It will reduce the amount of noise in the neighborhoods and reduce the potential for pollution on the farmland. This Project and mitigation will secure permanent farmland outside of Visalia’s development boundaries.
This will ensure that the agricultural uses will exist long-term and will not be impacted in the future.
ALTERNATIVES
Reduced Project Size
To remain under the Program’s requirements, the Project would need to develop on less than 20 acres of Prime Farmland. If only 20 acres of the Prime Farmland were developed, the Project would be reduced to approximately 76 homes. This will reduce the amount of available housing in Visalia. This will not help Visalia’s housing goals and will lead to development in other areas.
No Project
The No Project alternative would leave the site as it currently is. This would preserve the existing Prime Farmland; however, it would not add housing to Visalia. This will not help Visalia’s housing goals and will lead to development in other areas. As previously discussed, this is an ideal location for new development and annexation into the City of Visalia. If the onsite farmland is preserved, it will eventually be surrounded by new development due to General Plan land designations and Visalia’s housing demands.
Appendix F
Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Total
Suspended Solids
Calculations
April 5, 2024
Community Development Department
Planning Department
315 E. Acequia Ave.
Visalia, CA 93291
Re: Elliott Subdivision – Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Total Suspended Solids Calculations
To Whom It May Concern,
We have prepared the calculations below using the best available standards and practices that were able to find. Our calculations reference a report prepared by Provost and Prichard titled Local Discharge Limits Development, that was prepared for the City of Visalia in March 2011, see Appendix A. We have also utilized the City of Visalia’s Sewer Master Plan, December 2005, to calculate an assumed volume of effluent for the proposed project. See below for the equation that will be utilized to calculate the assumed BOD and TSS that will be generated by the proposed project.
Elliott Subdivision is a new project being proposed by San Joaquin Valley Homes. The project is Located on Shirk Street, south of Highway 198. The project is proposing to develop 60 Gross Acres into a residential subdivision. Using Table 3.4 from the City of Visalia’s Sewer Master Plan, the expected flow rates can be calculated using the Adjusted Flow Coefficients that have been provided.
Table 1: Breakdown of Land Use for Phase 1
Land Use Acreage Adjusted Flow Coefficient Expected
Flow
Unit
Low Density ResidenƟal 60 800 48000 GPD
Total Expected Flow: 48000 GPD
UƟlizing the equaƟon and coefficients previously provided, we can calculate BOD as Follows:
𝐴𝐻𝐿௪ௗ =
(8.34)(𝐶௪ௗ)൫𝑄௪௪௧൯
൫1 − 𝑅௪௪௧൯
Where:
𝐶௪ௗ = 30
𝑄௪௪௧ = .048 𝑀𝐺𝐷
𝑅௪௪௧ = .9881
𝑩𝑶𝑫 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟗. 𝟐𝟏 𝑳𝒃/𝑫𝒂𝒚
UƟlizing the equaƟon and coefficients previously provided, we can calculate TSS as Follows 𝐴𝐻𝐿௪ௗ =
(8.34)(𝐶௪ௗ)൫𝑄௪௪௧൯
൫1 − 𝑅௪௪௧൯
Where:
𝐶௪ௗ = 30
𝑄௪௪௧ = .048 𝑀𝐺𝐷
𝑅௪௪௧ = .9865
𝑻𝑺𝑺 = 𝟖𝟖𝟗. 𝟔𝟎 𝑳𝒃/𝑫𝒂𝒚
Please review the calculaƟons provided and if there are any addiƟonal quesƟons or informaƟon needed, please feel free to contact me at (559)802-3052.
Jonathan J. Frausto
Project Manager
Appendix A
SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
July 03, 2024
Cristobal Carrillo
Associate Planner
City of Visalia, Planning & Community Preservation Department 315 E. Acequia Avenue
Visalia. CA 93291
[email protected]
RE: MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE ANNEXATION NO. 2024-01 AND ELLIOTT TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP NO. 5597 PROJECT DATED JUNE 27, 2024, STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NUMBER 2024061280
Dear Cristobal Carrillo,
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) received a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Annexation No. 2024-01 and Elliott Tentative Subdivision Map No. 5597 project (project). The proposed project is divided into two parts. The first part is the Annexation No. 2024-01 requested by Jonathan Frausto/San Joaquin Valley Homes to annex two parcels totaling approximately 59.13-acres into the city limits of Visalia. Upon annexation the area would be zoned R-1-5 (Single-Family Residential, 5,000 square foot minimum site area), which is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Designation of Residential Low Density. Secondly, the Elliot Tentative Subdivision Map No. 5597: requested by Jonathan Frausto/San Joaquin Valley Homes to subdivide two parcels totaling approximately 59.13-acres into 225 lots for single-family residential use Cristobal Carrillo
July 3, 2024
and additional out lots for landscaping and a neighborhood park, to be located within the R-1-5 (Single-Family Residential, 5,000 square foot minimum site area) zone.
After reviewing the Project, DTSC recommends and requests consideration of the following comments:
1. When agricultural crops and/or land uses are proposed or rezoned for residential use, a number of contaminants of concern (COCs) can be present.
The Lead Agency shall identify the amounts of Pesticides and Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) historically used on the property. If present, OCPs requiring further analysis are Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, toxaphene, and dieldrin. Additionally, any level of arsenic present would require further analysis and sampling and must meet HHRA NOTE NUMBER 3, DTSC-SLs approved thresholds. If they are not, remedial action must take place to mitigate them below those thresholds.
2. Additional COCs may be found in mixing/loading/storage areas, drainage ditches, farmhouses, or any other outbuildings and should be sampled and analyzed. If smudge pots had been routinely utilized, additional sampling for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and/or Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons may be required
3. If buildings or other structures are to be demolished on any project sites included in the proposed project, surveys should be conducted for the presence of lead-based paints or products, mercury, asbestos containing materials, and polychlorinated biphenyl caulk. Removal, demolition, and disposal of any of the above-mentioned chemicals should be conducted in compliance with California environmental regulations and policies. In addition, sampling near current and/or former buildings should be conducted in accordance with DTSC's Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) Guidance Manual.
4. DTSC recommends that all imported soil and fill material should be tested to assess any COCs meet screening levels as outlined in the PEA Guidance Manual. Additionally, DTSC advises referencing the DTSC Information Cristobal Carrillo
July 3, 2024
Advisory Clean Imported Fill Material Fact Sheet if importing fill is necessary.
To minimize the possibility of introducing contaminated soil and fill material there should be documentation of the origins of the soil or fill material and, if applicable, sampling be conducted to ensure that the imported soil and fill material are suitable for the intended land use. The soil sampling should include analysis based on the source of the fill and knowledge of the prior land use. Additional information can be found by visiting DTSC’s Human and Ecological Risk Office (HERO) webpage.
DTSC appreciates the opportunity to comment on the MND for the Annexation No. 2024-01 and Elliott Tentative Subdivision Map No. 5597 project. Thank you for your assistance in protecting California’s people and environment from the harmful effects of toxic substances. If you have any questions or would like clarification on DTSC’s comments, please respond to this letter or via email for additional guidance.
Sincerely,
Tamara Purvis
Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP - Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
Cristobal Carrillo
July 3, 2024
cc: (via email)
Governor’s Office of Planning and
Research State Clearinghouse
[email protected]
Steven Macias
Engineering Manager - Project Applicant
San Joaquin Valley Homes
[email protected]
Jonathan Frausto
Project Manager
4Creeks Consulting Firm
[email protected]
Dave Kereazis
Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP-Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
Scott Wiley
Associate Governmental Program Analyst
HWMP - Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” DISTRICT 6 OFFICE
1352 WEST OLIVE AVENUE |P.O. BOX 12616 |FRESNO, CA 93778-2616 (559) 840-6066 | FAX (559) 488-4195 | TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov
July 16, 2024
TUL-198-5.927
MND/IS
ELLIOT SUBDIVISION
TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP #5597
GTS: 02833
SENT VIA EMAIL
Mr. Cristobal Carrillo, Associate Planner
City of Visalia, Planning and
Community Preservation Dept. - Planning Division
315 East Acequia Avenue
Visalia, CA 93291
Dear Mr. Carrillo:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study (MND/IS) for the Elliot Subdivision proposing to divide 59.13 acres into 225 residential units (Project). The Project is located on the south side of Tulare Avenue, between Road 92 (Shirk Road) and Roeben Street, approximately ½ mile south of the State Route (SR) 198/Road 92 (Shirk Road) interchange, in the City of Visalia.
Caltrans provides the following comments consistent with the State’s smart mobility goals that support a vibrant economy and sustainable communities:
1. The MND Transportation section XVII, (pg. 3-114) identifies that a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) was prepared for the Project in Appendix D of the MND and concluded that the Project would not result in a significant increase in vehicle or truck trips.
Table 3-18 in the MND shows the estimated vehicle trips generated for the Project is expected to generate approximately 2,119 daily trips, including 155 AM peak hour trips (39 inbound, 116 outbound) and 212 PM peak hour trips (134 inbound, 78 outbound).
2. Caltrans reviewed and provided comments on the TIS in a letter dated June 13, 2024, submitted to the City.
3. The MND includes the mitigation measures TRAN-1 that indicates based on the results of the Level of Service (LOS) analysis and the eight-hour vehicular volume warrants, signals shall be constructed at three intersections by 2028 to operate at an acceptable level of service by year 2033. The Project will pay its fair share of Mr. Cristobal Carrillo – MND ELLIOT SUBDIVISION TSM #5597 July 16, 2024
“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” traffic impact fees for the signals at the following intersections:
a. Shirk Street and SR 198 WB Ramps.
b. Shirk Street and SR 138 EB Ramps. (Please note that the State Route indicated needs to be revised from SR 138 to SR 198)
c. Shirk Street and Walnut Avenue.
4. An evaluation of Project vehicle miles traveled (VMT) was conducted based on VMT analysis guidelines adopted by the City of Visalia. The guidelines provide “screening thresholds” for identifying whether a land use project should be expected to result in a less than significant transportation impact under CEQA.
Projects meeting one or more of these criteria would not be required to undergo a detailed VMT analysis. One of the screening criteria is “Project Location Screening”.
Development projects that are in a low VMT zone would be expected to generate similar low vehicle miles travelled. Using the City of Visalia online VMT screening application, the project was determined to be in TAZ 1358. Utilizing the “VMT Per Capita” metric due to residential project, the average VMT was determined to be
8.61 miles per capita. The average VMT per service population for Tulare County is
11.9. Therefore, the project is determined to be in a low VMT zone, and the project would be expected to result in a less than significant transportation impact under CEQA, per MND Figures 3-8 and 3-9.
5. Regarding signalization of any State Highway System ramp intersection, it is Caltrans policy to analyze all potential intersection improvement solutions. An Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) report is required for any proposed intersection improvement, in accordance with Traffic Operations Policy Directive No. 13-02, dated: August 30, 2013. The TOPD #13-02 can be found at (Traffic Operations Policy Directive (TOPD) 13-02, Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE).
6. Please note that any new project that may require employing full control at state highway intersections (i.e. to control all approaching traffic via use of signal, stop or yield control) must consider all three intersection control strategies (stop, roundabout and signal) and the supporting design configurations per the Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) guidelines. ICE establishes a context and performance-based evaluation process to produce engineering recommendations on intersection traffic control strategies and geometric configurations for location specific needs and conditions. The first step of the ICE process will constitute conceptual approval by Caltrans Traffic Operations Office. The project opening day mitigation at an intersection must be evaluated per the ICE procedure. This new policy will affect the engineering process to determine the intersection improvement on State Route (SR) 198. The ICE requirements can be found on the Caltrans website: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/ice (ICE Process Mr. Cristobal Carrillo – MND ELLIOT SUBDIVISION TSM #5597 July 16, 2024
“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” Information Guide (PDF).
7. As a point of information, any work completed in the State’s right-of-way will require a Caltrans encroachment permit. An encroachment permit must be obtained for all proposed activities for placement of encroachments within, under or over the State highway rights-of-way. Activity and work planned in the State right-of-way shall be performed to State standards and specifications, at no cost to the State. Engineering plans, calculations, specifications, and reports (documents) shall be stamped and signed by a licensed Engineer or Architect. Engineering documents for encroachment permit activity and work in the State right-of-way may be submitted using English Units. The Permit Department and the Environmental Planning Branch will review and approve the activity and work in the State right-of-way before an encroachment permit is issued. The Streets and Highways Code Section 670 provides Caltrans discretionary approval authority for projects that encroach on the State Highway System. Encroachment permits will be issued in accordance with Streets and Highway Codes, Section 671.5, “Time Limitations.” Encroachment permits do not run with the land. A change of ownership requires a new permit application. Only the legal property owner or his/her authorized agent can pursue obtaining an encroachment permit.
8. Prior to an encroachment permit application submittal, the project proponent is required to schedule a “Pre-Submittal” meeting with District 6 Encroachment Permit Office. To schedule this meeting, please call the Caltrans Encroachment Permit Office - District 6: 1352 W. Olive, Fresno, CA 93778, at (559) 383-5047 or (559) 383- 5235.
9. Please review the permit application - required document checklist at:
https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=TR0402&distpath=M AOTO&brapath=PERM.
10.Please also review the permit application - processing checklist at:
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/ep, and the Applicant's Check List to determine appropriate review process (form TR-0416) (Rev 01/23) at:
https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTTR0416 If you have any other questions, please call me at (559) 981-1041.
Sincerely,
Mr. David Deel, Acting Branch Chief, Transportation Planning – South “Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” DISTRICT 6 OFFICE
1352 WEST OLIVE AVENUE |P.O. BOX 12616 |FRESNO, CA 93778-2616 (559) 840-6066 | FAX (559) 488-4195 | TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov
June 13, 2024
TUL-198-5.927
SPR #23131
ELLIOT SUBDIVISION
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY (REVISED APRIL 2024)
GTS: 02833
SENT VIA EMAIL
Mr. Cristobal Carrillo, Associate Planner
City of Visalia, Planning and
Community Preservation Dept. - Planning Division
315 East Acequia Avenue
Visalia, CA 93291
Dear Mr. Carrillo:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Traffic Impact Study (TIS) revised April 2024 proposing to divide 59.13 acres into 224 residential units (Project). The Project is located on the south side of Tulare Avenue, between Road 92 and Roeben Street, approximately ½ mile from the State Route (SR) 198/Road 92 interchange, in the City of Visalia.
Caltrans provides the following comments consistent with the State’s smart mobility goals that support a vibrant economy and sustainable communities:
1. In Table 5a (Analysis of PM Queue Length) and Table 5b (Analysis of AM Queue Length), it's observed that the WBL movement shows identical volume and queue values during both AM and PM peak hours. Please verify the volumes for each scenario and make any necessary revisions to the tables accordingly.
2. On page 24, second sentence in 2nd paragraph, the TIS states, “In all cases future 2028 background traffic exceed the storage length prior to the addition of project traffic.” Based on Tables 5a and 5b, this statement appears incorrect. The tables appear to indicate for year 2028, there is sufficient storage length for the background traffic prior to the addition of Project traffic. Please verify and correct as needed. Please resubmit the updated TIS to Caltrans for review.
3. Caltrans has processed the Safety Crash Data Request received from the Project consultant. The consultant should now use the provided crash data to complete the safety review, as mentioned in our previous letter, dated March 22, 2024. The safety review should identify and analyze any potential safety impacts due to the increased conflicts. The safety review should include, but is not limited to, the following: conflict avoidance (weaving, existing maneuvers), correlation between collisions and design Mr. Cristobal Carrillo - SPR #23131 ELLIOT SUBDIVISION
June 13, 2024
“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” standards such as widths and alignment, separation of vulnerable road users from vehicle traffic, and prevention of wrong-way driving. The safety review should be included within the TIS. Please submit the updated TIS for Caltrans review.
4. Alternative transportation policies should be applied to the development. An assessment of multi-modal facilities should be conducted to develop an integrated multi-modal transportation system to serve and help alleviate traffic congestion caused by the project and related development in this area of the City. The assessment should include the following:
a. Pedestrian walkways should link this proposal to an internal project area walkway, transit facilities, as well as other walkways in the surrounding area. b. The Project might also consider coordinating connections to local and regional bicycle pathways to further encourage the use of bicycles for commuter and recreational purposes.
c. If transit is not available within ¼-mile of the site, transit should be extended to provide services to what will be a high activity center.
5. Caltrans recommends the Project implement “smart growth” principles regarding parking solutions, providing alternative transportation choices to residents and employees. Alternative transportation choices may include but are not limited to parking for carpools/vanpools, car-share and/or ride-share programs. Active Transportation Plans and Smart Growth efforts support the state’s 2050 Climate goals.
6. Caltrans supports reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in ways that increase the likelihood people will use and benefit from a multimodal transportation network. Based on Caltrans VMT-Focused Transportation Impact Study Guide, dated May 20, 2020, and effective as of July 1, 2020, Caltrans seeks to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips, provide a safe transportation system, reduce per capita Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), increase accessibility to destinations via cycling, walking, carpooling, transit and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Caltrans recommends that the project proponent continue to work with the City or County to further implement improvements to reduce vehicles miles traveled and offer a variety of transportation modes for its employees.
If you have any other questions, please call me at (559) 981-1041.
Sincerely,
Mr. David Deel, Acting Branch Chief, Transportation Planning – South “Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” DISTRICT 6 OFFICE
1352 WEST OLIVE AVENUE |P.O. BOX 12616 |FRESNO, CA 93778-2616 (559) 840-6066 | FAX (559) 488-4195 | TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov
March 22, 2024
TUL-198-5.927
SPR #23131
ELLIOT SUBDIVISION
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY
GTS: 02833
SENT VIA EMAIL
Ms. Susan Currier – Senior Administrative Assistant
City of Visalia
315 East Acequia Avenue
Visalia, CA 93291
Dear Ms. Currier:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Traffic Impact Study (TIS) proposing to divide 59.13 acres into 224 residential units (Project). The Project is located on the south side of Tulare Avenue, between Road 92 and Roeben Street, approximately 0.5 miles from State Route (SR) 198 on and off-ramps at Road 92, in the City of Visalia.
Caltrans provides the following comments consistent with the State’s smart mobility goals that support a vibrant economy and sustainable communities:
1. Caltrans requests the Project to provide queuing analysis for the westbound left-turn movement at the westbound SR 198 off-ramp for Table 5a – PM Queue Length Analysis.
2. According to the Caltrans Local Development Review Safety Practitioner’s Guidance, a safety review is required because the Project will be adding trips to the State Highway System. The safety review should identify and analyze any potential safety impacts due to the increased conflicts.
For questions, please contact Scott Lau, Associate Transportation Planner, at (559) 981-7341 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
BRADEN DURAN, Acting Branch Chief
Transportation Planning – South