Planning and ZoningCongestion Management
Section § 65088
California's economy heavily relies on its transportation system, but the current setup, which is primarily streets and highways, was not built for the number of vehicles currently using it. This leads to serious traffic congestion and pollution.
There is a need for better coordination in transportation planning across different regions and types of transport to reduce these issues.
To address these challenges, collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, along with private and environmental interests, is essential in developing comprehensive strategies.
Moreover, improving urban areas with affordable housing and walkable neighborhoods is key to handling population growth and reducing congestion.
The Legislature aims to eliminate barriers to creating infill housing and transit-oriented developments but allows for local input to ensure these projects fit well with their surroundings.
Section § 65088.1
This section defines specific terms used within the context of California's transportation planning laws. An 'agency' is responsible for tackling congestion issues. 'Bus rapid transit corridors' have characteristics like exclusive lanes or limited stops. The 'California Transportation Commission' and 'Department of Transportation' are used for official functions. 'Infill opportunity zones' refer to development areas near transit hubs. 'Interregional travel' includes trips starting outside a local agency's area. 'Level of service standards' address traffic deficiencies that need planning. 'Local jurisdictions' are cities or counties developing transit plans. 'Multimodal' travel involves diverse transportation types. A 'parking cash-out program' allows employees to receive cash instead of parking perks. 'Performance measures' are tools to assess transit improvements. 'Urbanized areas' are defined by federal census standards. 'Regional agencies' manage local transit development programs.
Section § 65088.3
This law says that a county in California can choose not to follow the congestion management program if most of its local governments, which are made up of city councils and the county board of supervisors and represent most of the county's population, decide to opt-out by passing resolutions.
Section § 65088.4
This law aims to find a balance between managing traffic standards and promoting housing and commercial development near public transport, downtowns, and town centers. It allows local governments more flexibility in handling these competing needs.
Normally, roads must meet certain traffic standards, but this requirement doesn't apply to designated 'infill opportunity zones', areas meant for development. A city or county can designate such areas if they align with broader community plans and are identified as priority areas for transit and sustainable communities.
Section § 65088.5
This law says that if county transportation commissions and authorities create congestion management programs, these programs should be used by regional transportation planning agencies to meet federal requirements. They must also be included in the region's overall congestion management system.
Section § 65089
This section requires every county with an urban area in California to create and update a congestion management program every two years. This program, developed in collaboration with local and regional agencies, includes several key elements. It sets traffic service standards for highways and roads, measures road and transit performance, encourages alternative transportation like carpools and bikes, and assesses the impact of land use on transportation. The program mandates a seven-year plan for transportation improvements and ensures that data and models for traffic impact assessment are standardized across the county. Additionally, cities or counties must reduce parking requirements for commercial developments that implement parking cash-out programs, which let employees swap free parking for cash equivalents. Finally, the program seeks federal acceptance as a replacement for new congestion management systems required under federal law.
Section § 65089.1
This law section explains the requirements for employers in certain parts of California to create and submit a trip reduction plan. This plan should focus on encouraging employees to use alternatives to driving alone, such as ridesharing and public transit. Employers may be required to offer programs like rideshare databases, emergency rides, public transit subsidies, and bicycle parking, but they aren't mandated to provide cash or prizes as incentives. Additionally, employees must be informed about any proposed plans and given a chance to comment on them. Existing programs had to be updated by 1995 to meet these rules, but plans from before 1994 stayed valid until new ones were adopted. Any disincentives in the plans must not unfairly impact minorities, women, or low-income groups. Lastly, this law is specifically applicable to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and does not affect compliance with broader air quality laws like the Clean Air Act.
Section § 65089.2
This law is about managing traffic congestion and ensuring that local congestion management programs align with larger regional transportation plans. Regional agencies review these programs for consistency and decide if they should be part of the regional transportation improvement plan. If a program doesn't align, certain projects might not get funding. Funds from surface transportation or air quality programs cannot be allocated if a county hasn't adopted a congestion management program or if a local area isn't following it unless the project is vital for the region.
If a newly identified urban area needs a congestion management program, it must be adopted within 18 months. The law also encourages regional agencies to mediate disputes involving these programs and sets up a process for the Secretary of Transportation to step in if needed. Additionally, if a local government owns a facility in another county, they must participate in that county's congestion management efforts, and any disputes can be mediated by regional bodies.
Section § 65089.3
This section outlines how an agency must oversee the implementation of a congestion management program. It specifies that data collection and analysis for state highways are generally the department's responsibility unless the agency assigns it elsewhere. The agency can also delegate these tasks to other entities if it’s clearly outlined in their program. Before finalizing the program, the agency should collaborate with the department and relevant parties to establish data procedures. Every two years, the agency must check if the county and cities comply with the program's standards, such as maintaining traffic levels, evaluating the effects of land use decisions, and creating plans when traffic standards aren't met.
Section § 65089.4
If a city's road or highway system isn't meeting service standards, the city must create a deficiency plan at a public hearing. This plan evaluates why the deficiency happened and suggests fixes, improvements, and actions. Improvements should aim to enhance traffic flow and air quality.
It involves multiple parties, such as the regional agency and air quality management districts, and their feedback affects the planning process. Cities must figure out if multiple jurisdictions are responsible and work together to create and adopt the plan.
Certain types of traffic, like that from inter-regional travel or new housing near train stations, are excluded from these assessments. Deadlines are set for jurisdictions to report their plans, and procedures ensure collaboration and conflict resolution if multiple areas are involved.
Section § 65089.5
This law states that if a city or county in California isn’t following the congestion management program, after a public hearing, they're officially notified of the problem areas. They must fix the issues within 90 days. If they don't, the agency declares them noncompliant and informs both the state commission and Controller. The Controller then stops giving them certain highway funding.
If the city or county fixes the issues within a year, they get their funds back. If not, those funds are rerouted to the agency instead, which must use the money for specific regional projects, not for administrative or planning costs.
Section § 65089.6
This law states that if a city or county does not complete or follow through with a congestion management plan, it doesn't mean someone can sue them for not aligning with their general plan. However, this protection doesn't apply if the congestion management program is actually part of the official transportation section of their general plan.
Section § 65089.7
A development project agreed upon before July 10, 1989, is generally not affected by any new rules in this chapter. However, there is an exception: if those rules involve reducing traffic and managing travel demands, the development must comply with those specific requirements.
Section § 65089.9
This law section allows a study committee to choose at least two agencies to compare different transportation performance measures. These agencies will focus on multimodal (like bike, bus, and rail) versus highway-only standards. The state will provide $50,000 to each agency from the transportation fund to support these demonstration projects. Each agency must then report their findings to the Legislature by June 30, 1997.
Section § 65089.10
If a congestion management agency in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District receives certain funds to address traffic issues, it must use the money to improve air quality as part of its broader program related to this chapter.