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File #: 25-1119    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: New Business
File created: 9/8/2025 In control: Planning and Building
On agenda: 10/21/2025 Final action:
Title: Adoption of a Vehicle Miles Traveled Policy by Resolution for CEQA Threshold and Screening Criteria Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 000-000-000 Record No.: LRP-2023-18792 Unincorporated Humboldt County
Strategic Framework: 1000 - SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES, 1007 – Improve the transportation network to be multi-modal, safe, sustainable and equitable, 4000 – HOUSING FOR ALL, 4002 – Increase and prioritize housing development, 5000 – SUSTAINABLE NATURAL RESOURCE & INFRASTRUCTURE STEWARDSHIP, 5001 – Enhance climate adaptation landscapes and communities
Attachments: 1. Staff Report, 2. Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution, 3. Attachment 2 - VMT Threshold Policy Guidelines, 4. Attachment 3 - Humboldt County VMT Study, 5. Attachment 4 - OPR Technical Advisory, 6. Attachment 5 - PC Resolution 25-025 VMT Threshold Policy, 7. Attachment 6 - HCAOG Regional Transportation Plan VROOM 2022 - 2042, 8. Attachment 7 - CAPCOA Handbook, 9. Attachment 8 - StreetLight SB 743 VMT Metric Methodology and Validation White Paper, 10. Attachment 9 - StreetLight SB743 Overview Readme, 11. Attachment 10 - 5.1.2025 PC Hearing Public Comments, 12. Attachment 11 - 5.1.2025 PC Hearing Referral Comments, 13. Attachment 12 - 5.1.2025 PC Hearing Response to Comments
Previous Action/Referral: 25-585

To: Board of Supervisors

From: Planning and Building Department

Agenda Section: Departmental

Vote Requirement: Majority

SUBJECT:
title
Adoption of a Vehicle Miles Traveled Policy by Resolution for CEQA Threshold and Screening Criteria Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 000-000-000 Record No.: LRP-2023-18792 Unincorporated Humboldt County
end

RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the resolution [Attachment 1] taking the following action:
a. Find that the proposed policy for VMT threshold is not a project pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(3) and 15378 (b)(5) of the State CEQA Guidelines; and
b. Adopt the proposed VMT Threshold Policy Guidelines [Attachment 2] establishing thresholds of significance and screening criteria for the purpose of analyzing VMT transportation impacts under CEQA, utilizing either:
i. The Unincorporated Humboldt County data to establish baseline VMT and CEQA thresholds; or
ii. The Countywide data including the Incorporated Cities data to establish the baseline VMT and CEQA thresholds.

Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Plan.

Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1007 - Improve the transportation network to be multi-model, safe, sustainable and equitable

Area of Focus: Housing for All
Strategic Plan Category: 4002 - Increase and prioritize housing development

Area of Focus: Sustainable Natural Resources & Infrastructure Stewardship
Strategic Plan Category: 5001 - Enhance climate adaptation landscapes and communities

DISCUSSION:
Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors (BOS) is being asked to adopt a policy document establishing CEQA thresholds of significance for Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). In 2020, SB 743 took effect and changed traffic impact analysis from the traditional Level of Service analysis (LOS) to VMT. Under this legislation, the county has the discretion to devise VMT thresholds of signi...

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