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CCRPC staff urges earlier traffic-impact review and build-out analyses for zoning changes
Summary
CCRPC staff presented Traffic Impact Studies basics and urged earlier municipal involvement and build-out analyses; TAC members raised questions on classification of delivery vehicles, impact fee equity, and how to account for walking and biking trips in trip-generation estimates.
Jason Charest, CCRPC senior transportation planning engineer, presented an overview of traffic impact studies at the May 4 TAC meeting, highlighting common municipal reviewer issues and recommending earlier involvement by CCRPC staff to avoid late-stage problems during Act 250 review.
Charest told members that transportation impact fees are typically one-time fees. Sam Andersen asked whether impact fees are one-time charges; Charest confirmed they are. Andrea Morgante asked whether data separates delivery vehicles (UPS/FedEx/USPS) from other trucks; Charest said he has not seen delivery vehicles tracked separately. Members discussed whether towns can commission build-out analyses tied to proposed zoning changes rather than wait for a developer application; Charest said that a build-out analysis is feasible and the CCRPC can assist earlier in the process.
Justin Rabidoux noted that video detection software can help classify trucks, cars, bikes and pedestrians, though it may not distinguish truck types. Jonathon Weber and others pressed for greater attention to walking and biking, with Charest saying that walk, bike and transit modes are seen as trip-reduction strategies and that recovery from auto-centric planning will take time. Members also discussed fairness of impact fees when much traffic originates outside a town and examples where phased improvements might reduce immediate cost burdens.
Takeaway: CCRPC staff recommended earlier technical engagement on traffic impacts and suggested a potential workshop if member interest continues. The presentation emphasized tools (build-out analyses, video detection, nonmotorized trip assumptions) that towns and CCRPC can use to assess and mitigate project impacts.
