PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Transportation & Construction Services Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation and discussion on proposed amendments to the New Braunfels Code of Ordinances to update Traffic Impact Analysis fees and requirements.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Construction Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) is a specialized engineering study that evaluates the impact of a new development on the transportation network. It is intended to identify impacts, ensure safety and efficiency, guide decision-making, and establish mitigation measures. A TIA is required for any new development, redevelopment, or change in use that is expected to generate new traffic.
The TIA review process involves the city review of a developer’s TIA to ensure a proposed development will not negatively impact the existing transportation network.
In 2023, TIA reviews were primarily conducted by third-party reviewers, who were managed by city staff. TIA review fees were updated in 2023 to cover the city’s cost of the specialized engineering review and pass those costs on to the developer. Fees are assessed based on the actual cost determined by the report scope or additional review comments. The fees recover the city's third-party review costs; however, implementing the fee has created issues, including increased review timelines, uncertainty regarding review fees, and failure to account for city staff review.
To address the issues and the preference for city staff to review TIAs while recovering a portion of the third-party review costs, if required by staff resources and workload, the proposed fee adjustments are as follows:
The proposed fees are based on an estimated level of effort, considering the scope and area of the TIA study, as well as the general costs of third-party reviews. A review of TIA reviews of comparable cities was conducted; however, the TIA requirements, review process, and fees varied widely across the cities.
In addition to TIA review fees, city staff identified the following proposed amendments to the TIA requirements:
• Amend roadway planning level analysis for streets determined by the city engineer.
• Add street design analysis, including geometric and geotechnical analysis, for development and related construction traffic on perimeter and approach streets that provide adequate access.
• Add compliance with thoroughfare design and area transportation plan.
• Amend turn-lane requirements based on previous city criteria and intersection level of service.
• Add expiration date based on no development progress or anticipated development buildout year(s).
TIA standards are in Chapter 118, Subdivision Platting, and amendments are required to go to the Planning Commission for recommendation to the City Council.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☒Economic Mobility ☒Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
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