The provisions of this chapter are intended to comply with certain state laws which require adoption and implementation of a trip reduction and travel demand ordinance. The purpose of this chapter is to provide significant public benefits by improving the general efficiency of the transportation system thereby improving air quality, enhancing the effectiveness of the existing transportation system and reducing energy requirements.
(Ord. 1213 § 1, 1991)
For purposes of this chapter, the definitions for the following terms shall apply:
"Alternative transportation modes"
means any mode of travel that serves as an alternative to the single occupant vehicle. This can include all forms of ridesharing such as carpooling or vanpooling, as well as public transit, bicycling or walking.
"Applicable development"
means any new development project, additions to existing development or change of use to an existing building that are determined to meet or exceed the employment threshold using the criteria contained in Section 25.94.008. When the project consists of an addition to existing development, the employment projection calculation shall be based on the total development (the addition plus the existing development).
"Development"
means the total of all buildings, structures and grounds that encompass a worksite, at either single or multiple locations within the jurisdiction, that comprises or is associated with an applicable development project.
"Mixed-use development"
means new development projects that combine at least two of the following land uses: residential, office, commercial, light industrial and business park.
"Peak period"
means those hours of the business day between six a.m. and ten a.m. inclusive, Monday through Friday.
"Transportation demand management (TDM)"
means the implementation of programs, plans or policies designed to encourage changes in individual travel behavior. TDM can include an emphasis on alternative travel modes to the single-occupant vehicle such as carpools, vanpools and transit; reduction or elimination of the number of vehicle trips, or shifts in the time of vehicle commutes to other than the peak period.
(Ord. 1213 § 1, 1991)
New and expanded commercial, industrial and mixed-use development may adversely impact existing transportation and parking facilities, resulting in increased motor vehicle emissions, deteriorating levels of service and possible significant additional capital expenditures to augment and improve the existing transportation system. In order to more efficiently utilize the existing and planned transportation system and to reduce vehicle emissions, it is the policy of the city of Laguna Beach to:
(A) 
Reduce the number of peak-period vehicle trips generated in association with new development and expanded development;
(B) 
Promote and encourage the use of alternative transportation modes such as ridesharing, carpools, vanpools, public transit, bicycles and walking, as well as those facilities that support such modes;
(C) 
Achieve related reductions in vehicle taps, traffic congestion and public expenditure and achieve air quality improvements through utilization of existing local mechanisms and procedures for project review and permit processing;
(D) 
Promote coordinated implementation of strategies on a countywide basis to reduce transportation demand; and
(E) 
Achieve the most efficient use of local resources through coordinated and consistent regional and/or local TDM programs.
(Ord. 1213 § 1, 1991)
This chapter shall apply to all new development projects, including additions to existing development and change of use to existing buildings, that are estimated to employ a total of two hundred fifty or more persons (or as specified by the rules and regulations of the Southern California air quality management district) as determined by the following methodology:
Land Use Category
Gross Sq. Ft. /Employee
Commercial
500
Office/Professional
250
Industrial
525
Hotel
.9 employee/room
The employment projection for a development of mixed or multiple uses shall be calculated based on the proportion of development devoted to each type of land use.
(Ord. 1213 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1407 § 1, 2002)
All applicable development shall be subject to the facility standards as specified herein; the site plan approved for such development shall provide for each of the improvements identified below:
(A) 
Preferential Parking for Carpool Vehicles.
(1) 
At least fifteen percent of the employee parking spaces shall be reserved and designated for carpool vehicles by marking such spaces "Carpool Only."
(2) 
Carpool spaces shall be used only by carpool vehicles in which at least two of the persons are employees or tenants of the development.
(3) 
Such carpool spaces shall be located near the employee entrance(s) or at other preferential locations within the employee parking areas. (The intent of this section is not to preclude parking arrangements for visitors and handicapped, but to provide preferential carpool parking with the general employee areas.)
(4) 
The total number of employee parking spaces shall be determined by using the following percentages; total required parking shall be determined in accordance with the parking requirements specified in Chapter 25.52:
Land Use Category
Percent of Total Parking Devoted to Employee Parking
Commercial
30%
Office/Professional
85%
Industrial
90%
Hotel
30%
Such employee parking areas shall be designated through appropriate signing.
(B) 
Bicycle Parking and Shower Facilities.
(1) 
Bicycle parking and locker facilities shall be provided in a secure location for use by employees or tenants who commute to the site by bicycle. The number of facilities/racks to be provided shall be at the rate of at least five racks for every one hundred employees or fraction thereof.
(2) 
A minimum of two shower facilities shall be provided, one each for men and women.
(C) 
Information on Transportation Alternatives.
(1) 
A commuter information area shall be provided that offers employees appropriate information on available transportation alternatives to the single-occupancy vehicle. This area shall be centrally located and accessible to all employees or tenants.
(2) 
Information shall include, but not be limited to: current maps, routes and schedules for public transit; ridesharing match lists; available employee incentives; ridesharing promotional material supplied by commuter-oriented organizations.
(D) 
Rideshare Vehicle Loading Areas.
(1) 
Loading areas to embark and disembark passengers from rideshare vehicles may be required by the design review board.
(E) 
Transit Improvements and Ridership Program.
(1) 
Bus stop improvements including bus pullouts, bus pads and right-of-way for bus shelters shall be required for all applicable developments located on high traffic volume streets and established bus routes. Bus stop improvements shall be determined by the design review board according to the following criteria:
(a) 
The frequency and relative impact of blocked traffic due to stopped buses; and
(b) 
The level of transit ridership at the project location.
(2) 
Applicant shall seek to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicle work trips by purchasing monthly bus passes from the Laguna Beach transit lines and/or the Orange County Transit District for all employees who regularly use such transit as a means of getting to work. Applicant must provide detailed information pertaining to the implementation of this program for approval by the design review board or applicable review body.
(Ord. 1213 § 1, 1991)
For purposes of determining whether applicable developments are complying with the provisions of this chapter, the city shall monitor such compliance in a manner it deems appropriate and reasonable. Monitoring mechanisms may include, but are not limited to: local procedures for design review; field and site inspections; and other building site reports or surveys which the city may deem appropriate.
(Ord. 1213 § 1, 1991)
To ensure that applicable developments comply with the provisions of this chapter, the city shall, following written notice to subject property owner or his designee, initiate enforcement action(s) which may include, but are not limited to: withholding issuance of a building permit or certificate of use and occupancy, issuance of stop work order(s) or filing criminal action.
(Ord. 1213 § 1, 1991)