HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-07; Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission; 02; Overview of the Transportation Demand Management Program and 2024 Employer Survey Results Meeting Date: April 7, 2025
To: Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager
nathan.schmidt@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2734
Subject: Overview of the Transportation Demand Management Program and 2024 Employer Survey Results
District Citywide
Recommended Action
Receive a presentation on the citywide Transportation Demand Management Program and the
2024 Employer Survey Results.
Executive Summary
The City of Carlsbad’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program aims to reduce
single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips by promoting sustainable alternatives such as walking,
biking, transit, and carpooling. TDM strategies also include options that reduce trip demand,
like telecommuting and flexible work schedules. These efforts support key city goals: lowering
greenhouse gas emissions, improving traffic flow, enhancing employee recruitment and
retention, and maintaining a high quality of life for residents and workers.
Discussion
Adopted in 2015 as part of the General Plan Update, Carlsbad’s Climate Action Plan identifies
TDM as a key strategy to cut transportation-related emissions, which account for nearly 40% of
the city’s GHG output.
In 2019, the City Council adopted the TDM Ordinance (CMC 10.44) provided in Exhibit 1, which
requires new, non-residential developments generating over 110 average daily employee trips
to prepare and implement a TDM plan. TDM plans must be approved by the city before building
occupancy and include a pre-occupancy inspection and ongoing monitoring through biennial
surveys. Projects may fulfill both city TDM ordinance and CEQA requirements through a
combined TDM plan. Additionally, developments that impact LOS-exempt street segments, as
determined by the Growth Management Plan Circulation section report, may require a TDM
plan per the General Plan Mobility Element.
TDM Framework and Resources
To implement the ordinance, the city developed two guiding documents:
TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION
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Staff Report
• TDM Plan: Establishes a citywide goal of reducing SOV trips by 30% by 2035. It focuses
on four strategic areas: infrastructure, policies and regulations, guiding resources, and
the citywide TDM program (Exhibit 2).
• TDM Handbook: Offers a detailed menu of TDM strategies, guidance on plan
development and submittal, and monitoring requirements. A summary of the strategy
categories are as follows and described in further detail in the TDM Handbook in Exhibit
2:
o Services: Carshare, bikeshare, Microtransit, shuttles
o Infrastructure: Bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, bike parking, curb management
o Subsidies & Incentives: Transit and vanpool subsidies, membership discounts,
prize-based challenges
o Employer Policies: Telework, alternate schedules, flexible hours
o Education & Outreach: Welcome kits, campaigns, commuter education
o Parking Management: Paid parking, unbundled parking, carpool/vanpool spaces
Program Implementation and Monitoring
To date the city has approved over 53 TDM plans for office, commercial, industrial, and hotel
projects that covers over 8,700 employees. Each participating site must implement selected
strategies and complete an employer commute survey within 18 months of occupancy or once
75% occupied. Follow-up surveys are required every two years, accompanied by a status report.
Sites not meeting mode share goals may be required to revise their TDM plan. Sustainable
mode share goals range from 24–25% today to 30–40% by 2035 (see Table 1 below).
The city also offers a TDM Business Outreach Program, called “Carlsbad Commuter,” to help
developers and employers implement strategies and meet ordinance requirements. The
program includes assessments, implementation support, events and ongoing engagement. All
participating properties must meet with city staff annually and take part in at least one citywide
TDM event.
CarlsbadCommuter.com is the City of Carlsbad’s official resource for promoting sustainable
transportation options as part of the city’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
program. The site offers personalized commute planning tools, a trip logging dashboard with
rewards and challenges, educational materials, and links to regional transportation services. It
encourages residents, employees, and businesses to choose alternatives to driving alone such
as biking, walking, carpooling, vanpooling, and transit to help reduce traffic congestion and
greenhouse gas emissions. Employers can use the platform to promote sustainable commute
programs internally and meet reporting requirements. The TDM Business Outreach Program
and CarlsbadCommuter.com, in coordination with local and regional transportation efforts,
promote a modern, multimodal approach to encouraging sustainable travel throughout the
city.
TDM Monitoring
Under the Carlsbad TDM Ordinance, properties/employers with an approved TDM plan are
required to prepare a baseline commute survey within one year of reaching 75% occupancy or
within 18 months of initial occupancy, whichever occurs first. Properties conduct follow-up
surveys every two years to gauge progress towards the sustainable transportation mode share
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 2 of 109
goals identified by the city of Carlsbad (see Table 1 below). Along with the survey results,
properties submit a status report documenting the implementation status of their TDM plan
strategies. Properties that fail to reach their mode share goals during their follow-up surveys
may have to amend their TDM plan to improve their progress towards the goal. A summary of
the preliminary results of the latest round of these employer survey are provided in Exhibit 3.
Table 1: Carlsbad Sustainable Mode Share Goals
Period in which Reporting
Falls
New Developments Existing Buildings / Tenant
Improvements
Present till 2025 25 % 24 %
2025 - 2029 30 % 26 %
2030 – 2034 35 % 28 %
2035 and beyond 40 % 30 %
Next Steps
Staff will continue to monitor TDM plan implementations and evaluate employer survey data to
identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Future efforts may include updates to the
TDM Handbook, targeted outreach to underperforming sites, or adjustments to the
development review process to better integrate TDM early in project planning.
Exhibits
1. City Council Ordinance No. CS-350
2. TDM Plan and Handbook
3. TDM Plan Monitoring Summary: Spring and Fall 2024
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CHAPTER 18.51
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
§18.51.010. Purpose.
This chapter establishes policies and guidelines for transportation demand management in the City
of Carlsbad that implements the Carlsbad Climate Action Plan (the "CAP"). The purpose of this
chapter is to:
(Ord. CS-350 § 2, 2019)
§18.51.020. Authority.
The City Engineer or designee shall administer this chapter.
(Ord. CS-350 § 2, 2019)
§18.51.030. Incorporation of Transportation Demand Management Manual by reference.
The City Engineer shall establish rules and procedures as necessary to administer this chapter.
Such rules and procedures shall be referred to as the "Transportation Demand Management
Handbook" ("TDM Handbook") and is incorporated by reference into this chapter. The City
Engineer is hereby authorized to modify the TDM Handbook as necessary provided such
amendments are consistent with this chapter and state law. Should any provisions of the TDM
Handbook conflict with any provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall control.
(Ord. CS-350 § 2, 2019)
§18.51.040. Findings.
This chapter implements the CAP. The requirements of this chapter will help to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions associated with motor vehicles through application of strategies and policies to
reduce travel demand by shifting single occupancy vehicle trips to alternative modes.
(Ord. CS-350 § 2, 2019)
§18.51.050. Definitions.
"Alternative modes" means all modes of transportation that do not include single-occupancy
vehicle trips, including transit, walking, biking, ridesharing and others.
1.Reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and increase alternative mode share among Carlsbad
workers to levels indicated in the CAP to meet 2035 greenhouse gas reduction targets.
2.Support citywide efforts to promote multi-modal streets and neighborhoods consistent with
the mobility element of the general plan including Livable Streets Guide.
3.Mitigate the effects of increased traffic on city infrastructure and maintain adequate provision
of public facilities consistent with the city's Growth Management Plan and Local Facilities
Management Plan.
4.Provide more viable travel options and improve health, quality of life, and safety for City of
Carlsbad residents and employees.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 18.51.010 § 18.51.050
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Exhibit 1
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"Commuter survey" means paper or electronic survey that includes questions about commuter
behavior, preferences, motivations, and barriers. A commuter survey is typically distributed to
establish and monitor mode share at a work site.
"Mode share" means percentage of commuters who use different modes of transportation, such as
drive-alone, transit, bike, walking, etc.
"Single-occupancy vehicle (SOV)" means one occupant per vehicle. SOV trips can be used
interchangeably with drive-alone or solo driving trips.
"TDM Plan" means strategies and investments to reduce SOV mode share tailored to a specific
work-site, including facilities improvements, programs, incentives/disincentives, education,
marketing, and outreach.
"Transportation Demand Management (TDM)" means strategies, policies, and programs that
reduce demand on roadway infrastructure by reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips.
(Ord. CS-350 § 2, 2019)
§ 18.51.060. Applicability.
This chapter, together with the TDM Handbook, shall apply to all non-residential development
projects where employees produce a minimum of 110 average daily trips (ADT). Trip generation
rates determined as according to the TDM Handbook. All projects that are subject to this
ordinance shall submit a TDM plan in accordance with the TDM Handbook.
(Ord. CS-350 § 2, 2019)
§ 18.51.080. Enforcement.
(Ord. CS-350 § 2, 2019)
§ 18.51.090. Fees.
An applicant for a project subject to this chapter shall include with the application, all fees
established by the City Council by resolution to cover the city's cost to review an application,
any required TDM documentation package and any other documents that the city staff reviews
pursuant to the requirements of this chapter and the TDM Plan and TDM Handbook.
(Ord. CS-350 § 2, 2019)
A. The City Manager, or designee, shall investigate and enforce this chapter. Any city
authorized personnel or enforcement officer may exercise any enforcement power as set forth
in Chapters 1.08 and 1.10 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
B. Upon approval of the City Council, the City Manager, or designee, may delegate to or enter
into a contract with a local agency or other person to implement and administer any of the
provisions of this chapter on behalf of the city.
C. TDM amenities approved and installed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be
maintained in accordance with the policies and requirements of the TDM Handbook. Failure
to do so may be subject to enforcement to the provisions of this section.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 18.51.050 § 18.51.090
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City of Carlsbad Citywide Transportation Demand Management Plan
Approved by Carlsbad City Council Feb. 26, 2019
Introduction
The State of California has set mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to 1990 levels by
2020 or 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. The City of Carlsbad is doing our part and adopted a
Climate Action Plan in September 2015 to meet our required share of GHG emission reductions. The
Climate Action Plan recognizes that Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is an important
strategy to achieve the state’s mandated targets. Transportation accounts for nearly 40% of greenhouse
gas emissions and the purpose of TDM is to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle trips among
employees that work in Carlsbad.
TDM is an effective strategy to reduce GHG emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Specifically, the Climate Action Plan targets single occupancy vehicle trips, or people driving alone, to
and from work. Measure K-1 requires the following:
The Plan
This citywide TDM plan outlines the framework within which city staff will operationalize TDM to meet
the requirements of K-1 and ultimately the targets to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips by 30% by
the year 2035. Measure K-1 references the General Plan Mobility Element, which states that “TDM
consists of programs and policies to reduce the demand for the single occupant automobile.” Thus, the
citywide TDM plan consists of the following elements:
1.Infrastructure
2.Regulations & Policies
3.Guiding Resources
4.TDM Program
1. Infrastructure
The ability of individuals or groups of individuals to choose alternative modes of transportation relies on
the availability of a transportation network with adequate infrastructure to make other modes such as
walking, biking, transit or carpooling viable. For example, a person is not likely to bike to and from work
if there are not safe bike lanes available, if there are not clear bike routes from the street to their place
of work, or if there are not showers available once they arrive at work.
Exhibit 2
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K-1: Adopt a citywide transportation demand management (TOM) plan, as described in the General
Plan Mobility Element, detailing a mix of strategies to reduce travel demand, specifically of single
occupancy vehicles. SANDAG's 2012 "Integrating Transportation Demand Management Into the
Planning and Development Process"42 provides a guide to designing and implementing a TOM plan
and will be used as a rceference document to develop the city's TOM plan. TOM strategies
evaluated in the plan include parking ordinances, subsidized or discounted transit programs, transit
marketing and promotion, carsharing, bikesharing, parking pricing, and bike parking. (Short-term)
The city’s Sustainable Mobility Plan is an effort to examine alternative transportation options in a
comprehensive way to present an existing and future network that will make it easier for individuals to
understand and make varied transportation choices. The Sustainable Mobility Plan effort will prioritize
infrastructure project to close gaps that are hindering the use of alternative modes of transportation like
biking, walking, transit and safe routes to schools. A robust infrastructure network will provide more
options for the community to choose one or a combination of transportation methods other than
driving alone.
Infrastructure improvement projects identified through the Sustainable Mobility Plan will be
incorporated into the city’s annual Capital Improvement Program.
In addition to the Sustainable Mobility Plan, the city will evaluate appropriate TDM infrastructure
improvements through other major city efforts, like the Village & Barrio Master Plan implementation.
Any new transportation services that is available in Carlsbad either through efforts led by the city or
through partnership with regional transportation agencies such as SANDAG or NCTD also fall into the
category of infrastructure. For example, should the city work with the business community to launch
service to and/from transit stations to the city’s industrial hub around McClellan-Palomar Airport, such
service would be considered an infrastructure improvement to the city’s network.
2. Regulations & Policies
From the regulatory level, in addition to Measure K-1 of the Climate Action Plan, Measure K-2 of the
plan requires adoption of a TDM ordinance. This ordinance places regulations on new non-residential
development to install appropriate TDM infrastructure and programs at the individual development
project level. This will be achieved by the development and city approval of project-specific TDM plans
that development applicants will prepare when the project meets the determine threshold of average
daily trips generate by employees. City staff will use industry standards to calculate average daily trips
and determine the applicability of a project to submit a project-specific TDM plan.
In addition to the TDM ordinance, other major city efforts that affect the transportation effort from a
policy level will consider which, if any TDM strategies would be appropriate. The Village & Barrio Master
Plan is an example of such an effort. The plan addressed TDM by evaluating parking requirements in the
geographic area of the plan, parking program elements and infrastructure improvements that would
encourage all people in the Village & Barrio to consider transportation options, whether they are
residents, employees or even visitors.
City staff will work with the city’s Chief Innovation Officer to identify potential areas where TDM
strategies can leverage technology effectively or to coordinate transportation-related innovation efforts
with this plan.
3. Guiding Resources
TDM is not something developers or businesses have an expertise in and will need consultative
assistance. Carlsbad is at the forefront of municipal climate change by launching a proactive TDM plan.
City staff believe an important part of the citywide TDM plan is appropriate assistance to make choices
that are cost-effective and project-specific. The TDM ordinance references the TDM Handbook, which
will serve as a “living” document to provide guidance to the development and business community on
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 7 of 109
how to implement TDM in a specific context. The handbook outlines a comprehensive list of strategies,
details how the strategy can be implemented and which modes each strategy addresses.
Once the ordinance is approved and adopted, the TDM Handbook will be accompanied by more detailed
information about TDM on the city’s webpage, as well as an interactive online tool that will help filter
the strategies in the TDM Handbook based on what an employer or developer wants to achieve.
The TDM Handbook is considered a “living” document because city staff expect to update the handbook
based on experiences once developers and businesses start using the resource. It will be iterative so that
as TDM plans are approved and implemented, staff can gain insight qualitatively and quantitatively on
the effectiveness of each strategy within the Carlsbad context.
4. TDM Program
The TDM ordinance can only address new non-residential development. Staff recognizes that in order to
meet our GHG reduction targets, proactive efforts must be made with the existing business community.
Carlsbad is a significant regional employer and tens of thousands of employees commute into Carlsbad
from outside the city. The TDM program will proactively identify, target and work with existing
businesses to implement TDM plans. The most cost-effective way to implement a robust TDM program
with the city’s existing business community is to contract TDM consultant services with a qualified
technical firm who will use best management practices and Carlsbad’s position as a regional
employment hub to expand the reach of TDM beyond the ordinance alone.
City staff will work with the TDM consultant to develop the TDM program, but the consultant will be
expected to provide the following services in the first year.
• Establish stakeholder advisory committee consisting of a variety of stakeholders within the
business, transportation and government sectors
• Update framework for and monitoring structure of the TDM program
• Conduct outreach to the existing business community
In addition to this work in the first year to set up the TDM program, the TDM consultant will also provide
technical support for the TDM ordinance including review and monitoring of project-specific TDM plans.
The TDM consultant will also conduct the monitoring of TDM efforts through both the ordinance and
program.
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring for the program will be coordinated by a city staff member within the Community &
Economic Development Department since implementation of the TDM Ordinance is being led by the
Land Development Engineering Division and the TDM Program is being led by the Economic
Development Division as a service and manner of support to the existing business community.
Community & Economic Development staff will provide updates to City Council annually on TDM efforts
as part of the annual Climate Action Plan report.
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Transportation Demand Management
Handbook
Version 2.0
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 9 of 109
(_ City of
Carlsbad
Carlsbad TDM Handbook
Contents
1 Carlsbad TDM Overview .......................................................................................................... 2
2 Carlsbad TDM Ordinance ......................................................................................................... 8
3 General Plan Mobility Element TDM Plan Requirement ......................................................... 23
4 TDM Business Outreach Program ........................................................................................... 32
Appendices
A.Strategy Details and Guidance .............................................................................................. A-1
B.Alignment with Local, Regional, and State Plans ................................................................... B-1
C.TDM Plan Template for Ordinance Projects .......................................................................... C-1
D.TDM Plan Template for Mobility Element Projects ............................................................... D-1
E.Glossary of Terms ................................................................................................................. E-1
F.TC Designation Form ............................................................................................................. F-1
G.Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan Acknowledgment Form .......................... G-1
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Carlsbad TDM Handbook
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1 Carlsbad TDM Overview
1.1 Introduction
As Carlsbad becomes an increasingly desirable place for people to live, work, and play, it is
important that the city balances growth and economic opportunity with demand on roadway
and parking infrastructure and a responsibility to achieve environmental targets. At the same
time, innovation across the mobility landscape is accelerating at a rapid pace, adding new and
emerging approaches and technologies, such as microtransit, shared mobility, remote work,
and advances in autonomous vehicles.
In September 2015, the City of Carlsbad adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to promote
sustainability in the community and help meet greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. As
automobile emissions contribute significantly to GHG emissions, the CAP directed the city to
adopt a citywide Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan (Measure K-1) and
TDM ordinance (Measure K-2) to encourage Carlsbad workers to shift from driving alone to
traveling by sustainable modes. TDM policies and programs encourage people to drive less
and walk, bike, ride transit or carpool more.
The citywide TDM plan describes the city’s strategic approach to implementing TDM to meet
the requirements of Measure K-1 and K-2 and City Council Policies. The plan identifies four
strategic areas: infrastructure, regulations & policies, guiding resources and the larger TDM
program.
The City of Carlsbad’s TDM Program was designed to implement the citywide TDM plan.
The program supports and implements policies set out in several important city planning and
policy documents and reinforces state and regional plans and programs, such as SANDAG’s
iCommute program, that promote equitable and sustainable development and increased
mobility options for all residents, workers, and visitors. Appendix B includes more detail on
how the TDM program aligns with local, regional, and state programs and plans.
The TDM program is measured by the percentage of trips made by alternative transportation
modes rather than by driving alone. The mode share goals for the TDM ordinance and the
TDM business outreach program are tied to the City of Carlsbad’s alternative mode share goal
identified in the 2015 CAP and will be adjusted should there be a change in future editions of
the CAP. The 2015 CAP set an overall alternative mode share goal of 32 percent by 2035:
30% for existing non-residential buildings and 40% for new non-residential buildings.
Generally, these different TDM requirements for the City of Carlsbad involve implementing
infrastructure and non-infrastructure TDM strategies through a project-level TDM Plan
registered with the Carlsbad Transportation Administrator and conducting regular surveys of
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Carlsbad TDM Handbook
3
employees to ensure compliance. The TDM Plan, specifies the conditions – be it new
development or redevelopment, residential or non-residential – and the actions that must be
taken. This handbook also describes required TDM strategies which must be included in a
project-level TDM Plan and optional TDM strategies which may be included in a TDM plan.
City of Carlsbad staff through the Carlsbad Commuter program are available to help
implement business and residential TDM Plans.
Are you developing a new residential or commercial development? Are you a transportation
coordinator that just got handed your organization’s TDM Plan? This TDM Handbook is a
resource designed to help you navigate TDM plan requirements as well as provide general
resources for the implementation of TDM strategies, thereby supporting the city’s commitment
to conservation and sustainability. The purpose of this handbook is to provide an overview of
what TDM is and its importance to Carlsbad, establish rules and procedures for the
administration of the TDM ordinance and mobility element policies, and to make it easy for
Carlsbad businesses to comply with these requirements. The TDM Handbook will be updated
by city staff as needed, to meet the goals and objectives of the CAP and other city initiatives.
TDM Ordinance and Plan Requirement
The TDM ordinance (Measure K-2) was approved in the spring of 2019 and became effective
on April 11, 2019. The general purpose of the TDM ordinance is to establish regulatory TDM
requirements for new non-residential developments and redevelopments in the City of
Carlsbad. The TDM ordinance requires non-residential developments that generate 110 or
more average daily employee trips (ADET) to prepare a TDM plan. If a project triggers both
the TDM ordinance and the General Plan Mobility Element TDM plan requirement, a TDM
plan shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the TDM ordinance. This
handbook is incorporated by reference into the TDM ordinance and elements of the handbook
are enforceable.
General Plan Mobility Element TDM Plan Requirement
Residential and non-residential new developments that do not fall under the TDM ordinance
may be required to prepare and implement a TDM plan if the development adds vehicle traffic
to street facilities that are exempt from the vehicle LOS standard, consistent with 3-P.11 of the
General Plan Mobility Element. If a project triggers both the TDM ordinance and the General
Plan Mobility Element TDM plan requirement, a TDM plan shall be prepared in accordance
with the requirements of the TDM ordinance.
TDM Business Outreach Program
The TDM Business Outreach Program provides support to implement TDM, meet the goals of
the Climate Action Plan, and ultimately works together with planned infrastructure
improvements to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips.
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The program, called Carlsbad Commuter, is provided by the city as a service to support
developers, property managers, and employers. It provides outreach and support to local
employers to help improve transportation options for their workers. The program also provides
assistance to developers with the implementation of site-specific plans required by the TDM
ordinance.
Along with local and regional transportation initiatives, the TDM Business Outreach Program
helps establish a new way of thinking about mobility in Carlsbad worthy of a world class city.
TDM Residential Outreach
The citywide TDM program also includes outreach to residents via schools and common
interest developments, such as homeowner associations.
1.2 What is TDM?
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is the concept of using policies, strategies, and
programmatic measures to encourage a shift away from single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips
toward alternative travel options, such as walking, biking, transit, and ridesharing to reduce
demand for congested roadways and parking. In other words, TDM efforts try to get people to
drive alone less, and instead, walk, bike, ride transit or carpool more. TDM is generally not
about building new roads or bike lanes or operating travel services. It’s about using subsidies,
policies, and education to make the transportation system that we have work better. Less time
spent in a car can benefit the individual in many ways by reducing stress, increasing physical
activity, and saving money. Cumulatively, it also can allow for a much more efficient use of
road space, thereby increasing mobility, decreasing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and
decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
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Figure 1-1 TDM Concept
Effective TDM is Multi-Faceted and Comprehensive
A robust TDM program incorporates a variety of interventions to promote sustainable choices
during the transportation decision-making process. TDM interventions could include onsite
TDM-supportive amenities and facilities that increase the mobility options available to
individuals, marketing and incentive programs that encourage other travel options,
disincentives to make driving less attractive, and travel planning assistance to empower
commuters to make informed decisions. Different types of TDM interventions reinforce one
another to create a comprehensive program that supports a range of transportation modes.
1.3 Types of TDM Strategies
TDM strategies can be implemented at the site, district, city, or regional level. This handbook
focuses on strategies that are implemented at the site level by businesses or residential
properties. Strategies typically fall into two categories:
§ Site-specific infrastructure strategies support alternative travel to and from the site.
They include bike parking, showers and lockers for individuals biking or walking to
work, preferential carpool and vanpool parking, bike and pedestrian connections across
a site or to the citywide bike and pedestrian network, and onsite amenities that reduce
employee or resident trips, such as fitness centers, coffee shops, restaurants/cafeterias,
ATMs, or similar services.
§ Non-infrastructure strategies incentivize alternative travel by employees and residents.
They include alternative transportation subsidies, ridematching services to facilitate
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vehides
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Carlsbad TDM Handbook
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carpooling, guaranteed ride home programs, and marketing and outreach events and
programs.
A comprehensive list of strategies eligible for mandated TDM plans is available in Appendix
A.
1.4 Benefits of TDM
The TDM Program helps the city achieve its sustainability and mobility goals by managing
growth and development, mitigating congestion, improving air quality, and increasing access
and connectivity in the transportation network. TDM practices also have many short-term and
long-term benefits for Carlsbad workers, businesses, residents, and the community.
For examples of the benefits of implementing a TDM Plan, please refer to Section 4.4 Case
Studies.
1.5 Who should implement TDM Strategies?
TDM strategies can be implemented by and tailored to employers of all sizes, schools, and
residential properties. Many strategies are low-cost interventions and can be implemented
without large upfront investments.
This handbook provides information and resources to all developers, property managers,
homeowners associations, schools, and employers doing business in the City of Carlsbad.
Whether you are required to prepare and implement a TDM plan or are interested in improving
Figure 2-1 Benefits of TDM
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Carlsbad Workers
• Reduced work stress
• Improved morale
• Increased productivity
• Commute flexibility and
increased affordability
Carlsbad Businesses
• Meet CAP Requirement
• Meet LEED & CAL Green
Requirements
• Better productivity and
workplace morale
• Improved employee
health and wellness
• Attract talent
• Enhanced public image
• Decreased parking demand
• Support other
sustainable goals
Carlsbad Residents
• Access to more and
better transportation
options
• Less neighborhood traffic
• Emphasis on a healthy
and active community
Carlsbad Community
• Improved air quality
• Reduced greenhouse
gas emissions
• Better access and
connectivity
• Reduced traffic
congestion
• Support sustainable goals
Carlsbad TDM Handbook
7
commute options for employees, guidance and resources for all scenarios are covered in this
document.
• Refer to Section 2 Carlsbad TDM Ordinance for information about who the
ordinance applies to and step-by-step guidance for compliance.
• Refer to Section 3 General Plan Mobility Element TDM Plan Requirement for
information about developments required to prepare a TDM plan under the General
Plan Mobility Element.
• Refer to Section 4 TDM Business Outreach Program for information about the TDM
program available for all employers and property managers located within the City of
Carlsbad.
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2 Carlsbad TDM Ordinance
2.1 Background
The TDM ordinance was approved in the spring of 2019 and became effective on April 11,
2019. The general purpose of the TDM ordinance is to establish regulatory development
requirements for TDM in the City of Carlsbad. The TDM ordinance places requirements on
non-residential development that is anticipated to generate 110 or more average daily
employee trips (ADET).
The 110-employee trip threshold was chosen to align with the Governor’s Office of Planning
& Research’s Technical Advisory document on evaluating transportation impacts in CEQA.
The focus on employee trips only acknowledges that employers can significantly influence
how employees travel with TDM strategies while having far less ability to influence how
customers and visitors travel. That document, released in December 2018, identified that
projects generating fewer than 110 average daily trips could generally be assumed to cause a
less than significant transportation impact.
2.2 Purpose of the Ordinance
The City of Carlsbad’s TDM Ordinance is designed to ensure developers, property managers,
and employers provide sufficient on-site amenities and services for walking, biking,
ridesharing, and transit to reduce single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips among Carlsbad
workers as required by Measure K-2 of the Climate Action Plan Measure (CAP).
The city’s primary goal for the TDM Ordinance is to increase alternative (non-SOV) mode
share to 40% for new developments and 30% for existing developments by 2035.
As a reflection of the city’s commitment to the Carlsbad Community Vision for the future,
the ordinance is consistent with the General Plan, Climate Action Plan (CAP), and other
supporting policies. In addition, the TDM ordinance aligns with many other policy goals to
improve quality of life for Carlsbad residents and workers. The TDM ordinance has six
supporting objectives:
• Manage growth and development.
• Increase access to transportation options and mobility.
• Foster a healthy community for Carlsbad residents and workers.
• Build inter-agency partnerships and strengthen regional sustainability and mobility
efforts.
• Focus on local sub-areas for improvements to align with the Sustainable Mobility Plan.
• Promote emerging mobility technologies.
The City of Carlsbad has hired a Transportation Administrator (Carlsbad TA) to assist
developers with TDM Ordinance compliance and completion of a plan. Accompanying this
document is a TDM Plan Template to further assist developers in development of the TDM
plan.
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2.3 Relationship of the Ordinance to Other TDM Mitigation Measures
Carlsbad’s Multimodal Level of Service (MMLOS) mitigation measures and California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mitigation measures may result in implementation of
TDM measures. These present separate pathways to TDM implementation aiming to achieve
different goals than the TDM ordinance. However, some measures may be eligible to count
towards the total number of points required in the TDM plan, provided they adhere to the
requirements of the TDM measure as detailed in this handbook. Regardless of the source of the
TDM measure requirement, all TDM strategies associated with a specific project are contained
in a single TDM plan to be implemented and monitored in accordance with the details
contained in the TDM plan. TDM measures will be reviewed and approved according to the
requirements of the specific pathway the measure is proposed to satisfy. TDM measures used
to meet CEQA requirements must remain in perpetuity with the project.
2.4 Thresholds for Compliance
Proposed non-residential development projects with trip generation estimates of 110 average
daily employee trips (ADET) or more are subject to the transportation demand management
(TDM) ordinance and are required to complete and implement a TDM Plan. A development is
any construction, re-construction, re-model, or alteration of the size of any building structure,
or area of occupancy, requiring a development permit; any grading activities requiring a
development permit; change in the density or intensity of use of land requiring a development
permit. Renovation work, such as window replacement, electrical upgrades, lighting, painting,
etc. is not considered development. Examples of development are:
• New building construction
• Building additions
• Tenant improvements to existing building space
• A redevelopment creating a single space/suite hosting one business that creates 110
employee trips.
• Creation of outdoor facilities where employees are expected to work, such as outdoor
dining areas, amusement parks, outdoor retail, etc.
The square footage used to calculate the trip generation estimate for tenant improvements is
based on the floor area of the improvement, not the square footage of the entire building. No
credit for daily employee trips is given for existing uses that are replaced by a proposed
project. Similarly, some infrastructure improvements are sized based on the square footage of
the improvement. However, the TDM plan is applicable to all the applicant’s employees
located at the site. While requirements for infrastructure improvements are correlated to the
size of the tenant improvement, programmatic measures are expected to be available to all
employees at the site.
2.4.1 Tiered Requirements
TDM requirements for new developments vary by the expected average daily employee trips
(ADET). All developments that meet the threshold of 110 ADET are required to submit a
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TDM plan using the TDM Plan Template for Ordinance Projects and are subject to the
monitoring and reporting schedule described in section 2.8.
Table 2-1 TDM Plan Applicability
ADET New Development/
Tenant Improvement
<110 Exempt
110 - 220 Tier 1
221 - 275 Tier 2
>275 Tier 3
Average daily employee trips will be calculated using the ADET estimations in Table 2-2.
Uses not listed may be subject to special consideration should contact city staff for further
information. For projects with multiple uses, calculate ADET based on the square footage for
each use.
Table 2-2 ADET Estimation for Various Commercial Uses
Use ADET for first 1,000
sq. ft.
ADET/ 1000 sq. ft.
thereafter1
Office- all uses2 13.0 13.0
Restaurant 11.0 11.0
Retail3 8.0 4.5
Industrial 4.0 3.5
Manufacturing 4.0 3.0
Warehousing 4.0 1.0
Example 1: a 23,000 sq. ft. retail development would be estimated to generate 107 trips:
8 trips for the first 1,000 sq. ft. and 99 for the next 22,000 sq. ft. (23,000/1,000 * 4.5).
Example 2: a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse with 5,000 sq. ft. of office would be estimated to
generate a total of 168 ADET: 65 trips for the office use (5,000/1,000 * 13) plus 4 trips for the
first 1,000 sq. ft. of warehousing plus 99 trips for the remaining 99,000 sq. ft. of warehousing
(99,000/1,000 * 1).
1 Unless otherwise noted, rates estimated from ITE Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition
2 For all office categories. Calibrated based on typical number of employees/square foot for office uses.
3 Retail uses include shopping center, variety store, supermarket, gyms, pharmacy, etc.
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2.5 TDM Plan Requirements
The following TDM plan elements are required. They are further described in the TDM Plan
Template (Appendix C). Some projects may be identified as unique by city staff and may be
subject to a case-by-case analysis of TDM plan requirements.
• Existing conditions and context
• Agreement to implement the following required strategies:
o Designating a transportation coordinator (TC). The TC must attend an
introductory TC meeting and completing a TC training.
o Distributing transportation options information to new employees.
o Coordinating with the city’s business outreach TDM program (Carlsbad
Commuter), including attending at least one event or meeting and participating
in/promoting at least two citywide TDM events per year.
o Shell buildings and multi-tenant buildings only: Requiring TDM
participation by tenants via lease language. At a minimum, tenant must agree to
provide a current contact, participate in promoting the project’s TDM strategies
and sustainable transportation, and distribute and promote surveys to their
employees to comply with monitoring. The building owner remains responsible
for TDM plan compliance and must provide a transportation coordinator. Note:
Tenants applying for a building permit have the option to choose the property’s
TDM plan or create their own. If they choose their property’s TDM plan, they
must complete the TDM Plan Acknowledgment Form in Appendix G before the
building permit is issued. If they trigger a higher tier level, they must create
their own TDM plan for city approval.
• A selection of infrastructure improvements and non-infrastructure strategies must be
chosen to supplement the required strategies and achieve the number of points detailed
in Table 2-3. The number of points available for different strategies roughly correspond
to each strategy’s trip reduction potential.
Table 2-3: Required Points by Tier Required Points** Elective Points Total Points
Tier 1 4 2 6
Tier 2 4 5 9
Tier 3 4 14* 18
*Tier 3 projects must gain at least six points through infrastructure strategies and Tier 1 and 2
projects must select from both infrastructure and non-infrastructure strategies, unless otherwise
approved by the City of Carlsbad.
**Shell buildings and multi-tenant buildings have five required points since they must include
TDM in their lease language.
• Agreement to adhere to monitoring and reporting requirements as described in Section
2.8.
• The strategies selected may be changed in the future by amending the TDM plan
according to the process laid out in Section 2.8.
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2.6 TDM Plan Review and Approval Process
Discretionary Permits (if applicable)
1) Prior to submitting a permit application, confirm applicability of TDM ordinance
•Use the Development Permits P-2 form to determine if the project is subject to the TDM ordinance.
•All projects subject to the TDM Ordinance are required to complete a preliminary TDM plan for review and approval prior to discretionary approval.
2) Pre-application Consultation
•Applicants should email landdev@carlsbadca.gov to schedule a consultation and coordinate TDM requirements related to the project prior to submittal of their draft plan.
3) Preliminary TDM Plan Review
•The preliminary TDM plan is reviewed along with other application materials in the Planning division submittal package. Comments will be provided via the submittal package comment letter.
•Once the preliminary plan has addressed all city comments, it will be approved as a preliminary TDM plan.
4) Requirements Following Preliminary Plan Approval
•The project will be conditioned to submit
a final TDM plan to the satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to occupancy of an associated building permit. This step allows for updates to the preliminary plan once one or several tenants have been identified.
•TDM requirements following discretionary approval are outlined in the Building Permit process below.
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Building Permits – Projects with a Preliminary Plan on File
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE
1) TDM Plan Consultation
•For projects that have an approved preliminary TDM plan, a consultation between a developer representative and city staff must occur and infrastructure strategies shall be incorporated into the building plan set. To request a consultation, email landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
PRIOR TO FINAL BUILDING PERMIT AND OCCUPANCY
2) TDM Plan Development
•The Carlsbad TA is available to assist with the completion of the final plan.
•The final TDM plan shall be submitted to city staff for review and approval. Selected infrastructure strategies shall
be incorporated into the building plan
set.
•The final plan must address all
comments received and must be
submitted with the required signatures
prior to approval.
3) Pre-Occupancy Site Inspection
•TDM plans must complete a successful pre-occupancy inspection prior to
approval. During the inspection, the
presence and proper installation of
infrastructure and physical elements are verified.
•If the infrastructure has not been
installed per the TDM plan,
modifications to the infrastructure or to
the TDM plan may be required.
4) Plan Approval and Implementation
•After all comments have been addressed and infrastructure strategies have been verified at the pre-occupancy site
inspection, the TDM plan will be signed
by a city representative. The city will distribute the approved TDM plan to appropriate individuals.
•The city provides implementation and
monitoring assistance to applicants via
the TDM business outreach program
Carlsbad Commuter.
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Building Permits – Projects with no Preliminary Plan on File
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE
1) TDM Plan Consultation
•Prior to issuance of a building permit, all projects subject to the TDM ordinance must complete a consultation with city
staff regarding submittal of the TDM plan. To request a consultation, email landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
•In addition, a consultation between the plan preparer and city staff or the Carlsbad TA must occur prior to building permit issuance.
•If the property has an approved TDM plan on file, applicants may choose to sign on to the property's plan, unless a higher tier is required.
2) Infrastructure Selection
•Applicants who develop their own plan must identify infrastructure strategies before building permit issuance and discuss and email them with an early draft plan to the Carlsbad TA for preliminary approval. These infrastructure strategies will need to be incorporated into the building plan set.
PRIOR TO FINAL BUILDING PERMIT AND OCCUPANCY
3) TDM Plan Development
•The Carlsbad TA is available to assist with the completion of the plan.
•Applicants/plan preparers submits a draft of the final plan using the template in Appendix C with supporting documentation
to the Carlsbad TA for review and receives
feedback at the latest six weeks before occupancy is expected.
•The final plan must address all comments
received and must be submitted with the
required signatures prior to approval.
4) Pre-Occupancy Site Inspection
•TDM plans must complete a successful pre-
occupancy inspection prior to approval.
During the inspection, the presence and
proper installation of infrastructure and
physical elements are verified.
•If the infrastructure has not been installed
per the TDM plan, modifications to the
infrastructure or to the TDM plan may be required.
5) Plan Approval and Implementation
•After all comments have been addressed and infrastructure strategies have been verified at the pre-occupancy site inspection, the TDM plan will be signed by a city representative. The city will distribute the approved TDM plan to appropriate individuals.
•The city provides implementation and monitoring assistance to applicants via the TDM business outreach program Carlsbad Commuter.
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2.7 Strategy Selection
All TDM plans require the selection of strategies in addition to the required ones. This section
describes the required strategies and includes a menu of infrastructure and non-infrastructure
strategies available to fulfill the plan requirements. Reference Appendix A for detailed
guidance and standards for each strategy. All projects must select strategies from both menus
and Tier 3 plans must achieve a minimum of six points through infrastructure strategies, unless
otherwise approved by city staff.
Some strategies contain a range of points. The applicant will work with the TA to determine
the likely effectiveness of the strategy based on the unique attributes of the site and proposed
development. In general, the point value is relative to the level of effort and the applicability of
a strategy based on the development context.
The menu of strategies will be reviewed periodically by city staff to adjust point values of
TDM measures as necessary or to add new measures. The revised menu of TDM strategies
will only be used for new application, however, a property owner may file a TDM plan update
application containing revised strategies at any time for review and approval by the city.
2.7.1 Required Strategies
As laid out in Table 2-4 below, required strategies yield 4 points towards the required number
of points.
Table 2-4 Menu of TDM Strategies: Required Strategies
Category Name Description Points
Re
q
u
i
r
e
d
Designated
Transportation
Coordinator
(TC)
Designate an on-site Transportation Coordinator
responsible for ensuring compliance with City of
Carlsbad TDM Plan requirements.
1
New Hire
Transportation
Information
Distribute transportation options information provided
by the citywide program to new hires at the point of
hiring.
1
Citywide TDM
Program
Active participation in the citywide TDM program. 2
Re
q
u
i
r
e
d
f
o
r
S
h
e
l
l
an
d
M
u
l
t
i
-Te
n
a
n
t
Bu
i
l
d
i
n
g
s
TDM in Leases
and Purchase
Agreements
Establish requirements in leases and unit purchase
agreements that bind tenants to provide TDM services. 1
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Designated Transportation Coordinator (TC)
All developments are required to designate a transportation coordinator responsible
for ensuring that infrastructure is maintained, policies and programs are implemented, and
amenities and partnerships are maintained as described in the approved TDM Plan. The
designated TC should be on-site, unless otherwise approved by the City of Carlsbad. The TC
ensures compliance with City of Carlsbad TDM Plan requirements and must attend an
introductory meeting and complete a TC training.
This requirement is active for the life of the TDM plan and must be in place prior to
occupancy. If a property changes hands, a new property manager is hired, or staff turns over, a
new TC must be designated using the TC designation form in Appendix F.
Plan Guidance: Complete the TC Designation Form.
Distribute New Hire Transportation Information
All developments subject to the TDM ordinance are required to ensure that transportation
options information is distributed to new employees during the hiring and orientation process.
Citywide TDM Program
All developments subject to the TDM ordinance are required to meet with the citywide TDM
programs outreach staff on a regular basis (at least annually) and participate in/promote at least
two events held by the citywide TDM program.
TDM In Leases (New Shell Buildings and Multi-Tenant Buildings Only)
Establish requirements in lease agreements that require tenants to implement and promote the
strategies detailed in the approved TDM plan and comply with the monitoring requirements,
such as distributing an employee commute survey and achieving required response rates.
Lease agreements must include a copy of the TDM plan and specify which TDM plan
commitments must be implemented by the tenant. Note that tenants applying for a building
permit have the option to choose the property’s TDM plan or create their own. If they trigger a
higher tier level, they must create their own TDM plan for city approval.
Plan Guidance: Provide language that will be included in the lease that details the
requirements above, describes for which strategies the tenant(s) will be responsible, and note
that lease agreements will be accompanied by the approved TDM plan. Tenant TC contacts
must be provided prior to the pre-occupancy inspection.
2.7.2 Infrastructure TDM Selections
In the case of a tenant improvement, if the tenant has access to any infrastructure amenities
listed in Table 2-5, the tenant can claim that amenity in their plan unless that amenity does not
meet minimum standards or is, on average, fully utilized, such as two carpool spaces that are
both occupied on most weekdays. The capacity of an existing infrastructure amenity will need
to be evaluated at the time the strategy is proposed.
A formal site visit (pre-occupancy inspection) will be scheduled to confirm that infrastructure
improvements have been completed and located as agreed upon in the TDM Plan prior to
occupancy.
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The following table provides high level descriptions of the strategies and the point value.
Please refer to Appendix A for a detailed description of each strategy, applicability,
minimum standards, and plan guidance. Points will be awarded based on whether the
measure meets the standards and guidance laid out in Appendix A.
Table 2-5 Menu of TDM Strategies: Infrastructure Strategies*
Category Name Description Points
In
f
r
a
s
t
r
u
c
t
u
r
e
Secure Bike
Parking
Provide a secure, weather-protected bike cage or bike
room for employees.
1
Public Bike Racks Provide public bike racks near the building entrances for
all cyclists, including retail customers and visitors.
1
Bicycle Repair
Station
Provide on-site tools and space for bicycle repair. Bike
repair stations shall include repair stands, air pumps, and
other tools and resources necessary to quickly repair a
bike.
1
Micromobility
Parking
Provide parking and charging for micromobility devices,
e.g., dockless bike share, e-bikes, e-scooters, and docked
bike share.
1
Preferential
Parking for
Car/Vanpools
Provide preferential parking for car and vanpool vehicles
that is close to the building entrance, covered, or
otherwise preferable.
1-2
Car Share Parking
and Vehicles
Provide one or several car share vehicles along with
preferential parking that is close to the building entrance,
covered, or otherwise preferable.
1-2
End of Trip
Facilities
Provide showers, lockers, and changing rooms for
employees who use active transportation to get to work.
1
On-site
Amenities
Provide access to on-site amenities such as on-site
childcare, restaurants and shops, wellness centers, and
other employee convenience services that reduce the
need to drive for errands during the workday.
1-2
Bicycle and
Pedestrian
Connections
Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity
onsite/adjacent to the site consistent with the city’s
Sustainable Mobility Plan and related bicycle and
pedestrian planning efforts. Provide direct routes from
public sidewalks to each building in the project.
1
Passenger
Loading Zone
Provide signed passenger loading curb space for shuttle,
microtransit, ride-hailing or carpooling pick-up/drop off.
1
Innovation Any other physical site-improvement at the worksite to
reduce single-occupancy vehicles will be considered.
1-5
*If a strategy is contingent upon a partnership with a third party for implementation and the company becomes defunct, the
product becomes obsolete or otherwise unusable, the applicant should work with the TA to identify a suitable alternative.
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2.7.3 Non-Infrastructure TDM Selections
The strategies in Table 2-6 Menu of TDM Strategies: Non-Infrastructure Strategies*
6, the non-infrastructure menu, and discussed in detail in the next section are organized into
the following categories: amenities, policies, developer/employer programs, employer
programs, partnerships, and innovation. A well-rounded, effective, and sustainable TDM plan
includes complementary strategies from multiple categories.
Please refer to Appendix A for a detailed description of each strategy, applicability,
minimum standards, and plan guidance. Points will be awarded based on whether the
measure meets the standards and guidance laid out in Appendix A.
Table 2-6 Menu of TDM Strategies: Non-Infrastructure Strategies*
Category Name Description Points
Am
e
n
i
t
i
e
s
Micromobility Fleet Provide e-bikes, e-scooters, or other
micromobility devices to employees for
business and personal use during the workday.
1-2
Real-Time Travel
Information Screens
Provide displays in key locations in
developments which display real-time
information about transportation
services. Screens must cover three different
travel options and be located in high-traffic
areas (i.e., building lobby, elevator, mail kiosk).
1
Mobile On-site
Amenities
Provide access to on-site amenities such as:
food trucks, mobile bike repair services, and
mobile hair salons that reduce the need to drive
for errands during the workday.
1
De
v
e
l
o
p
e
r
/
E
m
p
l
o
y
e
r
Pr
o
g
r
a
m
s
Transportation
Subsidy/ Incentives
Budget
Establish and spend budget to subsidize
alternative travel modes. Examples include
providing monthly transit passes to employees,
reimbursing a monthly vanpool cost or paying a
monthly bicycle benefit.
1-10
Marketing and
Outreach
Implement a marketing and outreach program
to educate commuters about the transportation
programs and services available to them and to
encourage sustainable travel choices.
1-4
Ridematching
Services
Develop an internal ridematching program or
promote existing ridematching platforms, such
as Carlsbad Commuter.
1
GRH Services Develop an internal guaranteed ride home
program or utilize SANDAG’s GRH program.
1
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Establish and
Maintain
Partnerships with
Area
Businesses/Properties
Create and implement TDM cost sharing
partnerships with area businesses/properties to
address shared trip mitigation resources and
efforts. Example: joint shuttle to train station.
1-5
Establish and
Maintain
Partnerships with
Private Vendors
Create and implement partnerships with private
vendors that create measurable levels of local
service delivery of things such as a shuttle
service, micro-mobility, dynamic ridesharing,
and other services.
1-5
Em
p
l
o
y
e
r
P
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
Telework Program Implement a formal telework program that
allows eligible employees to work from home at
least one day per week.
1-5
Flexible/Alternative
Work Schedules
Implement flexible/alternative work schedules
that allow employees to work longer hours and
fewer days during a week or two-week period.
1-2
Alternative
Transportation
Incentive
Offer cash payments to employees who do not
drive alone, such as parking cash out.
1-10
Commuter Tax
Benefits
Offer pre-tax commute benefits to employees
allowing them to pay for qualifying commute
expenses with pre-tax funds.
1
Customized Travel
Plans
Provide customized travel plans to employees
along with programs and incentives that are
available to them.
1
In
n
o
v
a
t
i
o
n
Innovation Any other strategies to reduce single-occupancy
trips to the worksite will be considered.
Strategies that have been implemented
successfully at other developments, including
other geographies, are encouraged.
1-5
*If a strategy is contingent upon a partnership with a third party for implementation and the company becomes defunct, the
product becomes obsolete or otherwise unusable, the applicant should work with the TA to identify a suitable alternative.
2.8 Monitoring, Reporting, Amendments, and Enforcement
2.8.1 Duration of the TDM Requirement
TDM plans for new developments remain in place for the life of the development regardless of
ownership, though it may be amended for a variety of reasons (see Section 2.8.3). If the
property is sold, the new owner may choose to file a TDM plan amendment or prepare a new
TDM plan. Any changes in ownership or property management require the designation of a
new TC.
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TDM plans for tenant improvements remain in place for the life of the tenancy and do not
transfer to a new tenant. However, if the tenant subleases all or part of the space, the tenant
remains responsible for ensuring that the sublessee complies with the approved TDM plan and
remains the official TC on file. This can take the form of coordinating all programming and
monitoring for the worksite or including the TDM requirements in the lease agreement and
ensuring that requirements are met.
2.8.2 Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
All development projects subject to the TDM ordinance must implement the strategies
approved in the plan. Upon plan approval, the TC shall conduct a baseline employee commute
survey and follow-up surveys every two years. Along with survey results, the applicant shall
submit a status report of non-infrastructure TDM strategies specified in the plan. The report
shall be submitted to the city within one month of the conclusion of the reporting period. In
addition, the City of Carlsbad reserves the right to perform periodic inspections.
The baseline survey must be conducted within 12 months of reaching 75 percent occupancy or
within 18 months of initial occupancy, whichever occurs first. Developments with multiple
buildings or phases must conduct employee surveys within 12 months of reaching 75 percent
occupancy of the first building or within 18 months of initial occupancy of the first building,
whichever occurs first. If specified in the TDM plan, leases may stipulate that the employer
tenant(s) will administer employee commute surveys on the same schedule.
Carlsbad’s Transportation Administrator tracks the monitoring periods for each project and
will contact the development’s Transportation Coordinator when surveys are due to ensure
compliance with TDM Plan monitoring requirements. The city will provide a survey template
and specific instructions to facilitate and standardize data collection and reporting.
All employee commute surveys shall achieve a minimum confidence interval of 5 percent at
the 95 percent confidence level, or a 40 percent response rate, whichever number is higher,
unless otherwise specified by the City of Carlsbad. The survey shall be conducted during
designated survey windows in the spring (April) or in the fall (September), unless otherwise
directed by the city, with subsequent surveys conducted during the same reporting period.
To ensure that a site will achieve the 2035 alternative mode share goal, interim goals were
created. Table 2-7 Alternative Transportation Mode Share Goals shows the current, interim,
and final alternative mode share goals for both new developments and existing
buildings/tenant improvements. The developer is not expected to achieve mode share goals by
the time the baseline survey is conducted but is expected to meet the respective mode share
goals of the period in which future reporting falls. For example, a new development that
reaches 75 percent occupancy in 2021 will conduct its baseline survey by 2022. The first
follow up survey, due in 2024, is expected to reach a 25 percent alternative mode share. The
next two surveys, due in 2026 and 2028 will require an alternative mode share of 30 percent.
The following two surveys in 2032 and 2034 will require an alternative mode share of 35
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percent and the 2036 survey will need to show a 40 percent alternative mode share for the
development to comply.
Table 2-7 Alternative Transportation Mode Share Goals
Period in which
Reporting Falls
Alternative Mode Share Goals
New
Developments
Existing
Buildings/Tenant
Improvements
Present till 2025 25% 24%
2025 - 2029 30% 26%
2030 - 2034 35% 28%
2035 on 40% 30%
2.8.3 TDM Plan Amendments
An approved TDM plan may be amended for the following reasons:
• Designation of a new transportation coordinator.
• A strategy may become unavailable or ineffective and must be replaced by another
TDM strategy.
• New strategies or transportation options become available as technology changes.
• The plan fails to reach its mode share goal.
• If the property is sold, the new owner may choose to file a TDM plan amendment or
prepare a new TDM plan.
• Future tenant improvements at employers with an approved TDM plan require
additional TDM infrastructure due to insufficient capacity or significant employee or
visitor growth.
Amendment process:
1. To update the Transportation Coordinator: email the completed and signed TC
Designation Form (Appendix F) to landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
2. To amend a TDM plan: email landdev@carlsbadca.gov to start the amendment
process. City staff will reach out to assist with the amendment process.
2.8.4 Enforcement
Projects are subject to physical inspection or audit to ensure that TDM infrastructure and
amenities remain available at the property. Developments that fail to reach the mode share
goal, will be asked to submit an amended TDM plan. Failure to participate in the monitoring
and reporting or to achieve the required response rate will result in the actions described
below.
1. Failure to achieve the required response rate by less than 10 percentage points:
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a. The difference between the percentage of survey respondents and the goal will
be recorded as drive alone trips.
2. Failure to achieve the required response rate by more than 10 percentage points:
a. The property will be required to conduct its survey again in the next survey
window.
b. Required compliance assessment with Carlsbad Commuter to be scheduled
within two weeks of the reporting deadline and completed within two months of
the reporting deadline.
3. Failure to participate in the survey:
a. The property will be required to conduct its survey again in the next survey
window.
b. Required compliance assessment with Carlsbad Commuter to be scheduled
within two weeks of the reporting deadline and completed within two months of
the reporting deadline.
Failure to maintain infrastructure and non-infrastructure elements of the plan, participate in
monitoring or achieve the mode share goal may trigger additional requirement by the TA or
enforcement actions pursuant to Chapter 18.51.080 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
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3 General Plan Mobility Element TDM Plan
Requirement
3.1 Background
Residential and non-residential development projects that do not fall under the ordinance may
be required to prepare a TDM plan under the General Plan Mobility Element. Section 3-P.11
contains the following requirement:
3-P.11 Require new development that adds vehicle traffic to street facilities that are exempt
from the vehicle LOS standard (consistent with 3-P.9) to implement:
a. Transportation demand management strategies that reduce the reliance on single-
occupant automobile and assist in achieving the city’s livable streets vision.
b. Transportation system management strategies that improve traffic signal
coordination and improve transit service.
3.2 Thresholds for Compliance
The TDM plan requirement above is applicable to all projects that meet the threshold for
average daily trips or peak hours trips per the Local Mobility Analysis guidelines.
3.2.1 Tiered Requirements
Non-Residential
Any non-residential projects that trigger a TDM plan requirement under the General Plan
Mobility Element but not under the TDM ordinance are required to complete a Tier 1 TDM
Plan using the instructions in this chapter.
Residential
Requirements for residential project vary by the number of dwelling units.
Table 3-1: Tiers by Number of Dwelling Units
Dwelling Units New Development
< 50 Tier 1
50 - 99 Tier 2
100 or more Tier 3
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Mixed-Use
For mixed-use projects, non-residential and residential uses will be evaluated separately and
must prepare TDM plans for each use that triggers the General Plan Mobility Element
independently.
Mobility Element TDM Plan Requirements
A Mobility Element TDM plan requires the following plan elements, which are further
described in Section 3.5 and the Mobility Element TDM Plan Template (Appendix D):
• Existing conditions and context
• A selection of infrastructure improvements that achieves the following total number of
points:
Table 3.2: Required Points by Tier Required Points* Elective Points Total Points
Tier 1 1 2 3
Tier 2 1 4 5
Tier 3 1 6 7
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3.3 Mobility Element TDM Plan Review and Approval Process
Discretionary Permits (if applicable)
1) Prior to submitting a permit application, confirm applicability of
General Plan Mobility Element Policy
3-P.11:
•Use the Development Permits P-2 form to determine if the project is subject to the Mobility Element Policy.
•All projects subject to the Mobility Element Policy are required complete a preliminary TDM plan for review and approval prior to discretionary approval.
2) Pre-application consultation:
•Applicants should email landdev@carlsbadca.gov to schedule a consultation and coordinate TDM requirements related to the project prior to submittal of their draft plan.
3) Preliminary TDM Plan Review:
•The preliminary TDM plan is reviewed
along with other application materials in
the Planning division submittal package.
Comments will be provided via the
submittal package comment letter.
•Once the preliminary plan has addressed
all city comments, it will be approved as a
preliminary TDM plan.
4) Requirements Following
Preliminary Plan Approval:
•The project will be conditioned to submit
a final TDM plan to the satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to occupancy of an
associated building permit. This step
allows for updates to the preliminary plan
once one or several tenants have been
identified.
•TDM requirements following
discretionary approval are outlined in the Building Permit process below.
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Building Permits – Projects with a Preliminary Plan on File
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT
ISSUANCE
1) TDM Plan Consultation
•For projects that have an approved
preliminary TDM plan, a consultation between a developer representative and city staff must occur and infrastructure strategies shall be incorporated into the building plan set. To request a consultation, email landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
2) TDM Plan Development
•The Carlsbad TA is available to assist with
the completion of the final plan.
•The final TDM plan shall be submitted to city staff for review and approval. Selected infrastructure strategies shall be incorporated into the building plan set.
•The final plan must address all comments received and must be submitted with the required signatures prior to approval.
PRIOR TO FINAL BUILDING PERMIT
AND OCCUPANCY
3) Pre-Occupancy Site Inspection
•TDM plans must complete a successful pre-occupancy inspection prior to approval. During the inspection, the presence and proper installation of infrastructure and physical elements are verified.
•If the infrastructure has not been installed per the TDM plan, modifications to the infrastructure or to the TDM plan may be required.
4) Plan Approval and Implementation
•After all comments have been addressed and infrastructure strategies have been verified at the pre-occupancy site inspection, the TDM plan will be signed
by a city representative. The city will distribute the approved TDM plan to appropriate individuals.
•Please note that the city provides implementation and monitoring assistance to applicants via the TDM business outreach program Carlsbad Commuter.
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Building Permits – Projects with no Preliminary Plan on File
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE
1) TDM Plan Consultation
•Prior to plan development, a consultation between the plan preparer and city staff or the Carlsbad TA must occur. To request a consultation, project applicant or TDM plan preparer shall email landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
2) TDM Plan Development
•The Carlsbad TA is available to assist with the completion of the plan.
•Applicants/plan preparers submits a draft of the final plan using the template in Appendix D with supporting documentation to the Carlsbad TA for review and receives feedback at the latest six weeks before the building is expected. The infrastructure strategies must be incorporated into the building plan set.
•The final plan must address all comments received and must be submitted with the required signatures prior to approval.
PRIOR TO FINAL BUILDING PERMIT
AND OCCUPANCY
3) Pre-Occupancy Site Inspection
•TDM plans must complete a successful pre-occupancy inspection prior to approval. During the inspection, the presence and proper installation of infrastructure and physical elements are verified.
•If the infrastructure has not been installed per the TDM plan, modifications to the infrastructure or to the TDM plan may be required.
4) Plan Approval and
Implementation
•After all comments have been
addressed and infrastructure strategies have been verified at the pre-occupancy
site inspection, the TDM plan will be
signed by a city representative. The city
will distribute the approved TDM plan
to appropriate individuals.
•The city provides implementation and
monitoring assistance to applicants via the TDM business outreach program Carlsbad Commuter.
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3.4 Required Strategy
As laid out in Table 3-3 below, the required strategy yields one point towards the required total
number of points.
Table 3-3 Menu of TDM Strategies: Required Strategies
Category Name Description Points
Re
q
u
i
r
e
d
Designated
Transportation
Coordinator (TC)
Designate an on-site Transportation Coordinator
responsible for ensuring compliance with City of
Carlsbad TDM Plan requirements.
1
Designated Transportation Coordinator (TC)
All developments are required to designate a transportation coordinator responsible
for ensuring that infrastructure and amenities are maintained as described in the approved
TDM Plan. The designated TC should be on-site, unless otherwise approved by the City of
Carlsbad. The TC ensures compliance with City of Carlsbad TDM Plan monitoring
requirements.
This requirement is active for the life of the TDM plan and must be in place prior to
occupancy. If a property changes hands, a new property manager is hired, or staff turns over, a
new TC must be designated using the TC designation form in Appendix F.
Plan Guidance: Complete the TC Designation Form.
3.5 Strategy Selection
All Mobility Element TDM plans require the selection of infrastructure strategies. Reference
Appendix A for detailed guidance and standards for each strategy.
Some strategies contain a range of points. The applicant will work with the TA to determine
the likely effectiveness of the strategy based on the unique attributes of the site and proposed
development. In general, the point value is relative to the level of effort and the applicability of
a strategy based on the development context.
The menu of strategies will be reviewed periodically by city staff to adjust point values of
TDM measures as necessary or to add new measures. The revised menu of TDM strategies will
only be used for new application, however, a property owner may file a TDM plan update
application containing revised strategies at any time for review and approval by the city.
3.5.1 Elective Strategies
Applicants may select strategies from the following menu to achieve the required point value.
Some strategies only apply to residential or non-residential uses and are listed as such.
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A formal site visit (pre-occupancy inspection) will be scheduled to confirm that infrastructure
improvements have been completed and located as agreed upon in the TDM Plan prior to
occupancy.
Table 3-4 provides high level descriptions of the strategies and the point value. Appendix A
provides additional details on each strategy.
Table 3-4: Infrastructure Strategies
Category Name Description Points
Al
l
P
r
o
p
e
r
t
i
e
s
Secure Bike Parking Provide a secure, weather-protected bike
cage or bike room for residents/employees.
1
Public Bike Racks Provide public bike racks near the building
entrances for all cyclists.
1
Bicycle Repair Station Provide on-site tools and space for bicycle
repair. Bike repair stations shall include
repair stands, air pumps, and other tools
and resources necessary to quickly repair a
bike.
1
Micromobility Parking Provide parking and charging infrastructure
for micromobility devices, e.g., bike share,
e-bikes, and e-scooters.
1
Car Share Parking and
Vehicles
Provide one or several car share vehicles
along with preferential parking that is close
to the building entrance, covered, or
otherwise preferable.
1-2
On-site Amenities Provide onsite amenities for
residents/employees that reduce the need
to drive. Residential examples include a
gym, pool, or business office. Non-
residential examples include onsite
childcare, restaurants and shops, wellness
centers, and other employee convenience
services that reduce the need to drive for
errands during the workday.
1
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Connections
Improve pedestrian and bicycle
connectivity onsite or adjacent to the site
consistent with the city’s Sustainable
Mobility Plan and related bicycle and
pedestrian planning efforts. Provide direct
routes from public sidewalk to each
building in the project.
1
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Passenger Loading Zone Provide signed passenger loading curb
space for shuttle, microtransit, ride-
hailing or carpooling pick-up/drop off.
1
Innovation Any other physical site-improvement at the
property to reduce single-occupancy
vehicles will be considered.
1-5
Re
s
i
d
e
n
t
i
a
l
O
n
l
y
Mixed-Use Component Development contains neighborhood-
serving uses, such as on-site childcare,
restaurants and coffee shops, wellness
centers, grocery stores, banks/ATM, dry
cleaning, or similar services that reduce the
need for residents to drive.
1
Delivery Supportive
Amenities
Provide amenities that facilitate deliveries
at multi-family properties. Offer secure
temporary storage for package deliveries,
laundry service, or other deliveries,
temporary refrigerated storage for grocery
deliveries.
1
No
n
-Re
s
i
d
e
n
t
i
a
l
On
l
y
Preferential Parking for
Car/Vanpools
Provide preferential parking for car and
vanpool vehicles that is close to the
building entrance, covered, or otherwise
preferable.
1
End of Trip Facilities Provide showers, lockers, and changing
rooms for employees who use active
transportation to get to work.
1
3.6 Monitoring, Reporting, Amendments and Enforcement
3.6.1 Duration of the TDM Requirement
TDM plans for developments remain in place for the life of the development regardless of
ownership. If the property is sold, the new owner may choose to file a TDM plan amendment
or prepare a new TDM plan. Any changes in ownership or property management require the
designation of a new TC.
For residential projects, the TDM plan must be incorporated by reference into the CC&Rs to
ensure implementation of the plan and to notify homeowners of the project’s TDM
requirements.
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3.6.2 Monitoring and Reporting
All development projects subject to the TDM plan requirements under the General Mobility
Element policy must implement the strategies approved in the plan and are subject to
monitoring and biennial reporting as specified in the approved project TDM plan. Reporting
requires confirmation that implemented strategies remain in place and in good condition. The
city will provide a reporting template and specific instructions. In addition, the City of
Carlsbad reserves the right to perform periodic inspections.
3.6.3 TDM Plan Amendments
An approved TDM plan may be amended for the following reasons:
• Designation of a new transportation coordinator
• If the property is sold, the new owner may choose to file a TDM plan amendment or
prepare a new TDM plan.
Amendment process:
1. To update the Transportation Coordinator: email the completed and signed TC
Designation Form (Appendix F) to landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
2. To amend a TDM plan: email landdev@carlsbadca.gov to start the amendment
process. City staff will reach out to assist with the amendment process.
3.6.4 Enforcement
Projects are required to implement all TDM measures in accordance with the approved project
TDM plan. The project site is subject to physical inspection to ensure that TDM infrastructure
and amenities remain in place and in good condition. Projects that fail to implement the
measures in their TDM plan are subject to enforcement measures prescribed in the project
conditions of approval and the city’s municipal code.
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4 TDM Business Outreach Program
4.1 Program Purpose
The City of Carlsbad provides a voluntary citywide TDM program to help employers and
property managers integrate TDM strategies into their business operations. The program,
Carlsbad Commuter, supports Measure K-1 of the Climate Action Plan, which requires the
adoption of a citywide TDM plan and is provided in collaboration with Life in Action.
Carlsbad Commuter is available to assist developers with implementation of their approved
TDM plan in accordance with the TDM ordinance.
Carlsbad businesses are strongly encouraged to participate in the voluntary TDM program. In
addition to the health, productivity, recruitment/retention, cost savings, and other benefits to
TDM programming, participating businesses will be recognized as champions and leaders in
the community.
In addition to business resources, Carlsbad Commuter also offers commuting resources directly
to those who live and work in Carlsbad.
4.2 Business Resources
The Carlsbad Commuter program aims to offer relevant and timely resources to businesses and
commuters. It focuses on providing implementation resources and is designed to adapt to the
needs of Carlsbad employers, employees, and residents. Examples of program offerings
include:
• Ridematching tool to help commuters find carpool partners
• Resources for implementing commute benefits
• Trip tracking app allowing employees to earn prizes
• Tips and tricks for more sustainable commuting
• Expert assistance with implementing new programs, campaigns, or strategies
• Remote and hybrid work resources
The Carlsbad Commuter program collaborates with the regional SANDAG iCommute
program. As a result, Carlsbad employers have access to both local and regional resources to
help implement TDM strategies and plans.
4.3 Get Started
Visit Carlsbad Commuter and learn more about the current offerings and gain access to
valuable additional resources services, and programs.
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4.4 Exemplary Business TDM Programs in Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad’s business community is home to several employers with successful
TDM programs. Through partnerships with iCommute, Carlsbad Commuter and various
transportation services, these employers provide notable TDM programming at their worksites
and with their employees.
The following summaries of exemplary business TDM programs in Carlsbad were generated
prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their associated pandemic-related innovations to TDM
programs and policies will be updated upon availability.
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ViaSat
ViaSat is a global communications company, located in
Carlsbad approximately four miles east of I-5. The multi-
building campus accommodates approximately 2,500 of the
almost 5,000 global employees.
ViaSat offers employees a comprehensive commuter
benefits package to attract and retain top talent.
The TDM Plan
Facilities Secure bicycle parking
On-site employee bikeshare for
inter-campus transportation
On-site shower facilities
On-site café and coffee shop
Fitness center/wellness center
Programs Periodic on-campus bike
maintenance
Wellness incentives
Waze Carpool partnership
The Rationale
ViaSat’s campus has many
on-site amenities to
encourage employees to
reduce off-site trips. These
include a wellness center
offering a range of health
care services, fitness center
with showers, café, coffee
shop, and conference space.
ViaSat also invests in
programs that complement
its facilities, such as
employee bike share, a free
fitness membership
incentive, and support for
biking to work and through-
out the campus.
71% drive alone
mode share
Bronze iCommute
Diamond Award
winner
Recognized three
years running
Innovations
Biking benefit
Waze Carpool
partnership
Employee bike
share
Testimonial
“TDM supports the
health of both our
employees and the
environment; it’s a
win-win.”
-Social Impact
Team
Figure 4-1 Campus Bikeshare
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific is the world leader in serving
science, with revenues of more than $20 billion and
approximately 70,000 employees globally. Approximately
2,000 employees work at Thermo Fisher’s Carlsbad
facility.
Thermo Fisher has been an active participant in the
SANDAG regional TDM program, iCommute. In 2016,
the company was recognized with a Platinum Diamond
Award for its contributions to traffic mitigation, reduced
emissions, and enhanced regional mobility.
The TDM Plan
Facilities Shower & lockers
Priority carpool/vanpool parking
Programs Enterprise vanpool subsidy
Try Transit program
Education Lunch & learn sessions
Participation in Earth Day Fair
Commuter intranet page
Marketing &
Outreach
Earth Day and Bike to Work Day campaigns
Promoting Annual Rideshare Month Commute
Challenge
The Rationale
Thermo leverages its company-wide intranet and Yammer,
a social media tool, to promote commuter benefits, boost
visibility, facilitate online discussion and provide helpful
resources.
Marketing and outreach efforts also are a large component
of the company’s commuter benefits program. In addition
to posting educational and promotional information site-
wide, Carlsbad site leadership actively promotes regional
campaigns such as Earth Day, Bike to Work Day, and the
annual Rideshare Month Commute Challenge in October
(sponsored by iCommute).
Thermo Fisher’s Carlsbad site also hosts lunch and learn
events featuring Q&A sessions with SANDAG and other
local service providers so that employees can become
more familiar with their sustainable travel options.
Many employees expressed interest in vanpool, carpool
and riding transit. Thermo Fisher also offers a vRide
vanpool program with SANDAG subsidies to employees.
71% drive alone mode
share
Sustainable mode share
rose by more than 15%
between 2014 and 2016
Platinum iCommute
Diamond Award
winner
Recognized for
Program Excellence
Innovations
Commuter Specific
Intranet
Subsidized Vanpool
Annual Rideshare
Challenge
Testimonial
“Even though the train
takes longer than
driving, I can get work
done or do other things
since the train has
WiFi.”
Ivan Tesic, Program
Manager
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Common Grounds
Common Grounds is a creative co-working space featuring
a host of on-site amenities designed to provide members
with more commute options. The Carlsbad Common
Grounds campus is located on Embarcadero Lane, near the
Poinsettia Station, with access to the COASTER and
Amtrak.
The TDM Plan
Facilities Bike repair station
Basic bike racks
Showers & lockers
On-site amenities (café)
Programs Complimentary bike- & skateboard-share for
members
Complimentary bike tune-ups
Complimentary COASTER passes
Incentives for transit riders
Marketing &
Outreach
COASTER highlight in videos and on website
Transit information display in lobby TV
Bike to Work Day pit stop with raffle prizes
Other New tenant information packet
The Rationale
Common Grounds is an innovative and flexible workspace
that prioritizes amenities for its members and office
tenants. The company conducted a commute survey and
has introduced TDM strategies as benefits to their tenants.
Nearly 60 percent of survey respondents indicated they
would like to try transit; therefore, the company initiated a
rewards program that offered goodie bags to those who
ride the COASTER to work. COASTER service is also
advertised prominently on the Common Ground Carlsbad
website.
The company also hosted an exemplary 2017 Bike to
Work Day pit stop with additional raffles for bicycle
commuters.
Figure 4-2
Complimentary
Bikeshare for
Common Grounds
Members.
70% drive alone
mode share
65% of survey
respondents were
willing to try an
alternative mode
Bronze iCommute
Diamond Award
winner
Innovations
Community bike
share and tune-ups
Transit goodie bags
Testimonial
“The biggest factor
in getting people to
bike to work is
having many
amenities and
services on
site. Having a place
for people to shower,
change and store
their workout clothes
is huge. Providing
services like dry
cleaning, alleviates
those errand runs
that people need to
make during the
day.”
Julia Deluca,
Community Director
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A-1
This section provides detailed guidance for each strategy. Unless otherwise noted, strategies
are applicable to both residential and non-residential applications.
Required Strategies – Ordinance and Mobility Element
Designated Transportation Coordinator (TC)
All developments are required to designate a transportation coordinator responsible
for ensuring that infrastructure is maintained, policies and programs are implemented, and
amenities and partnerships are maintained as described in the approved TDM Plan. The
designated TC should be on-site, unless otherwise approved by the City of Carlsbad. The TC
ensures compliance with City of Carlsbad TDM Plan requirements and must attend an
introductory meeting and complete a TC training.
Required Strategies – Ordinance Only
If a property changes hands, a new property manager is hired, or staff turns over, a new TC
must be designated using the TC designation form.
Plan Guidance: Complete the TC Designation Form.
Distribute New Employee/Resident Transportation Information
All developments are required to ensure that transportation options information is distributed to
new employees during the hiring and orientation process or to new residents at move-in.
Citywide TDM Program
All developments are required to meet with the citywide TDM programs outreach staff on a
regular basis (at least annually) and participate in/promote at least two events held by the
citywide TDM program.
(SHELL BUILDINGS AND MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS ONLY) TDM in Leases
All shell buildings and multi-tenant buildings must establish requirements in lease agreements
that require tenants to implement and promote the strategies detailed in the approved TDM
plan and comply with the monitoring requirements, such as distributing an employee commute
survey and achieving required response rates. Lease agreements must include a copy of the
TDM plan and specify which TDM plan commitments must be implemented by the tenant. The
A. Strategy Details and Guidance
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building owner remains responsible for TDM plan compliance and must provide a
transportation coordinator.
Note: Tenants applying for a building permit have the option to choose the property’s TDM
plan or create their own. If they choose their property’s TDM plan, they must complete the
TDM Plan Acknowledgment Form in Appendix G before the building permit is issued. If they
trigger a higher tier level, they must create their own TDM plan for city approval.
Elective Infrastructure Strategies
Secure Bike Parking
This category includes bike lockers or a secure, weather-protected bike cage or bike room for
long-term parking for employees. Secure bike parking must be made available to employees
and residents at no cost. The minimum number of secure bike parking spaces to be included
vary by use and must be rounded up (i.e., a 12,500 sq. ft. office development would require a
minimum of 3 secure spaces):
• Office: 1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of space (minimum of 2)
• Restaurant: 1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of space (minimum of 2)
• Retail: 1 per 15,000 sq. ft. of space (minimum of 2)
• Industrial/Manufacturing: 1 per 15,000 sq. ft. of space (minimum of 2)
• Warehousing: 1 per 25,000 sq. ft. of space (minimum of 2)
• Residential Multi-Family: 1 per dwelling unit for first 100 dwelling units, then 1 per 4
dwelling units for the remainder of the units (minimum of 2)
• Residential Single-Family: not applicable
Secure bike parking must fulfill the following minimum standards:
• It must be easy and safe to access and park a bike.
• Bike lockers must be installed at ground level and may not be stacked.
• 50% of secure bike parking spaces (or at least one) must accommodate large, non-
standard bikes (e-bike and/or cargo bike)
• Access must be limited to employees who register to obtain a key, code, or key card to
access the secure bike parking. A system must be put in place for retrieving access
cards or keys or re-set the access code when an employee leaves (or a protocol to re-set
the code). The list of current users must be regularly updated.
• Bikes must be lockable to a rack inside the bike cage/room, unless it is a bike
box/locker designed for a single bike.
• Residential only: Up to 30% of bike parking spaces may be provided with vertical
racks.
Bike parking shall follow the bike rack and installation guidance laid out in “Essentials of
Bike Parking”4 published by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP)
to ensure that racks are installed with proper clearance and are easily accessible.
4 Essentials of Bike Parking Revision 1.0, September 2015, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP).
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Plan Guidance: Secure bike parking must be made available to employees at no cost.
Indicate the number of secure, long-term bike parking spaces to be provided, how they will
be accessed and where they will be located on the project site (include on building/site plan).
Refer to the handbook for the number of spaces required to earn points. Please consult
“Essentials of Bike Parking” by the Association for Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals for
approved types of bike parking and installation guidance and provide guidance to the
installer. Unapproved types of secure bike parking or poorly installed facilities may not pass
inspection.
Public Bike Parking
Provide public bike racks near the building entrances for all bicyclists, including retail
customers and visitors. The number of required spaces depends on whether secure bike parking
is provided as well:
• If secure bike parking is provided to employees or residents, the required number of
bike parking spaces is that listed under public bike parking in Table 2-5, unless
otherwise recommended by TA.
• If no secure bike parking is provided to employees or residents, the required number of
bike parking spaces includes the number listed for employee/resident bike parking plus
the number listed for public bike parking in Table 2-5, unless otherwise recommended
by TA.
• More public bike parking may be required depending on the setting and the nature of
the business.
Table 2-5 Bike Parking Requirements
Use Employee/Resident Bike Parking Public Bike Parking
Office 1 per 5,000 sf of space (min of 2) 1 per 80 parking spaces* (min of 2)
Office (high
visitor traffic)** 1 per 5,000 sf of space (min of 2) 1 per 20 parking spaces* (min of 2)
Restaurant 1 per 5,000 sf of space (min of 2) 1 per 10 parking spaces* (min of 2)
Retail 1 per 15,000 sf of space (min of 2) 1 per 10 parking spaces* (min of 2)
Industrial/
Manufacturing 1 per 15,000 sf of space (min of 2) N/A
Warehousing 1 per 25,000 sf of space (min of 2) N/A
Residential
1 per dwelling unit for first 100 units,
then 1 per 4 dwelling units for the
remaining number of units (min of
2)***
1 per 20 units (min of 2)
*Planned or existing
**Examples: medical office, public agency
*** Bike parking is not applicable at residential single-family developments
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Bike racks shall follow the bike rack and installation guidance laid out in “Essentials of Bike
Parking”5 published by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP). Note
that any bike racks proposed on public right-of-way require approval by the City of Carlsbad.
Plan Guidance: Indicate the number of short-term spaces and the type of bike racks to be
provided and where they will be located on the project site. Include bike parking locations on
the site plan. Please consult “Essentials of Bike Parking” by the Association for Pedestrian
and Bicycle Professionals for approved types of bike parking and installation guidance and
provide the type of bike rack and installation guidance to the installer. Unapproved bike rack
types or poorly installed racks may not pass inspection.
Bicycle Repair Station
Provide on-site tools and space for bicycle repair. Bike repair stations shall include repair
stands, air pumps, and other tools and resources necessary to quickly repair a bike. Bike repair
stations need to be easily accessible and ideally located near bike parking.
Plan Guidance: Describe what items will be included in the bicycle repair station and where it
will be located within the project site. If it is not a fixed bicycle repair station located near bike
racks or in a bike cage or bike room, describe how it will be accessed. Indicate bicycle repair
station guidance on the site plan.
Micromobility Parking and Charging
Provide parking and charging for micromobility devices, such as dockless and docked shared
or individually owned bikes, scooters, e-bikes, and similar services. The space must: (1)
provide electricity (actual cost plus a reasonable administrative fee may be charged); (2)
provide adequate space to allow for the simultaneous charging and storage of four or more
bicycles (this requirement does not preclude the storage of non-bicycle mobility devices.
Plan Guidance: Indicate where micromobility parking space will be located on the project site.
Include locations and charging facilities on the site plan.
Preferential Car Share Parking and Vehicles
Provide one or several car share vehicles along with preferential parking that is close to the
building entrance, covered, or otherwise preferable.
Plan Guidance: Describe how car share vehicles will be provided (third party-vendor, in-
house, etc.). Indicate the number of vehicles and reserved spaces to be and where they will be
located on the project site. Indicate whether membership will be fully or partially subsidized
for employees/residents.
On-Site Amenities
• Non-Residential: Provide access to on-site amenities such as on-site childcare,
restaurants and shops, gyms and other wellness centers, and other employee
convenience services that reduce the need to drive for errands during the workday.
5 Essentials of Bike Parking Revision 1.0, September 2015, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP).
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• Residential: Provide onsite amenities for residents that reduce the need to drive.
Examples include a gym, pool, or business office. On-site amenities and mixed-use
points cannot be claimed in the same TDM plan.
Plan Guidance: Discuss the on-site amenities that will be located at the development and
explain how these offerings will reduce trips for the project’s users. Discuss discounts
available to residents/employees if applicable. Provide details associated with each amenity
and a map showing the location of these amenities.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections
Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity consistent with the city’s Sustainable Mobility
Plan and related bicycle and pedestrian planning efforts. Provide on-site pathways that are a
minimum of 10 feet in width that allow pedestrians and cyclists to connect from adjacent
roadways, bike lanes and sidewalks to the main entrance of a building(s). Provide pedestrian
connections within the site to enable safe and comfortable travel between buildings and across
parking lots. Residential developments should demonstrate that a safe route to school and
transit is provided to nearby schools and transit stations within a half mile walking distance.
Plan Guidance: Provide a map showing proposed pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and
connections to existing facilities.
Passenger Loading Zone
Provide signed passenger loading space on the property for passenger drop off that includes
shuttle, microtransit, ride-hailing, or carpooling pick-up/drop off. Loading zone must be on-
site.
Plan Guidance: Describe location of the loading zone and its intended use and denote it on the
building/site plan.
Innovation (Infrastructure-Based)
Any other physical site-improvement at the worksite with the purpose to reduce single-
occupancy vehicles will be considered. Improvements that have been implemented
successfully at other developments, including other geographies, are encouraged.
Plan Guidance: Work with the TA to define a strategy and determine point value.
Residential Only
Mixed-Use Component
Development contains neighborhood-serving uses, such as on-site childcare, restaurants and
coffee shops, wellness centers, grocery stores, banks/ATM, dry cleaning, or similar services
that reduce the need for residents to drive. Mixed-Use points and onsite amenity points cannot
be claimed in the same TDM plan.
Plan Guidance: Discuss the non-residential uses that will be located at the development and
explain how these offerings will reduce trips from the development’s residential uses. Discuss
discounts available to tenants if applicable. Provide a map showing the location of these
amenities.
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Delivery Supportive Amenities
Provide amenities that facilitate deliveries at multi-family properties. Offer secure temporary
storage for package deliveries, laundry service, or other deliveries, temporary refrigerated
storage for grocery deliveries.
Plan Guidance: Describe the type and location of the storage being provided and how
residents will access their packages (automated locker system, storage room managed by
onsite staff, etc.).
Non-Residential Only
Preferential Parking for Car/Vanpools
Provide preferential parking for car- and vanpool vehicles that is close to the building entrance,
covered, or otherwise preferable. The only parking spaces with higher preference are ADA
parking spaces. Carpool/vanpool spaces must have signs reading “Carpool/Vanpool Parking
Only” and building owners must have an enforcement policy in place to assure the spaces are
used only by carpoolers and vanpoolers. Guidance on the number of carpool spaces is as
follows:
• For tenant improvements in buildings that do not currently offer any type of carpool or
vanpool parking:
o Up to five percent of the number of parking spaces allocated to the tenant
improvement suite/space
o The number of spaces designated can fluctuate based on demand, but at no point
can be less than two percent or one, whichever is larger. If the number of
assigned spaces is less than five percent of total spaces the property manager
must notify tenants of the availability of additional spaces at least twice per
year.
o Signage must be procured for 5% of spaces prior to occupancy.
• For new construction or tenant improvements in buildings that currently offer clean air
parking spaces required by CALGreen:
o Beyond any CALGreen required spaces, an additional two to five percent of
total parking spaces must be made available exclusively for carpool/vanpool
parking. Two percent are required to be provided immediately. The remaining
3% can be converted over time based on demand. Prior to occupancy, the City
of Carlsbad will require that signage has been procured for 5% of spaces, even
if only 2% will be implemented at first. Carpool/vanpool spaces should be
preferential to clean air parking and following ADA parking spaces in the
hierarchy.
o The number of car/vanpool spaces is calculated based on the total number of
parking spaces provided, not on the number of parking spaces required.
Maximum points will be awarded when ridematching services are provided along with
preferential parking for car/vanpools.
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Plan Guidance: Indicate the number of carpool and vanpool reserved spaces to be provided
and where they will be located on the project site. Copy the guidance above into the template
to ensure proper implementation.
End of Trip Facilities
Provide showers, lockers, and changing rooms for employees who use active transportation to
get to work.
Plan Guidance: Indicate the number of showers, lockers, and changing rooms and where they
will be located on the site/building plan.
Elective Non-Infrastructure Strategies
Amenities
An amenity is defined as a featured product or service that is provided to residents/employees
to reduce the need to drive to work or to facilitate transit or active transportation use. The
amenity must be marketed clearly as such and highly visible at the site.
Micromobility Fleet
Provide e-bikes, e-scooters, or other micromobility devices free of charge to
residents/employees for business and personal use. Micromobility devices must be easily
accessible to residents/employees. The number of points granted will consider for the size of
the fleet relative to the resident/employee population, how bike-friendly the surroundings are,
and other implementation details. This strategy must be implemented along with micromobility
parking.
Plan Guidance: Describe the micromobility devices that will be available for use by
residents/employees, the number of devices, and the location where devices will be stored.
Include the location on building/site plan. Indicate if all residents/employees will have access
to the devices and how they will reserve/check out devices.
Real-Time Travel Information Screens
Provide displays in key locations in developments that display real-time information about
travel options. This can include arrival and departure times of area transit services, the location
of nearby micromobility devices, carshare vehicles, and other travel options. Screens must
cover three different travel options (for example. real-time bus information, carshare vehicle
availability, and e-bike availability) and be located in high-traffic areas (i.e., building lobby,
elevator, mail kiosk).
Plan Guidance: Describe the proposed location of the resources, the travel options covered,
and any other relevant information, and show the location on building/site plan.
Programs
The programs discussed below include incentives, services, and tools that lead to an increase in
alternative transportation usage. These programs are expected to be implemented once the
development is occupied. The applicability of these programs to the worksite will depend on
the site location, transportation access, and the type of development.
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Transportation Subsidy/Incentives Budget
Subsidize alternative travel modes. Examples include providing monthly transit passes to
employees/residents, reimbursing a monthly vanpool cost, or paying a monthly bicycle benefit.
This strategy requires developing a budget based on a minimum budget per person equal to the
monthly cost of a regional NCTD transit pass and expected participation of 35% of
employees/residents for tenant improvements and 40% for new developments. The developer
is required to spend at least 75 percent of the budget in each 2-year monitoring period and
submit receipts to the city as part of the monitoring requirements. Twenty-five percent of the
budget may be rolled over to the subsequent periods. The specific value of budget can vary
from year to year so long as the total value of incentives offered is equal to or greater than the
minimum requirement. This program must be marketed to residential tenants at move-in and to
employees at hiring and annually via email, posters, or other methods likely to be seen/read by
most or all tenants. Points will be awarded based on the percentage of residents/employees
eligible for the subsidy and the expected uptake rate.
Plan Guidance: Include details of program including how the program will be administered.
Indicate the total annual budget, describe what percentage of employees/residents will be
eligible and expected to participate, how the program will be marketed, and how participation
will be monitored.
Ridematching Services
Offer ridematching to employees/residents by setting up and promoting a private network on
the city’s ridematching site Carlsbad Commuter (available free of charge), developing an
internal ridematching program, or utilizing another third-party ridematching service. For non-
residential uses, this is ideally offered in conjunction with Preferential Parking for
Car/Vanpools.
Plan Guidance: Discuss plans to create and promote a ridematching program.
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Services
Develop and promote an internal guaranteed ride home program available to all adult residents
that offers a minimum of three free rides home per year to residents who used sustainable
modes to get to work and need to get home in case of an emergency. Non-residential
developments may choose to promote SANDAG’s GRH service instead.
Plan Guidance: Describe the internal GRH program (who is covered, what type of
emergencies, what are the guaranteed ride options, etc.) or to promote SANDAG’s program
(non-residential only).
Marketing and Outreach
A TDM plan should include a marketing and outreach component to educate commuters about
the transportation programs and services available to them and to encourage sustainable travel
choices.
Plan Guidance: Include details of marketing and outreach efforts. Examples include:
o A community website/page that can be used by residents, employees, and visitors to
learn about the transportation services and options available when traveling to, from,
or within the site
o A printed community map that shows area businesses, parks, community centers,
transit routes/stops, bike paths/routes, and a scale based on travel time rather than
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distance and a printed community transportation brochure that explains travel options
and provides resources for traveling sustainably
o An annual event for residents or employees where they can learn about their travel
options and interact with their neighbors and fellow employees, e.g., barbeques, food
truck events, and movie nights
o On-going outreach events at the site to educate residents or employees about their
travel options and encourage them to commute using sustainable travel modes, such as
regularly scheduled lunch and learns
o An annual employee campaign and/or challenge that encourages employees or
residents to use sustainable modes
o Offering or reimbursing employees or residents for bicycle commuter classes, such as
courses offered by the League of American Bicyclists, the American Bicycling
Education Association, or the Bike Coalition of San Diego County.
Partnerships
Partnerships are an effective way to leverage resources to achieve TDM benefits. Partnerships
with neighboring businesses/properties can reduce trip mitigation costs to the developer and
partnerships with private vendors can provide products and services that reduce the need to
drive alone to the worksite.
Establish and Maintain Partnerships with Area Businesses/Properties
Create and implement TDM cost sharing partnerships with area businesses/properties to
address shared trip mitigation resources and efforts. An example of this would be financial
participation in a shuttle that serves the closest rail station.
Plan Guidance: Identify partner business(es) or entities and the TDM resource(s) that will be
provided through the partnership.
Establish and Maintain Partnerships with Private Vendors
Create and implement partnerships with private vendors that create measurable levels of local
service delivery of things such as car-sharing, micro-mobility, dynamic ridesharing, shuttles,
and other services as deemed appropriate from above.
Plan Guidance: Work with the TA to define strategies and discuss the ability of the strategy to
reduce single-occupancy trips to the site.
Innovation
Any other strategies to reduce single-occupancy trips to the worksite/property will be
considered. Strategies that have been implemented successfully at other developments,
including other geographies, are encouraged. Proposed strategies must result in a reduction in
vehicle trips to the site.
Plan Guidance: Work with the TA to define strategies and discuss the ability of the strategy to
reduce single-occupancy trips to the site.
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Non-Residential Only
Amenities
Mobile On-site Amenities
Provide access to mobile on-site amenities such as: food trucks, mobile dry cleaning, mobile
bike repair services, and mobile hair salons that reduce the need to drive for errands during the
workday. At a minimum, mobile amenities must be offered twice a week.
Plan Guidance: Discuss the mobile on-site amenities that will be located at the development
and explain how these offerings will reduce trips rather than serve as trip-generators. Discuss
discounts available to tenants. Provide a map showing the location of these amenities if
applicable and discuss agreements between vendors and schedules.
Employer Programs
Telework Program
Implement a formal telework program that allows eligible employees to work from home at
least one day per week. Points will be awarded based on estimated trip reduction calculated by
multiplying the expected trip reduction per person with the percentage of employees expected
to participate. For example, 40% of employees teleworking one day per week (a 20% trip
reduction per employee) would yield an overall estimated trip reduction of 8% and two points.
A minimum trip reduction of 5% is required to gain a point.
• 5% trip reduction = 1 point
• 6-10% trip reduction = 2 points
• 11-15% trip reduction = 3 points
• 16-20% trip reduction = 4 points
• 21% trip reduction or more = 5 points
Plan Guidance: Include information about the program, such as the infrastructure and policies
that will be available to support teleworking, the anticipated percentage of employees that will
be eligible and the anticipated number of days employees can telework per week or month
Flexible/Alternative Work Schedules
Implement a flexible or alternative work schedule program that allows eligible employees to
vary their arrival and departure time and/or work a compressed work schedule, such as four 10-
hour days per week or 80 hours in nine days every two weeks.
Plan Guidance: Include employee handbook excerpt or written policy as well as information
about the program, such as the anticipated percentage of employees that will be eligible and
any limits or guidance on the arrangements that are acceptable. One point may be granted for
flexible arrival and departure times provided that supporting strategies are offered as well
(ridematching, transit subsidies, or similar). One or two points may be granted for
alternative/compressed work schedules, depending on the schedule and the percentage of
employees eligible to work these schedules.
Alternative Transportation Incentive
Offer cash payments in exchange for employees choosing an alternative transportation mode.
This differs from the subsidies described in the transportation subsidy/incentives budget,
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because it does not tie the incentive amount to the cost of commuting. It can be offered in
addition to transit pass or similar subsidies but is often offered instead as a stand-alone
program. It can be offered on a monthly or daily basis and will require verification that
participating employees are not driving alone to work. Parking cash out is an example where
employees are offered a cash amount in exchange for giving up their parking space.
Plan Guidance: Include details of program including how the program will be administered.
Indicate the total annual budget, describe what percentage of the workforce will be eligible to
participate, how the program will be marketed and how participation will be monitored.
Commuter Tax Benefits
Employers can offer pre-tax commute benefits to employees. Section 1.132-9 of the IRS code
allow employees to use up to an annual limit ($265 in 2019) per month in pre-tax money to pay
for their transit fares, vanpool fares, or parking fees at park and rides. The tax benefit program
can be administered in-house or through a payroll service provider. There are several
companies that specifically provide transportation benefit payroll services.
Plan Guidance: Include how the program will be implemented and marketed to employees.
Customized Travel Plans
Provide customized travel plans to employees based on their home location, work hours and
related factors along with programs and incentives that may be available to them.
Plan Guidance: Identify department/position that will be responsible for implementation and
how this will be promoted.
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Alignment with City Goals and Policies
The TDM Program was designed to support city’s goals of being a healthy, sustainable, and
multi-modal community for its residents, employees, and visitors. The TDM Program supports
and implements policies set out in several important city planning and policy documents as
described below.
4.4.1 The General Plan
The General Plan, adopted September 22, 2015, is the comprehensive and long-range plan for
how the city will achieve its vision and goals for the future. Guided by the Carlsbad
Community Vision, it outlines the city’s approach to managing land use, mobility, open
space, noise, public safety, arts and history, economy and business, sustainability, and housing.
Two of the key strategies identified in the General Plan are to increase and improve street
connectivity and promote livable streets that are walkable and bicycle-friendly.
4.4.2 Livable Streets Guide
The Mobility Element of the General Plan seeks to enhance mobility and connectivity of the
city’s transportation system by integrating transportation and land use planning, promoting
multi-modal travel, and incorporating TDM strategies. The Livable Streets Guide (Table 3-
1) describes how the city will plan and design the street system to serve people of all ages
using all mobility options. It identifies the preferred attributes of various street types found in
Carlsbad.
4.4.3 Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) lays out a comprehensive, citywide strategy to reduce
Carlsbad’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and monitor the city’s progress toward its GHG
reduction targets. It includes measures and actions for Carlsbad to help meet statewide
reduction targets to 2035. One of these actions, Measure K-2, specifies that the city will enact a
TDM Ordinance to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips among Carlsbad workers and
increase the use of alternative options.
B. Alignment with Local, Regional, and State Plans
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4.4.4 Growth Management Plan/ Local Facilities Management Plans
The City of Carlsbad’s Growth Management Plans allow for population and employment
growth while maintaining the right mix of land uses, preserving open space, and maintaining
adequate levels of service for existing infrastructure. The Local Facilities Management Plans
help ensure the adequate provision of public facilities and improvements concurrent with new
development in 25 sub-areas within Carlsbad.
4.4.5 Parking Management Plan
The City of Carlsbad’s Parking Management Plan (PMP) presents short-, medium-, and
long-term strategies to improve the parking systems in the Carlsbad Village, Barrio, and
adjacent beach area. TDM and parking management programs often complement each other:
parking management strategies can be effective ways of reducing drive-alone trips and TDM
strategies have the benefit of reducing demand for parking.
4.4.6 Coastal Mobility Readiness Plan
The goal of the Coastal Mobility Readiness Plan is to prepare Carlsbad to adapt to rapid
advances in transportation systems technology. The plan considers how the future of
autonomous vehicles, shared mobility, parking management, and other emerging technologies
will influence transportation along the coast and how the city can achieve a better quality of
life for residents, employees, and visitors.
4.4.7 Sustainable Mobility Plan
The Sustainable Mobility Plan introduces a Multimodal Level of Service (MMLOS) model to
better manage growth and impacts to city roadway capacity. The MMLOS recognizes TDM
strategies as a way to mitigate traffic from increased vehicles trips. New or planned
developments that comply with the TDM Ordinance also satisfy the city’s MMLOS
requirements.
State and Regional Alignment
The TDM Program also reinforces state and regional programs that promote sustainable
development and increased mobility options. By considering the entire development process –
from design, construction, to operation – the TDM Program incorporates the various building
standards and mobility strategies to ensure adequate infrastructure and programs are in place to
support multi-modal travel. Many of the recommended TDM strategies, for example, also
satisfy LEED or CALGreen building standards.
4.4.8 LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), developed by the US Green
Building Council, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED
standards recognize TDM as an effective way to reduce energy consumption and pollution
associated with green buildings. TDM strategies can be used to earn credits towards LEED
certification.
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4.4.9 CALGreen
The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) is the first statewide green
building code in the US. The purpose of the code is to mitigate the negative environmental
impact of buildings by encouraging sustainable construction practices. It specifies mandatory
measures for non-residential developments that include TDM accommodations for alternative
commute modes.
4.4.10 SANDAG 2021 Regional Plan
Like its predecessor approved in 2015, the San Diego Association of Governments
(SANDAG) 2021 Regional Plan outlines the region’s transportation investment strategy
through 2050. The Plan focuses on 5 Big Moves: Complete Corridors/Multimodal Roads,
Transit Leap/Fast and Flexible Transit, Mobility Hubs/Connection Points, Flexible Fleets/First
and Last Mile Options, and the Next OS/Enabling Technology. As required by Senate Bill 375,
the Plan also includes a Sustainable Communities Strategy, which specifies how the region will
meet state-mandated targets for greenhouse gas reductions. In addition, as required by
Assembly Bill 805, the Plan includes strategies that provide for mode shift to public
transportation, identify disadvantaged communities, and include transportation strategies to
reduce pollution exposure in disadvantaged communities.
4.4.11 SANDAG Regional Mobility Hub Strategy
The SANDAG Regional Mobility Hub Strategy demonstrates how transportation services,
amenities, and supporting technologies can work together to make it easier for communities to
access transit and other shared mobility choices. A Mobility Hub Features Catalog and
mobility hub prototypes have been developed to guide mobility hub implementation.
4.4.12 SANDAG Smart Growth Design Guidelines
SANDAG’s Smart Growth Design Guidelines provides guidance on how to employ smart
growth principles to design great public places that enhance the quality of life in the San Diego
region. It identifies the appropriate strategies for different “place types”, such as buildings,
large developments, and streetscapes.
4.4.13 iCommute Regional TDM Program
iCommute is the TDM program for the San Diego region. Operated by SANDAG, it
encourages the use of transportation alternatives by providing commuter assistance, employer
services, and support for local jurisdictions in the design and implementation of customized
TDM programs. The City of Carlsbad’s TDM program will work closely with the iCommute
program.
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C. TDM Plan Template for Ordinance Projects
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TDM Plan Template for
Ordinance Projects
Instructions
City of Carlsbad
Land Development Engineering
1635 Faraday Ave
Carlsbad, CA 92008
How to Use the Template: Non-residential developments that meet trip generation thresholds
specified in the city’s TDM Ordinance must submit a TDM Plan. This template shall be used to
prepare a Non-Residential TDM plan compliant with the requirements of the TDM Ordinance.
The Carlsbad Transportation Administrator (TA) is available to support developers with TDM
Ordinance compliance and completion of your plan. To get started or for questions, please contact
landdev@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2750.
TDM Plan Development and Approval Process
Discretionary Permits (if applicable)
1) Prior to submitting a permit
application, confirm applicability of
TDM ordinance
•Use the Development Permits P-2 form to
determine if the project is subject to the
TDM ordinance.
•All projects subject to the TDM Ordinance
are required to complete a preliminary
TDM plan for review and approval prior to discretionary approval.
2) Pre-application Consultation
•Applicants should email
landdev@carlsbadca.gov to schedule a
consultation and coordinate TDM
requirements related to the project prior
to submittal of their draft plan.
3) Preliminary TDM Plan Review
•The preliminary TDM plan is reviewed along with other application materials in
the Planning division submittal package.
Comments will be provided via the submittal package comment letter.
•Once the preliminary plan has addressed
all city comments, it will be approved as a
preliminary TDM plan.
4) Requirements Following Preliminary Plan Approval
•The project will be conditioned to submit a final TDM plan to the satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to occupancy of an
associated building permit. This step allows for updates to the preliminary plan once one or several tenants have been identified.
•TDM requirements following
discretionary approval are outlined in the
Building Permit process below.
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Building Permits – Projects with a Preliminary Plan on File
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE
1) TDM Plan Consultation
•For projects that have an approved preliminary TDM plan, a consultation between a developer representative
and city staff must occur and
infrastructure strategies shall be incorporated into the building plan set. To request a consultation, email
landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
PRIOR TO FINAL BUILDING PERMIT AND OCCUPANCY
2) TDM Plan Development
•The Carlsbad TA is available to assist with the completion of the final plan.
•The final TDM plan shall be submitted to
city staff for review and approval.
Selected infrastructure strategies shall
be incorporated into the building plan
set.
•The final plan must address all comments received and must be submitted with the required signatures
prior to approval.
3) Pre-Occupancy Site Inspection
•TDM plans must complete a successful
pre-occupancy inspection prior to
approval. During the inspection, the
presence and proper installation of
infrastructure and physical elements are
verified.
•If the infrastructure has not been
installed per the TDM plan, modifications to the infrastructure or to the TDM plan may be required.
4) Plan Approval and
Implementation
•After all comments have been addressed
and infrastructure strategies have been
verified at the pre-occupancy site
inspection, the TDM plan will be signed
by a city representative. The city will
distribute the approved TDM plan to
appropriate individuals.
•The city provides implementation and
monitoring assistance to applicants via the TDM business outreach program Carlsbad Commuter.
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Building Permits – Projects with no Preliminary Plan on File
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE
1) TDM Plan Consultation
•Prior to issuance of a building permit, all projects subject to the TDM ordinance must complete a consultation with city staff regarding submittal of the TDM plan. To request a consultation, email landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
•In addition, a consultation between the plan preparer and city staff or the Carlsbad TA must occur prior to building permit issuance.
•If the property has an approved TDM plan
on file, applicants may choose to sign on to
the property's plan, unless a higher tier is
required.
2) Infrastructure Selection
•Applicants who develop their own plan
must identify infrastructure strategies
before building permit issuance and discuss
and email them with an early draft plan to
the Carlsbad TA for preliminary approval.
These infrastructure strategies will need to
be incorporated into the building plan set.
PRIOR TO FINAL BUILDING PERMIT AND OCCUPANCY
3) TDM Plan Development
•The Carlsbad TA is available to assist with
the completion of the plan.
•Applicants/plan preparers submits a draft of
the final plan using the template in Appendix C with supporting documentation to the Carlsbad TA for review and receives feedback at the latest six weeks before
occupancy is expected.
•The final plan must address all comments received and must be submitted with the required signatures prior to approval.
4) Pre-Occupancy Site Inspection
•TDM plans must complete a successful pre-occupancy inspection prior to approval. During the inspection, the presence and proper installation of infrastructure and physical elements are verified.
•If the infrastructure has not been installed per the TDM plan, modifications to the infrastructure or to the TDM plan may be required.
5) Plan Approval and Implementation
•After all comments have been addressed and infrastructure strategies have been verified at the pre-occupancy site inspection, the TDM plan will be signed by a city representative. The city will distribute the approved TDM plan to appropriate individuals.
•The city provides implementation and monitoring assistance to applicants via the TDM business
outreach program Carlsbad Commuter.
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Additional Information
All developments are required to begin to monitor the alternative mode share of commute trips to
the site through employee surveys within 12 months of reaching 75 percent occupancy or within 18
months of initial occupancy, whichever occurs first. Developments with multiple buildings or
phases are required to conduct employee surveys within 12 months of reaching 75 percent
occupancy of the first building or within 18 months of initial occupancy of the first building,
whichever occurs first.
For more detailed information please refer to section 2, Non-Residential Developer TDM Plan
Guidelines within the TDM Handbook.
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TDM Plan for
Ordinance Projects
Submittal Date:
o Preliminary Plan (Discretionary Review Phase Only)
o Final Plan
SECTION 1: Applicant Profile
Applicant Name:
Property Manager
Name:
Applicant Mailing
Address:
Number Street Suite
City State Zip Code
Primary Contact: Email:
Phone:
SECTION 2: Project Information
Project Name:
Permit Number:
Project Address:
Number Street Suite
City State Zip Code
Project Description and Site Map
Please include a description of the project. If the project is a tenant improvement that does not apply
to the whole building/site, please include a site map that shows which areas of the site are subject to
the improvement.
TDM Plan Tier
Refer to Table 2-1 of the handbook for tier levels based on ADET and development type.
☐ Tier 1
☐ Tier 2
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☐ Tier 3
Number of Employees
Specify the expected number of employees at this location at move-in and at full capacity.
Move-In Full Capacity
Number of Full-Time
Employees
Number of Part-Time
Employees
Number of Contract Employees
Total Number of Employees
Average Daily Traffic (ADET) Calculations
Refer to Table 2-2 of the handbook for ADET/SF and additional information. The square footage
used to calculate the trip generation estimate for tenant improvements is based on the floor area of
the improvement, not the square footage of the entire building.
GFA (SF) ADET
Office – All Uses
Restaurant
Retail
Industrial
Warehousing
Manufacturing
Other
Total
Automobile Parking
Automobile Parking Existing # of
Allocated
Spaces*
Proposed # of
Allocated Spaces*
Proposed # of
New Parking
Spaces**
Surface Parking Spaces
Structured Parking Spaces
*Allocated spaces are the spaces assigned to the building or suite.
** New parking spaces are those added as part of this project.
Project Schedule
Anticipated Occupancy Date:
Project Interim Transportation Coordinator
☐ Developer agrees to provide an Interim Transportation Coordinator responsible for ensuring the
infrastructure is developed as agreed upon with the City of Carlsbad, development, and
execution of TDM Plan requirements, and transitioning Transportation Coordinator duties to
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new owners or property managers upon occupancy using the TC Designation Form in Appendix
F.
Provide name, title, email, and phone number. This individual may be the primary contact listed
above for the project.
SECTION 3: Existing Conditions & TDM Context
Complete the following section to establish existing conditions and TDM context. Expand boxes as
needed.
Existing Transportation Infrastructure Network
Please provide a brief discussion or map that describes transportation options that serve the project site. Include the
following items:
• Pedestrian infrastructure adjacent to the side (e.g., sidewalks, nearby crosswalks, or signalized crossings)
• Bike infrastructure by type (e.g., Class I, II, II, or IV) adjacent to the site
• Transit or shuttle services serving the site with a stop/station within a ¼ mile (or a 5-minute walk)
Project-Specific TDM Infrastructure (Tenant Improvements Only)
Please provide a brief discussion and site plan describing the onsite TDM infrastructure currently available:
• Number of public bike racks and approximate location with regards to building entrance
• Average utilization of bike racks (in %)
• Number secure bike racks (specify whether in bike cage, bike room or bike lockers)
• Average utilization of bike racks (in %)
• Number of designated carpool/vanpool spaces and location with regards to building entrance
• Average utilization of carpool/vanpool spaces (in %)
• Any other infrastructure or services available to property tenants that encourage the use of public transit,
carpooling, vanpooling, walking, and biking, such as a bike repair station, an onsite shelter or waiting area
for buses or shuttles, etc.
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Environmental
In the box below, please provide maps of the relevant topographical and experiential conditions that will influence
travel behaviors to the project site. At a minimum, provide the following:
• A Google map with terrain view and bike lanes showing approximately a 2-mile radius around the site
• Photos (or street view screenshot) of the roads adjacent to the property
• If relevant, discuss additional environmental aspects that may impact use of active and alternative
transportation, such as traffic speeds, pedestrian safety, lighting, etc.)
Project-Specific and/or Nearby Amenities
Count and report the number of project-specific and neighboring amenities onsite or within a 5-minute walk (1/4
mile) of the project site and provide map.
• Report the number of amenities or establishments by type. Include number of food establishments, child-care
facilities, fitness/healthcare facilities and other relevant services such as dry-cleaning that can impact trip
generation.
Anticipated Workforce and Commute Patterns
The makeup of the existing or anticipated workforce will help shape the approach to TDM for a given site. Include
the following:
• Existing or anticipated typical work hours or shifts
• Existing or anticipated percentage of part-time employees
• If available, any existing commuting information, such as the percentage of employees using different
commute modes and the average commute distance.
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SECTION 4: TDM Strategy Selections
Please reference section 2 of the handbook for available points and appendix A for a detailed
description and guidance for each strategy. Required strategies add 4 points towards the total
required number of points. Tier 3 TDM plans must achieve a minimum of 6 points through
infrastructure strategies unless otherwise agreed upon with city staff.
To select strategies for inclusion in the TDM plan, check the box to the left of the strategy, provide
information as requested in the box below the strategy, and indicate the points requested. For
strategies with a range of points, work with the TA who will assist in determining the appropriate
number of points based on the unique context of the site and the proposed project.
Claiming Points for Existing Amenities (Tenant Improvements Only)
If the tenant has access to an existing infrastructure amenity available at the site, the tenant can
claim that amenity in their plan unless that amenity does not meet minimum standards or is, on
average, fully utilized, such as two carpool spaces that are both occupied on most weekdays. The
capacity of an existing infrastructure amenity will be evaluated at the time the strategy is proposed.
Strategies Used to Fulfill CEQA Requirements
Any TDM strategies that will be used to fulfill both TDM Plan and CEQA requirements must be
identified in the description and the strategy summary in Section 5. In addition, CEQA
documentation related to the strategy must be attached as an appendix to this template.
Scope of Strategies for Tenant Improvements
While physical improvements tend to be tied to the size and scope of the tenant improvement,
programmatic improvements are expected to be available to all of the employer’s employees at the
site.
Required Strategies
☐ Transportation Coordinator Points: 1
Designate an on-site transportation coordinator responsible for ensuring that infrastructure is
maintained, policies and programs are implemented, and amenities and partnerships are maintained
as described in the approved TDM Plan. The TC ensures compliance with City of Carlsbad TDM
Plan requirements and must attend an introductory meeting and complete a TC training.
Complete the TC Designation Form in Appendix F and add as an appendix to this plan.
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☐ Distribute New Hire Transportation Information Points: 1
Distribute transportation options information to new employees during the hiring and orientation
process.
☐ Citywide TDM Program Points: 2
Meet with the citywide TDM programs outreach staff on a regular basis (at least annually) and
participate in/promote at least two events held by the citywide TDM program.
☐ (SHELL BUILDINGS AND MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS ONLY)
TDM in Leases Points: 1
Applies to shell buildings and multi-tenant buildings. Plan Guidance: Provide language that will be included in the
lease that details the requirements laid out in Section 2, describes for which strategies the tenant(s) will be responsible,
and notes that lease agreements will be accompanied by the approved TDM plan. Tenant TC contacts must be provided
prior to the pre-occupancy inspection.
Infrastructure Strategies
☐ Secure Bike Parking Points Requested:
Secure bike parking must be made available to employees at no cost. Indicate the number of secure, long-term bike
parking spaces to be provided, how they will be accessed and where they will be located on the project site (include
on building/site plan). Refer to the handbook for the number of spaces required to earn points. Please consult
“Essentials of Bike Parking” by the Association for Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals for approved types of bike
parking and installation guidance and provide guidance to the installer. Unapproved types of secure bike parking or
poorly installed facilities may not pass inspection.
☐ Public Bike Parking Points Requested:
Indicate the number of short-term spaces and the type of bike rack to be provided and include the location on the
building/site plan. Refer to the handbook for the number of spaces required to earn points and guidance on
installation. Please consult “Essentials of Bike Parking” by the Association for Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals
for approved types of bike parking and installation guidance and provide the type of bike rack and installation
guidance to the installer. Unapproved bike rack types or poorly installed racks may not pass inspection.
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☐ Bicycle Repair Station Points Requested:
Describe what items will be included in the bicycle repair station and include the location on the building/site plan.
☐ Micromobility Parking Points Requested:
Indicate where micromobility parking and charging will be located on the project site. Include location on the
building/site plan.
☐ Preferential Parking for Car/Vanpools Points Requested:
Indicate the number of carpool and vanpool reserved spaces to be provided and where they will be located on the
project site (on the building/site plan). Refer to Appendix A of the handbook for guidance on the required number of
spaces and copy the guidance into the space below to ensure proper implementation. Maximum points will be awarded
when offered in conjunction with ridematching services.
☐ Car Share Parking and Vehicles Points Requested:
Indicate the number of vehicles and reserved spaces to be provided and where they will be located on the project site
(include in building/site plan).
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☐ End of Trip Facilities Points Requested:
Indicate the number of showers, lockers, and changing rooms and where they will be located on the building/site plan.
☐ On-site Amenities Points Requested:
Discuss the on-site amenities that will be located at the development and explain how these offerings will mitigate trips
rather than serve as trip-generators. Discuss discounts available to tenants if applicable. Show the location of the
amenities on the building/site plan.
☐ Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections Points Requested:
Provide a map showing proposed pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and connections to existing facilities and within
the site.
☐ Passenger Loading Zone Points Requested:
Describe location of and denote loading zone on building/site plan.
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☐ Innovation (Infrastructure-Based) Points Requested:
Describe the strategy and discuss how it will lead to reduced single-occupancy vehicle trips to and from the site and
include locations on the building/site plan.
Non-Infrastructure Strategies
Non-infrastructure strategies for tenant improvements must be made available to all employees at
the worksite, not only those in the improved space.
Amenities
☐ Car Share Vehicles Points Requested:
Identify the number of car share vehicles that will be provided on-site and if these vehicles will be provided by an
existing car share operator or by the employer/property owner. Indicate whether membership will be fully or partially
subsidized for employees/tenants. Must be provided in conjunction with car share parking.
☐ Micromobility Fleet Points Requested:
Describe the micromobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.) that will be available for use by employees/tenants, the
number of devices, and the location where devices will be stored. Include the location on building/site plan. Indicate if
all employees/tenants will have access to the devices and how employees/tenants will reserve/check out devices.
☐ Real-Time Travel Information Points Requested:
Describe the proposed location of the resources and the real-time travel information made available.
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☐ Mobile On-site Amenities Points Requested:
Discuss the mobile on-site amenities that will be located at the development and explain how these offerings will
mitigate trips rather than serve as trip-generators. Discuss discounts available to tenants. Provide a map showing the
proposed location of these amenities and discuss agreements between vendors and schedules.
Developer/Employer Programs
☐ Transportation Subsidy/Incentives Budget Points Requested:
Include details of program including the subsidy that will be offered (such as transit pass subsidy), how the program
will be administered. Indicate the total annual budget, describe what percentage of the workforce will be eligible to
participate, how the program will be marketed and how participation will be monitored.
☐ Ridematching Services Points Requested:
Plan Guidance: Discuss plans to create and promote ridematching program.
☐ Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Services Points Requested:
Discuss plans to create an internal GRH program. At a minimum, developer will promote existing services, such as
SANDAG’s iCommute service.
☐ Marketing and Outreach Points Requested:
Include details of marketing and outreach efforts.
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Employer Programs
☐ Telework Program Points Requested:
Include information about the program, such as the infrastructure and policies that will be available to support
teleworking, the anticipated percentage of employees that will be eligible and any limits or guidance on the number of
days employees can telework per week or month. The number of points is tied to the expected number of telework days
and associated trip reductions (see handbook for further guidance).
☐ Flexible/Alternative Work Schedules Points Requested:
Include information about the program, such as the anticipated percentage of employees that will be eligible and any
limits or guidance on the arrangements that are acceptable.
☐ Alternative Transportation Incentive Points Requested:
Include details of program including how the program will be administered. Indicate the total annual budget, describe
what percentage of the workforce will be eligible to participate, how the program will be marketed and how
participation will be monitored.
☐ Commuter Tax Benefits Points Requested:
Include how the program will be marketed to employees.
☐ Customized Travel Plans Points Requested:
Identify department/position that will be responsible for implementation.
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Partnerships
☐ Establish and Maintain Partnerships with Area Businesses Points Requested:
Identify partner business(es) or entities and the TDM resource(s) that will be provided through the partnership.
Describe how costs will be shared.
☐ Establish and Maintain Partnerships with Private Vendors Points Requested:
Identify partner business(es) or entities and the TDM resource(s) that will be provided through the partnership.
Innovation
☐ Innovation (Non-Infrastructure-Based) Points Requested:
Describe the strategy and discuss how it will lead to reduced single-occupancy vehicle trips to and from the site.
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SECTION 5: Strategy Summary and Site Plan
1. Provide a summary of selected strategies and points requested in this table and mark any
strategies that are used as VMT reduction strategies to comply with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). TDM measures used to meet CEQA requirements
must remain in perpetuity with the project.
2. Attach a site plan that displays the location of all physical elements of the TDM plan. This
plan will be used by city staff to verify all physical elements at the pre-occupancy
inspection. The site plan must:
a. Include locations and quantities of all infrastructure elements and any physical
elements of non-infrastructure strategies (i.e., real-time information screens or
transportation kiosks)
b. Differentiate between existing and proposed elements and clearly mark the elements
for which points are requested
c. Be legible and on a sheet no larger than 11” by 17”
Strategy Points CEQA Notes (Admin Use Only)
Secure Bike Parking
Public Bike Parking
Bicycle Repair Station
Micromobility Parking
Preferential Parking for Car/Vanpools
Parking Spaces for Carshare Vehicles
End of Trip Facilities
On-Site Amenities
Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections
Passenger Loading Zone
Innovation (Infrastructure-Based)
Carshare Vehicles
Micromobility Fleet
Real-Time Travel Information
Mobile On-Site Amenities
Transportation Subsidy/Incentives Budget
Ridematching Services
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) Services
Marketing and Outreach
Telework Program
Flexible/Alternative Work Schedules
Alternative Transportation Incentive
Commuter Tax Benefits
Customized Travel Plans
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Establish and Maintain Partnerships with
Area Businesses
Establish and Maintain Partnerships with
Private Vendors
Innovation (Non-Infrastructure-Based)
Total Points
SECTION 6: Transfer of Ownership (New Developments Only)
By signing below, owner agrees to inform the city of a sale and provide contact information for a
new owner to ensure that the plan will continue throughout the life of the project.
Name and Signature of Developer Representative or Designated Applicant:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone Number
SECTION 7: Monitoring
By signing below, applicant agrees to distribute commute surveys to employees every two years
following the baseline survey conducted within 12 months of occupancy reaching 75 percent or
within 18 months of initial occupancy, whichever occurs first. Alternatively, applicant may provide
a copy of the signed lease that stipulates that the employer tenant(s) will administer employee
commute surveys on the same schedule.
In addition, applicant acknowledges the interim and final alternative mode share goals, listed below,
that the development is required to achieve. Should the goals not be achieved, transportation
coordinator agrees to work with the citywide program to replace ineffective measures or identify
additional measures suitable for implementation at the project site.
Period in which
Reporting Falls
Alternative Mode Share Goal
New
Developments
Existing
Buildings/Tenant
Improvements
Present till 2025 25% 24%
2025 - 2029 30% 26%
2030 - 2034 35% 28%
2035 on 40% 30%
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SECTION 8: Signatures
By signing below, applicant and transportation coordinator certify that the information provided
in this document is complete and accurate. By signing this document, the transportation
coordinator is committing to providing the strategies identified in this document and to
participate in monitoring activities described in Section 7.
Name and Signature of Developer Representative or Designated Applicant:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone
Number
Name and Signature of Building Owner:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone
Number
Name and Signature of (Interim or Final) Transportation Coordinator:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone
Number
Name and Signature of City of Carlsbad Representative:
Printed Name Signature Date
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(ADMIN USE ONLY)
Estimated Occupancy Date:
For TDM in Leases Strategy, tenant TC contacts have been provided: Y/N
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D. TDM Plan Template for Mobility Element Projects
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TDM Plan Template for
Mobility Element Projects
Instructions
City of Carlsbad
Land Development Engineering
1635 Faraday Ave
Carlsbad, CA 92008
How to Use the Template: This template shall be used to prepare a Mobility Element TDM plan
in conformance with the requirements of the General Plan Mobility Element.
The Carlsbad Transportation Administrator (TA) is available to support developers with TDM
plan development. To get started or for questions, please contact landdev@carlsbadca.gov or
call 442-339-2750.
TDM Plan Development and Approval Process
Discretionary Permits (if applicable)
1) Prior to submitting a permit
application, confirm applicability of
General Plan Mobility Element Policy
3-P.11:
•Use the Development Permits P-2 form to determine if the project is subject to the
Mobility Element Policy.
•All projects subject to the Mobility
Element Policy are required complete a
preliminary TDM plan for review and
approval prior to discretionary approval.
2) Pre-application consultation:
•Applicants should email landdev@carlsbadca.gov to schedule a consultation and coordinate TDM requirements related to the project prior to submittal of their draft plan.
3) Preliminary TDM Plan Review:
•The preliminary TDM plan is reviewed
along with other application materials in
the Planning division submittal package.
Comments will be provided via the
submittal package comment letter.
•Once the preliminary plan has addressed all city comments, it will be approved as a preliminary TDM plan.
4) Requirements Following
Preliminary Plan Approval:
•The project will be conditioned to submit
a final TDM plan to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer prior to occupancy of an
associated building permit. This step
allows for updates to the preliminary plan
once one or several tenants have been identified.
•TDM requirements following discretionary approval are outlined in the Building Permit process below.
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{city of
Carlsbad
California
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Building Permits – Projects with a Preliminary Plan on File
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT
ISSUANCE
1) TDM Plan Consultation
•For projects that have an approved preliminary TDM plan, a consultation between a developer representative and city staff must occur and infrastructure strategies shall be incorporated into the building plan set. To request a consultation, email landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
2) TDM Plan Development
•The Carlsbad TA is available to assist with the completion of the final plan.
•The final TDM plan shall be submitted to city staff for review and approval. Selected infrastructure strategies shall be incorporated into the building plan set.
•The final plan must address all comments received and must be submitted with the required signatures prior to approval.
PRIOR TO FINAL BUILDING PERMIT
AND OCCUPANCY
3) Pre-Occupancy Site Inspection
•TDM plans must complete a successful
pre-occupancy inspection prior to approval. During the inspection, the presence and proper installation of infrastructure and physical elements are verified.
•If the infrastructure has not been installed per the TDM plan, modifications to the infrastructure or to the TDM plan may be required.
4) Plan Approval and Implementation
•After all comments have been addressed
and infrastructure strategies have been
verified at the pre-occupancy site
inspection, the TDM plan will be signed
by a city representative. The city will distribute the approved TDM plan to appropriate individuals.
•Please note that the city provides implementation and monitoring assistance to applicants via the TDM business outreach program Carlsbad Commuter.
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Building Permits – Projects with no Preliminary Plan on File
Additional Information
Developments are subject to periodic reporting requirements as determined by the City of
Carlsbad.
For more detailed information please refer to Section 3: Mobility Element TDM Plan
Requirements of the TDM Handbook.
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT
ISSUANCE
1) TDM Plan Consultation
•Prior to plan development, a consultation between the plan preparer and city staff or the Carlsbad TA must occur. To request a consultation, project applicant or TDM plan preparer shall email landdev@carlsbadca.gov.
2) TDM Plan Development
•The Carlsbad TA is available to assist
with the completion of the plan.
•Applicants/plan preparers submits a draft of the final plan using the template in Appendix D with supporting documentation to the Carlsbad TA for
review and receives feedback at the
latest six weeks before the building is expected. The infrastructure strategies must be incorporated into the building plan set.
•The final plan must address all comments received and must be submitted with the required signatures prior to approval.
PRIOR TO FINAL BUILDING PERMIT AND OCCUPANCY
3) Pre-Occupancy Site Inspection
•TDM plans must complete a successful
pre-occupancy inspection prior to
approval. During the inspection, the
presence and proper installation of
infrastructure and physical elements are
verified.
•If the infrastructure has not been
installed per the TDM plan,
modifications to the infrastructure or to the TDM plan may be required.
4) Plan Approval and Implementation
•After all comments have been addressed and infrastructure strategies have been verified at the pre-occupancy site inspection, the TDM plan will be signed by a city representative. The city will distribute the approved TDM plan to appropriate individuals.
•The city provides implementation and
monitoring assistance to applicants via
the TDM business outreach program
Carlsbad Commuter.
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TDM Plan for
Mobility Element Projects
Submittal Date:
o Preliminary Plan (Discretionary Review Phase Only)
o Final Plan
SECTION 1: Applicant Profile
Applicant Name:
Property Manager
Name:
Applicant Mailing
Address:
Number Street Suite
City State Zip Code
Primary Contact: Email:
Phone:
SECTION 2: Project Information
Project Name:
Permit Number:
Project Address:
Number Street Suite
City State Zip Code
Project Description
Please include a brief description of the project.
Non-Residentail: Gross Square Feet ________
Residential: Number of Dwelling Units: ______
TDM Plan Tier
Refer to Table 3-2 of the handbook for tier levels based on ADET and development type.
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☐ Tier 1
☐ Tier 2
☐ Tier 3
Automobile Parking
Automobile Parking Existing # of
Allocated
Spaces*
Proposed # of
Allocated Spaces*
Proposed # of
New Parking
Spaces**
Surface Parking Spaces
Structured Parking Spaces
*Allocated spaces are the spaces assigned to the building or suite.
** New parking spaces are those added as part of this project.
Project Schedule
Anticipated Occupancy Date:
Project Interim Transportation Coordinator
☐ Developer agrees to provide an Interim Transportation Coordinator responsible for ensuring
the infrastructure is developed as agreed upon with the City of Carlsbad, development, and
execution of TDM Plan requirements, and transitioning Transportation Coordinator duties to
new owners or property managers upon occupancy using the TC Designation Form.
Provide name, title, and contact information. This individual may be the primary contact listed
above for the project.
SECTION 3: Existing Conditions & TDM Context
Complete the following section to establish existing conditions and TDM context.
Existing Transportation Infrastructure Network
Please provide a brief discussion or map that describes the alternative transportation infrastructure available that
serves the project site. Include the following items:
• Pedestrian infrastructure adjacent to the side (e.g., sidewalks, nearby crosswalks, or signalized
crossings)
• Bike infrastructure by type (e.g., Class I, II, III, or IV) adjacent to the site
• Transit or shuttle services serving the site with a stop/station within a ¼ mile (or a 5-minute walk)
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Environmental
In the box below, please provide maps of the relevant topographical and experiential conditions that will influence
travel behaviors to the project site. At a minimum, provide the following:
• A Google map with terrain view and bike lanes showing approximately a 2-mile radius around the site
• Photos (or street view screenshot) of the roads adjacent to the property
• If relevant, discuss additional environmental aspects that may impact use of active and alternative
transportation, such as traffic speeds, pedestrian safety, lighting, etc.)
Project-Specific and/or Nearby Amenities
Count and report the number of project-specific and neighboring amenities onsite or within a 5-minute walk (1/4
mile) of the project site and provide map.
• Report the number of amenities or establishments by type. Include number of food establishments, child-
care facilities, fitness/healthcare facilities and other relevant services such as dry-cleaning that can
impact trip generation.
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SECTION 4: TDM Strategy Selections
The applicant will work with the TA to determine both infrastructure strategies applicable to the
site and the appropriate placement of TDM infrastructure.
Please reference section 3 of the handbook for available points and appendix A for a detailed
description and guidance for each strategy. Tier 1 plans are required to gain three points (one
required plus two electives), Tier 2 plans five points (one required and four electives) and Tier 3
plans seven points (one required and six electives).
Check the box to the left of the strategy to include it in the plan. Provide information as requested
in the box below the strategy and indicate the points requested for the strategy, using the
handbook as a guide. For strategies with a range of points, work with the TA who will assist in
determining the appropriate number of points based on the unique context of the site and the
proposed project. Refer to the Carlsbad TDM Handbook, Appendix A for details about each
strategy.
Strategies Used to Fulfill CEQA Requirements
Any TDM strategies that will be used to fulfill TDM Plan and CEQA requirements must be
identified in the description and the strategy summary in Section 5. In addition, CEQA
documentation related to the strategy must be attached as an appendix to this template.
Required Strategy
☐ Transportation Coordinator Points: 1
Designate an on-site transportation coordinator responsible for ensuring that infrastructure is
maintained, policies and programs are implemented, and amenities and partnerships are
maintained as described in the approved TDM. The TC ensures compliance with City of Carlsbad
TDM Plan requirements and must attend an introductory meeting and complete a TC training.
Complete the TC Designation Form in Appendix F and add as an appendix to this plan.
Elective Infrastructure Strategies
☐ Secure Bike Parking Points Requested:
Secure bike parking must be made available to residents at no cost. Indicate the number of secure, long-term bike
parking spaces to be provided, how they will be accessed and where they will be located on the project site
(include on building/site plan). Refer to the handbook for the number of spaces required to earn points. Please
consult “Essentials of Bike Parking” by the Association for Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals for approved
types of bike parking and installation guidance and provide guidance to the installer.
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☐ Public Bike Parking Points Requested:
Indicate the number of short-term spaces available to visitors and the type of bike rack to be provided and include
the location on the building/site plan. Refer to the handbook for the number of spaces required to earn points and
guidance on installation. Please consult “Essentials of Bike Parking” by the Association for Pedestrian and
Bicycle Professionals for approved types of bike parking and installation guidance and provide the type of bike
rack and installation guidance to the installer. Unapproved bike rack types or poorly installed racks may not pass
inspection.
☐ Bicycle Repair Station Points Requested:
Describe what items will be included in the bicycle repair station and include the location on the building/site plan.
☐ Micromobility Parking Points Requested:
Indicate where micromobility parking and charging will be located on the project site. Include location on the
building/site plan.
☐ Car Share Parking and Vehicles Points Requested:
Indicate the number of car share vehicles and reserved spaces to be provided and where they will be located on the
project site (include in building/site plan).
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☐ On-site Amenities Points Requested:
Discuss the on-site amenities that will be located at the development and explain how these offerings will mitigate
trips rather than serve as trip-generators. Discuss discounts available to tenants if applicable. Show the location of
the amenities on the building/site plan.
☐ Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections Points Requested:
Provide a map showing proposed pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and connections to existing facilities and
within the site.
☐ Passenger Loading Zone Points Requested:
Describe location of and denote loading zone on building/site plan.
☐ Innovation (Infrastructure-Based) Points Requested:
Describe the strategy and discuss how it will lead to reduced single-occupancy vehicle trips to and from the site and
include locations on the building/site plan.
Residential Only
☐ Mixed-Use Component Points Requested:
Plan Guidance: Discuss the non-residential uses that will be located at the development and explain how these
offerings will mitigate trips rather than serve as trip-generators. Discuss discounts available to tenants if applicable.
Provide a map showing the location of these amenities.
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☐ Delivery-Supportive Amenities Points Requested:
Describe the type and location of the storage being provided and how residents will access their
packages (automated locker system, storage room managed by onsite staff, etc.).
Non-Residential Only
☐ Preferential Parking for Car/Vanpools Points Requested:
Indicate the number of carpool and vanpool reserved spaces to be provided and where they will be located on the
project site (on the building/site plan). Refer to Appendix A of the handbook for guidance on the required number of
spaces and copy the guidance into the space below to ensure proper implementation. Maximum points will be
awarded when offered in conjunction with ridematching services.
☐ End of Trip Facilities Points Requested:
Indicate the number of showers, lockers, and changing rooms and where they will be located on the building/site
plan.
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SECTION 5: Strategy Summary
1. Provide a summary of selected strategies and points requested in this table and mark any
strategies that are used as VMT reduction strategies to comply with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). TDM measures used to meet CEQA requirements
must remain in perpetuity with the project.
2. Attach a site plan that displays the location of all physical elements of the TDM plan.
This plan will be used by city staff to verify all physical elements at the pre-occupancy
inspection. The site plan must:
a. Include locations and quantities of all infrastructure elements.
b. Differentiate between existing and proposed elements and clearly mark the
elements for which points are requested.
c. Be legible and no larger than 11” by 17”.
Strategy Points CEQA Notes (Admin Use Only)
Secure Bike Parking
Public Bike Parking
Bicycle Repair Station
Micromobility Parking
Car Share Parking and Vehicles
Mixed-Use Component
On-Site Amenities
Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections
Passenger Loading Zone
Innovation (Infrastructure-Based)
Mixed-Use Component
Delivery-Supportive Amenities
Preferential Parking for Car/Vanpool
End of Trip Facilities
Total Points
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SECTION 6: Transfer of Ownership
By signing below, developer agrees to inform the city of a sale and provide contact information
for a new owner to ensure that the plan will continue throughout the life of the project.
Name and Signature of Developer Representative or Designated Applicant:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone Number
SECTION 7: Monitoring
By signing below, applicant agrees to provide regular status reports in compliance with the
monitoring requirements per Section 3.6 of the TDM Handbook.
SECTION 8: Signatures
By signing below, applicant and transportation coordinator certify that the information provided
in this document is complete and accurate. By signing this document, the transportation
coordinator is committing to providing the strategies identified in this document and to
participate in monitoring activities described in Section 3.6 of the Carlsbad TDM Handbook.
Name and Signature of Developer Representative or Designated Applicant:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone
Number
Name and Signature of Building Owner:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone
Number
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Name and Signature of (Interim or Final) Transportation Coordinator:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone
Number
Name and Signature of City of Carlsbad Representative:
Printed Name Signature Date
(ADMIN USE ONLY)
Estimated Occupancy Date:
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E. Glossary of Terms
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 95 of 109
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Term Definition
Alternative Mode Share
All modes of transportation that do not include single-occupancy
vehicle trips, including transit, walking, biking, ridesharing, and
others.
Alternative Mode Share
Goal
The city’s Climate Action Plan establishes the goal of achieving an
additional 10 percent alternative mode use, for an overall 32 percent
alternative mode use, by workers employed in Carlsbad by 2035. To
meet this goal, new non-residential projects subject to the TDM
ordinance are required to achieve a 40 percent alternative mode share
and existing non-residential developments must meet a 30 percent
alternative mode share.
Bikeshare
A shared mobility service that offers convenient, on-demand access
to bikes for short-term use. This is an important first/last mile option
as it connects commuters to and from a transit station.
Build-to-Spec
A building that is a speculative venture for the builder. The
developer has the intention of selling at a profit or leasing the
building but has not identified the buyer/lessee.
Build-to-Suit A commercial building in which the developer specifically builds to
meet the design and physical specifications of the tenant.
California
Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA)
A state of California statute that requires local agencies to
identify significant environmental impacts of their actions and avoid
or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.
Carpool
An arrangement between a group of (2-5) people who live and work
near each other to commute to work together in a single vehicle.
Dynamic ridesharing services match drivers with passengers who are
traveling in the same direction.
Carshare
A shared mobility service that provides vehicles for rent to members
for short periods of time. It is typically provided by an employer or
property manager as an amenity for employees who typically do not
have access to a car.
Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) is designed to reduce Carlsbad’s
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and streamline environmental
review of future development projects in the city
Commuter Survey
A paper or electronic survey that includes questions about commuter
behavior, preferences, motivations, and barriers to establish and
monitor mode share at a work site.
Conditions of Approval Conditions of approval are requirements that need to be met to
receive approval on a discretionary project.
Development
Construction, re-construction, re-model, or alteration of the size of
any building structure, or area of occupancy, requiring a
development permit; any grading activities requiring a development
permit; change in the density or intensity of use of land requiring a
development permit.
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Development Permit Any permit approval or entitlement issued pursuant to Title 11, 15,
18, 20 or 21 of the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Employee Trips The number of average daily trips made by employees to their
designated worksite within Carlsbad.
First/Last Mile
First/last mile refers to the first and last connections to and from a
transit stop or station and is typically by walking, biking, or riding a
bus to a rail station. Transit riders may face problems with making
the first and last legs of their transit trip if there are inadequate bus
service coverage or unsafe road conditions for biking or walking.
Flexible Curb Space
Curb space designated for transit, shared mobility, and passenger
loading. Restrictions on types of uses during certain times of day
help balance street demand as they change throughout the day.
Good Faith Effort
(GFE)
A business that does not meet its mode share target may still comply
with the TDM Ordinance by demonstrating a good faith effort by
submitting all the required documents (i.e., Developer Checklist and
TDM Plan) and consulting with the Carlsbad TA to develop a robust
TDM Plan at their worksite.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Principal GHGs include
carbon-dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur
hexafluoride (SF6).
High Occupancy
Vehicle (HOV)
A HOV vehicle is one carrying more than one passenger, such as
buses, carpools, and vanpools. Providing dedicated priority parking
for HOV vehicles promotes ridesharing and reduces the number of
vehicles arriving to the worksite.
Infrastructure TDM
Improvements
TDM strategies that are incorporated into the facility(ies) and or site
design. Examples include designated carpool/vanpool parking,
secure bicycle parking, and public bicycle parking.
Mobility Hub
Mobility hubs are places of connectivity where different modes of
travel – walking, biking, transit, and shared mobility – converge and
where there is a concentration of employment, housing, shopping,
and/or recreation. They provide an integrated suite of mobility
services, amenities, and technologies to bridge the distance between
high-frequency transit and an individual’s origin or destination.
Mode Share Means percentage of commuters who use different modes of
transportation, such as drive-alone, transit, bike, walking, etc.
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Mode Share Target
The mode share target is a goal established by the city for work sites.
A target mode share of 40% means that 40% of individuals drive
alone to work during AM and PM peak periods. The remining 60%
of individuals use alternative travel modes (e.g., vanpool, carpool,
biking) to commute to work.
Multimodal
Multimodal refers to multiple modes or ways of travel, such as
walking, biking, riding transit or carpooling. Typically, multimodal
is used in reference to street design or commuter benefits programs,
designed to encourage people to use alternatives to the most common
mode of travel, driving alone.
Non-Infrastructure
Strategies
TDM strategies such as policies, programs and partnerships that are
implemented once the development is occupied. Examples include
ridematching programs, transit subsidies, and marketing and
promotion of transportation options.
Non-Residential
Development
Non-residential or commercial development includes the following
land uses: industrial, retail, hotel, office, manufacturing, and mixed-
use.
Preliminary Plan
A preliminary plan is created during the discretionary permit phase.
The project will be conditioned to submit a final TDM plan to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to occupancy of an associated
building permit.
Ridematching
Ridematching is a service that connects drivers and riders who live
and work nearby to reduce the number of SOV trips. It may be
administered by the employer, a TMA/TMO, the Carlsbad TA, or a
regional TDM service provider.
Rideshare Any non-SOV trip including carpool, vanpool, or public transit.
Shared Parking
Shared parking is a situation in which two or more complementary
land uses share a set of parking spaces. This can be due to different
peak demands, such as morning versus evening or weekday versus
weekend. For example, an office complex and restaurant may have
complementary uses the restaurant experiences peak patronage in the
evening, when employees are off and are heading home.
Shell Building Spec building with no pre-defined use and/or occupancy.
Single Occupancy
Vehicle (SOV) trips
Means one occupant per vehicle. SOV trips can be used
interchangeably with drive-alone or solo driving trips.
TDM Menu of Options A list of TDM strategies that may be implemented at a work site.
Transportation
Administrator (TA)
The Carlsbad Transportation Administrator (Carlsbad TA) assists
project applicant and businesses in meeting the mandatory and
suggested requirements of the TDM Ordinance and voluntary TDM
Business Program. The Carlsbad TA is available for consultation
prior to and during the compliance process, including help with
worksite analyses, preparing TDM Plans, conducting commute
surveys, and implementing successful TDM programs to meet mode
share targets.
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Transportation
Coordinator (TC)
A TC is the primary contact for employees as it relates to
transportation-related programs and services, such as transit options,
available rideshare and active transportation amenities, and
commuter programs and events. TCs are responsible for preparing
and implementing the approved TDM. TCs are required to attend an
introductory training.
Transportation Demand
Management (TDM)
Strategies, policies, and programs that reduce demand on roadway
infrastructure by reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips. TDM
programs include measures that work to reduce single occupancy
vehicle (SOV) trips, increase vehicle occupancy, and shift travel to
other modes or to non-peak travel periods. This is achieved through
employer actions, financial incentives, alternative work
arrangements, or local infrastructure and land use policy that
constrains parking supply, densifies uses, and provides a convenient
suite of transportation options including walking, bicycling, transit,
and rideshare. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) means
strategies, policies, and programs that reduce demand on roadway
infrastructure by reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips.
Transportation Demand
Management (TDM)
Ordinance
City of Carlsbad ordinance that fulfills measure K-2 of the Climate
Action Plan to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and increase
alternative mode share among Carlsbad workers to meet 2035 GHG
reduction targets. Non-residential development projects where
employees produce a minimum of 110 average daily employee trips
(ADET) are subject to the ordinance and must submit a TDM plan.
Transportation Demand
Management (TDM)
Plan
Strategies and investments to reduce SOV mode share and VMT
tailored to a specific worksite/property, including facilities
improvements, programs, incentives/disincentives, education,
marketing, and outreach.
Unbundling Parking Lease or sell all parking spaces separately from the rental or
purchase fee for residential units or commercial space.
Vanpool
Vanpools are a form of rideshare in which five or more individuals
commute to work using a single vehicle. The vehicle may be owned
by the individuals or leased from an employer or third-party vendor.
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F. TC Designation Form
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Transportation Coordinator
Designation Form Instructions
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan
Your organization is required to implement and monitor a TDM plan that was approved as part of
the City of Carlsbad’s development approval process. More information about the TDM plan
requirements can be found in the Carlsbad TDM Handbook.
Transportation Coordinator (TC) Duties
The transportation coordinator is responsible for the implementation and compliance monitoring
of the TDM plan on file with the City of Carlsbad. Implementation duties include:
• Attending an introductory TC meeting and completing a TC training
• Ensuring that all strategies selected in the approved TDM plan are available to
employees/residents, are being maintained regularly, and are being promoted regularly to
employees/residents
• Distributing transportation options information to new employees/residents
• Coordinating with the city’s business outreach TDM program (Carlsbad Commuter),
including attending at least one event or meeting and participating in/promoting at least
two citywide TDM events per year.
• Administering a city-provided or city-approved commute survey to employees and
submitting a TDM status report to the City of Carlsbad at the frequency identified in the
TDM plan.
Form Instructions
This form will become an appendix to your approved TDM plan. Complete the form, including
the required signatures and the appendix number on the cover sheet and add it to your approved
TDM plan. Submit the TDM plan with the new appendix but excluding this instruction page via
email to landdev@carlsbadca.gov or in person at the Engineering Counter located at 1635
Faraday Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008.
For information regarding the TDM plan requirements, TC duties, or assistance with completing
this form, please contact landdev@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2750.
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Transportation Coordinator Designation Form
Company Name: _________________________
Worksite/Property Address: _____________________________________________
Company Phone Number: ___________________
TDM Plan Number: ___________________
Transportation Coordinator (TC): ________________________________
Title:
Company name: _______________________
Email: ______________________
Phone Number: _______________
Percent of Time Dedicated to TC Duties: ________
Instructions for the TC: Review and check the following requirements.
I have received and reviewed my company’s/property’s TDM plan
I fully understand the implementation and compliance duties
I commit to implementing the TDM plan commitments as described in the plan. If any of the
approved strategies cease to be available or appropriate at my worksite, I will contact the City of
Carlsbad to see whether a TDM plan amendment is needed.
Name and Signature of Transportation Coordinator:
Printed Name and Title Signature Date
Instructions for the supervisor of the TC: Review the duties described in the instructions. Indicate
your approval of the time commitment by signing below.
I have received and reviewed my company’s/property’s TDM plan
I commit to filing a new transportation coordinator form within 60 days of designating a new
TC.
Name and Signature of TC Supervisor:
Printed Name Signature Date
Organization Email Phone
Number
Note: If the TC changes, please inform the city by submitting a new TC Designation Form.
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G. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan Acknowledgment Form
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Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) Plan Acknowledgment Form
Instructions
TDM Plan Requirement and Form Purpose
Shell buildings and multi-tenant buildings subject to the City of Carlsbad TDM ordinance must
establish requirements in lease agreements that require tenants to implement and promote the
strategies detailed in the approved TDM plan and comply with the monitoring requirements, such
as distributing an employee commute survey and achieving required response rates. Lease
agreements must include a copy of the TDM plan and specify which TDM plan commitments
must be implemented by the tenant. Tenants applying for a building permit triggering the same or
lower tier TDM plan requirement as the property have the option to choose the property’s TDM
plan or create their own. Tenants who choose the property’s TDM plan must complete and sign
this TDM Plan Acknowledgment Form prior to permit issuance. The tenant is required to
have a representative to serve as the Transportation Coordinator (TC) and provide updated TC
contact information to the city.
Tenants that trigger a higher tier level than that of the property’s TDM plan must create their own
TDM plan for city approval.
Form Instructions
Complete the form, including the required signatures and submit the form to
landdev@carlsbadca.gov or in person at the Engineering Counter located at 1635 Faraday Ave.,
Carlsbad, CA 92008.
For information regarding the TDM plan requirements or assistance with completing this form,
please contact landdev@carlsbadca.gov or call 442-339-2750.
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TDM Plan Acknowledgment Form
TDM Plan Number: _______________________________
Building Permit Number: ___________________________
Company Name: _________________________________
Worksite/Property Address: _____________________________________________
Company Phone Number: __________________________
Transportation Coordinator (TC): ________________________________
Title: ________________________________
Email: _______________________________
Phone Number: _________________
By signing this document, the following is acknowledged:
• This property is subject to the city’s TDM Ordinance.
• A copy of the TDM Plan that applies to this project was received and reviewed.
• The tenant is responsible for implementation of the TDM Plan, including monitoring and
surveying, and is subject to enforcement actions for non-compliance.
Signature of Transportation Coordinator:
Signature
Date
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 105 of 109
MEMORANDUM
Alta Planning + Design, Inc. City of Carlsbad 1
To: Nathan Schmidt, City of Carlsbad
From: Ulla Hester, Alta Planning + Design
Date: February 21, 2025
Re: TDM Plan Monitoring Summary as of Fall 2024
TDM Plan Monitoring
Under the Carlsbad TDM ordinance, properties/employers with an approved TDM plan must prepare a baseline commute
survey within one year of reaching 75% occupancy or within 18 months of initial occupancy, whichever occurs first.
Properties conduct follow-up surveys every two years to gauge progress towards the sustainable transportation mode
share goals identified by the city of Carlsbad (Table 1). Along with the survey results, properties submit a status report
documenting the implementation status of their TDM plan strategies. Properties that fail to reach their mode share goals
during their follow-up surveys may have to amend their TDM plan to improve their progress towards the goal.
Table 1: Sustainable Mode Share Goals
Period in which
Reporting Falls
Sustainable Mode Share Goals
New Developments Existing Buildings/ Tenant
Improvements
Present till 2025 25% 24%
2025 – 2029 30% 26%
2030 – 2034 35% 28%
2035 on 40% 30%
Plans Approved Since 2019
The City of Carlsbad has reviewed and approved 49 final plans and four preliminary plans. The latter are plans that gain
preliminary approval during the discretionary process and are finalized at the building permit stage.
Table 2: Approved TDM Plans by Year and Type
Plans Approved 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total
Tier 1 1 4 4 5 5 3 22
Tier 2 2 3 2 6 6 1 20
Tier 3 2 1 1 0 3 7
Preliminary Discretionary 1 0 2 0 1 4
Total 3 10 7 14 11 8 53
Exhibit 3
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 106 of 109
a
MEMORANDUM
Alta Planning + Design, Inc. City of Carlsbad 2
Approximately 8,700 employees work for employers that have completed and are implementing TDM plans under the TDM
ordinance.
Figure 1: Cumulative Number of Plans and Employees Under the TDM Ordinance
Monitoring Results as of Fall 2024
Since 2020, UrbanTrans has conducted 41 baseline surveys and 24 first follow-up surveys, and three second follow-up
surveys. More than 9,800 employees have completed a baseline survey, 5,764 have completed the first follow-up survey,
and 773 have completed the second follow-up survey.
Key Findings
• Since Fall 2022, 48% of properties/employers met the 24% sustainable mode share goal in their baseline survey,
67% met the goal in their first follow-up survey, and 100% in their second follow-up survey.
• Despite not all employer/properties meeting the goal, the weighted average of all participants met or exceeded
the goal in all survey categories:
o The average baseline sustainable transportation mode share was 24%, reflecting 41 participating
properties/employers and using a weighted average by employee population.
o The average follow-up sustainable transportation mode share for properties completing their first
follow-up survey was 38%, reflecting 24 participating properties/employers and using a weighted average
by employee population.
o The average follow-up sustainable transportation mode share for properties completing their second
follow-up survey was 32%, reflecting three participating properties/employers.
• Average VMT and sustainable mode share do not necessarily correspond, as Figure 2 below shows. While the
employers with the highest sustainable mode share have the lowest VMT, that trend line is less clear for employers
with lower sustainable mode shares. Reasons for that include differences in average commute distance by
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
10000
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Cumulative Number of Plans and Employees Covered Under the Ordinance
Number of Plans Number of Employees
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 107 of 109
--
MEMORANDUM
Alta Planning + Design, Inc. City of Carlsbad 3
employer/property and by mode. For example, active modes cover shorter commute distances than driving or
carpooling and therefore have a larger impact on mode share than on VMT.
Figure 2: Sustainable Mode Share and VMT Per Capita by Employer
• Employers/properties have largely been meeting sustainable mode share goals due to high levels of remote work.
This raises some key considerations:
o As mode share goals will increase in 2025 to 26% and employer are simultaneously calling workers back to
the workplace, it will become more difficult for properties to achieve the mode share goals.
o On average, logistics, manufacturing, industrial, R&D, and lab uses have significantly lower sustainable
mode shares than office uses due to the in-person nature of the work.
Appendix A summarizes the sustainable mode share and VMT for all baseline and follow-up surveys. It should be noted that
baseline survey participants are not expected to achieve the goal, since they are still at the beginning of implementing their
TDM program.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Sustainable Mode Share and VMT Per Capita -Baseline Surveys
Sustainable Mode Share Daily VMT per employee Average Daily VMT/employee
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 108 of 109
a
1111111111111111111111111111.
-
Property
Number of
Employees
Survey
Period
Sustaina
ble Mode
Share Daily VMT
Daily VMT
per
employee
Baseline
Survey
Goal
Achieved
Number of
Employees
Survey
Period
Sustainable
Mode Share Daily VMT
Daily VMT
per
employee
Follow-Up
Survey
Goal
Achieved
Number of
Employees
Survey
Period
Sustainab
le Mode
Share Daily VMT
Daily VMT
per
employee
Second
Follow-Up
Survey
Goal
Achieved
RQC Corp HQ 73 Fall 2020 29%1413 19.4 Yes 72 Fall 2022 45%864 12.0 Yes 53 Fall 2024 46%804 15.2 Yes
CalAmp 114 Fall 2020 13%2461 21.6 No 74 Fall 2022 47%933 12.6 Yes 619 Fall 2024 30%10240 16.5 Yes
Gemological Institute
of America (GIA)885 Fall 2020 16%16334 18.5 No 868 Fall 2022 35%13877 16.0 Yes 101 Fall 2024 40%1751 17.3 Yes
Viasat 2485 Spring 2021 11%63379 25.5 No 1907 Spring 2023 44%18616 9.8 Yes
Carlsbad Oaks North
Lot 2/Amazon Lot
DSD5 158 Spring 2021 12%3585 22.7 No 90 Spring 2023 10%1814 20.2 No
Airspace 166 Fall2021 33%3310 19.9 Yes 89 Fall 2023 58%987 11.1 Yes
Anaergia 46 Spring 2022 48%1093 23.8 Yes 42 Spring 2024 47%656 15.6 Yes
Badiee Development 54 Spring 2022 27%910 16.9 Yes 15 Spring 2024 29%382 25.5 Yes
Beckman
Properties/Implus 42 Spring 2022 48%553 13.2 Yes 19 Spring 2024 66%222 11.7 Yes
DCN 75 Spring 2022 14%1300 17.3 No 49 Spring 2024 18%954 19.5 No
Fashionphile 43 Spring 2022 17%1009 23.5 No 53 Spring 2024 33%889 16.8 Yes
Millipore Sigma 44 Spring 2022 16%1132 25.7 No 66 Spring 2024 15%1980 30.0 No
Pac Western Bank 67 Spring 2022 18%1346 20.1 No 64 Spring 2024 26%1123 17.5 Yes
Spy Optic Bolle
Brand 50 Spring 2022 46%575 11.5 Yes 58 Spring 2024 44%860 14.8 Yes
Thermo Fisher 1905 Spring 2022 41%26912 14.1 Yes 1570 Spring 2024 41%22709 14.5 Yes
Alphatec Spine 347 Fall 2022 9%7857 22.6 No ***
Antech 100 Fall 2022 61%809 8.1 Yes 101 Fall 2024 42%1241 12.3 Yes
Elago 23 Fall 2022 4%386 16.8 No 25 Fall 2024 21%372 14.9 Yes
GenMark /Roche 376 Fall 2022 13%9912 26.4 No 369 Fall 2024 11%12121 32.8 Yes
Havas Edge 140 Fall 2022 25%2193 15.7 Yes 120 Fall 2024 16%2311 19.3 Yes
Investcloud 10 Fall 2022 76%82 8.2 Yes *
Neogenomics 210 Fall 2022 59%2309 11.0 Yes 113 Fall 2024 44%1396 12.4 Yes
OnTrac 64 Fall 2022 8%1427 22.3 No ***
JLAB 54 Spring 2023 24%904 16.7 Yes
Natural Alternatives 84 Spring 2023 8%1827 21.8 No
Pratt & Whitney 41 Spring 2023 26%885 21.6 Yes
Quidel-Ortho 180 Spring 2023 20%2106 11.7 No
5980 Eagle Drive -
Amazon 80 Spring 2023 14%1480 18.5 No
Active Motif 54 Fall 2023 23%1073 19.9 No
Kisco Senior Living 69 Fall 2023 69%577 8.4 Yes
Cobra Puma Golf 145 Fall 2023 26%2612 18.0 Yes
Creyon Bio 24 Fall 2023 34%597 24.9 Yes
GoPro 78 Fall 2023 82%311 4.0 Yes
Reef 78 Fall 2023 47%970 12.4 Yes
Rockstar 330 Fall 2023 26%6347 19.2 Yes
Breg 48 Spring 2024
Trump Card 63 Spring 2024 13%No
Ionis 442 Spring 2024 19%No
Spinal Elements 85 Spring 2024 25%Yes
Abbott Rapid
Diagnostics Labs 110 Spring 2024 15%No
BMW 162 Spring 2024 9%No
Pharmaron 80 Fall 2024 15%2195 27.4 No
* TDM plan is no longer active
**Survey results reflect the pre-pandemic mode share
***Survey postponed to following period
Baseline Survey First Follow-Up Survey Second Follow-Up Survey
April 7, 2025 Item #2 Page 109 of 109
From:Steve Linke
To:Traffic
Subject:Public comment on 4/7/2025 traffic commission Item #2: Fall 2024 TDM Plan Monitoring Summary
Date:Monday, April 7, 2025 4:08:23 AM
Attachments:k0vM0hAD80j8Z6tM.pngY3PixWf6mNSDLI2a.png
Carlsbad traffic commission:
Similar to the previous 2022 and 2023 TDM Plan Monitoring Summaries, the Fall 2024 summary underreview today (the last four pages of your agenda packet), is so brief that it is very difficult to assess thesuccess of, or suggest future improvements to, Carlsbad's TDM Program. At the end of this email, I haveincluded a list of requests/questions, but first some background.
BACKGROUND
The three "tiers" of commercial TDM plans depend on the average daily employee trips (ADET) to/fromwork (customer trips are not counted). This depends on the building square footage and type of company(office, restaurant, retail, industrial, manufacturing, or warehousing). The higher the ADET, the higher thetier.
Note that many companies are completely exempted from the TDM program, because they are estimated togenerate less than 110 ADET. Of the remaining companies that are not exempt, each Tier must have a TDMPlan that achieves the following minimum points (Required Points + Elective Points = Total Points), asdescribed in the TDM Handbook:
Required Points
All three Tiers are required to implement the following three "Required Points" TDM strategies:
1. Designate a Transportation Coordinator2. Have the Transportation Coordinator communicate with city TDM staff once a year3. Distribute to new employees TDM information provided by the city
Although these "strategies" do nothing to directly reduce employee trips, they give all three Tiers their first4 points.
Elective Points
The vast majority of the remaining companies that are not exempted (42/53, or 80%, as of the currentreport) are only required to have Tier 1 or Tier 2 plans, which require only 6 or 9 Total Points, respectively.The additional "Elective Points" come from the TDM strategies located in Tables 2-5 and 2-6 of the TDMHandbook, which can be found on Pages 45-47 of your agenda packet PDF file.
Nearly every TDM plan I have reviewed, which is almost all of them, start with the bike rack and bikerepair station, which is enough to satisfy the 2 additional Elective Points necessary for Tier 1 plans. TheTier 2 companies typically achieve their next 3 Elective Points by adding a link to the CarlsbadCommuter website, a shower/locker area for cyclists, some curb space for a passenger loading zone,and/or a car/van pool parking space. All of the above strategies are presumably chosen, because they arerelatively inexpensive, one-time costs that are easy to implement. However, given the tiny percentages of
Table 2-3: Required Points by Tier
Required Points**
Tier 1 4
Tier 2 4
Tier3 4
Elective Points
2
5
14*
T,otal Points
6
9
18
employees using the bicycle and carpool modes for commuting (1-2%), these strategies appear to be veryineffective.
For Tier 3, to achieve the final 9 points necessary to reach 18 Total Points, typical strategies includeproviding additional marketing materials, telework options, and flexible work schedule options. In onecase, a project claimed 5 "innovation" points for simply agreeing to build a shelter at the nearest bus stop,and staff let them have that.
The strategies that directly address mode shifts, which typically require ongoing monetary commitments,are only very rarely included in TDM plans, such as: providing rideshare vehicles or alternatives like e-bikes/e-scooters, on-site ridematching programs, transit subsidies, parking cash outs (paying employees notto drive), etc.
Mode share chart
For some reason, the new Fall 2024 TDM Plan Monitoring Summary did not include an updated version ofthe below "mode share" bar chart, which was included in the 2023 summary. For the last several decades,US Census data from Carlsbad has shown that bicycle, carpool, and transit mode shares for workcommuting have only been around 1-2%, similar to the mode share reported in this TDM monitoring table,suggesting that the TDM Program has had little or no effect on shifting additional people to these modes.
The only meaningful TDM alternative to driving alone has been working from home. This continues toappear to be the main source of mode shifting, and may have increased somewhat during the pandemic, butit is questionable whether the TDM Program has had much to do with that. The new report includesstatements that raise alarms about the "mode share" still being so heavily weighted toward working fromhome, which may be maxed out at this point--and likely declining as employers insist on workers comingback to work.
Types of TDM plans
In addition, to the mandatory TDM plans of new commercial developments required by the Climate ActionPlan (CAP), there are other TDM plans that are supposed to be developed:
Voluntary commercial TDM plans for pre-existing entities (based on the CAP)Mandatory commercial and residential TDM plans for projects that add traffic to growth managementexempted streets (based on the General Plan)
Fall 2023 Evaluation Average Mode Share (n=613)
Drove alone
Worlked from home
Drove alone (Zero Emi.ssion Vehicle)
•
•
Carpool
Bicycle
~her
Uber/Lyft/Tax,i
Train
Motorcycle/Motor sooote r
35"6 -5% -2%
■ 1%
I 1%
I 1%
I 1%
0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
54%
SO"Ai 50"Ai
REQUESTS/QUESTIONS FOR STAFF
Requests
In order to develop meaningful input and suggestions for future improvements to the TDM Program, pleaseprovide the following additional information for this Fall 2024 report, as well as all future reports:
Average mode share bar chart and individual bar charts for each separate businessList of the TDM strategies from the TDM Handbook and how frequently they are incorporated intothe Tier 1, 2, and 3 plansThe breakdown of CAP vs. General Plan, commercial vs. residential project, and required vs.voluntary TDM plans currently in effect?Survey response rates and reliability
Questions
When reporting the mode share percentages, do they reflect actual trip percentages, or do they onlyreflect percentages of employees who sometimes use alternative modes. In other words, if anemployee were to claim they commute by bicycle an average of 1 day per week and by single-occupancy vehicle 4 days per week, is that considered a fully alternative mode employee, or is it onlycounted as 20% mode shift for that single employee?What is the mode share for City of Carlsbad employees?Why hasn't the City of Carlsbad voluntarily included itself in the TDM Program?Given the huge emphasis on bicycle-based TDM strategies in plans from all tiers (particularly Tiers 1and 2), and given the pre-existing bicycle mode share even before the TDM Program wasimplemented, can the <1% bicycle mode share be considered a success of the TDM Program?There seems to be concern about the heavy reliance on the "working from home" mode shifting. Howwill this be addressed going forward, as the target mode shift percentages increase and as companiesseem to be going back to requiring in-person employees.There is very little discussion about the "Existing Buildings/Tenant Improvements" mode share goalsin Table 1. In fact, the business community very recently complained to the City Council that, whenthey do renovations, they do not want to be subjected to new TDM/CAP requirements as part of thepermitting process. Are those TDM plans being reported in the current summaries, and how will thispotential problem be addressed going forward?The report implies that there has been a 100% survey response rate by all employees for allcompanies. Is that true? If not, then there needs to be more transparency about that, as well asconsideration of survey bias toward respondents that use alternative modes, which would exaggeratethe alleged usage of alternative modes.Is there any independent confirmation of employee surveys (subject to bias and cheating), such ashaving the Transportation Coordinator verify bicycle usage by observing the racks, confirmingcarpools, confirming telework and flexible-hour employee numbers?For companies that are not meeting the TDM goals, have there been any consequences? Whatconsequences can be imposed on such businesses?Many businesses generate significant numbers of new customer vehicle trips, in addition to employeetrips. Why aren't these companies being encouraged to reduce customer trips, as well?
Best regards,Steve
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content is safe.
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From:Diane Nygaard
To:Traffic
Cc:Katie Hentrich
Subject:Comments on # 2- TDM Monitoring Report for 2024
Date:Monday, April 7, 2025 1:14:05 PM
Honorable Chair and Commissioners
This is the first of these annual TDM monitoring reports that we have reviewed and frankly, itis very disappointing.
Effective monitoring of TDM is important both for traffic congestion and for greenhouse gas
emission (GHG) reductions. The city's Climate Action Plan(CAP) , updated in November of2024. identifies implementation of this TDM ordinance as the single most important action
addressing GHG from the transportation sector. And the transportation sector accounts foralmost half of the city's total GHG emissions. Getting this right matters!
The CAP has a goal of achieving 40% of employee commute trips from sustainable
transportation modes by 2035. That almost requires doubling the baseline rate of 23%. Theseannual reports should show progress toward achieving that bottom line goal. But this report
does not even include a basic mode share split. So there is no summary of what % of thesecommute trips are using sustainable transportation or if any progress has been made toward
that goal.
The following are a few additional concerns about the information that has been presented:
- the goal in the CAP and the goal in the TDM ordinance are not consistent.
This report is clearly focussed on the TDM ordinance compliance. But this inconsistency ingoals does not result in a monitoring and reporting system that addresses both aspects of this
program- congestion and GHG reductions.
- Unclear what % of employees in the surveyed businesses actually responded
Is this mixing new development with existing development where only part of the workforceis expected to meet the standard? Or because the project meets the threshold must they
achieve the standard across the board for all employees? If the latter, then some of thenumbers on the detailed att by company make no sense. The numbers doing followup
surveys has dropped- and is a small percentage of what was shown in the baseline.
One can't assume that the results of those who failed to respond are the same as those whodid. The TDM ordinance results are supposed to be achieved overall for all employees- not
just those who responded to the survey.
- less than half (48%) met the 24% goal
Even if this was a representative sample, this result is concerning. What corrective actionswere taken for those who failed to meet the standard?
That is a key element of the monitoring program and was not really discussed.
- no reporting of what actions were included in the TDM plans- or what was effective.
It would be helpful to see a table of all of the actions and an indication as to which
were included in each company's TDM Plan. That might help understand the widely varyingresults. What actions were added to the TDM plans that made a difference? That would be
useful information both for the program manager and for other employers to know what hasproven successful.
- The comment about changes to work from home numbers requires further attention
It is good that it was recognized that the current rate of work from home may be declining as
policies around this change. Since that single mode accounted for more of the sustainabletrips than all other modes combined, what happens with it will greatly impact the results of the
entire program.
We encourage you to require a TDM monitoring report that really monitors progress towardthe related goals in both the TDM ordinance and the CAP- and that provides useful
information to assess what is working or not.
Diane NygaardOn Behalf of Preserve Calavera
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know the content is safe.
Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager
April 7, 2025
Overview of the Transportation Demand Management Program and 2024 Employer Survey Results
{city of
Carlsbad
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive a presentation on the citywide
Transportation Demand Management Program
(TDM) and the 2024 Employer Survey Results.
ITEM 2: TDM Program
{ City of
Carlsbad
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
•Overview of the City’s TDM Program:
–Ordinance, Handbook, and
Collaboration Program
•2024 Employer TDM Surveys
•TS&MC may ask questions and
provide feedback on the TDM
Program
ITEM 2: TDM Program
{ City of
Carlsbad
"Transportation Demand Management
(TDM)" means strategies, policies, and
programs that reduce demand on
roadway infrastructure by reducing
single-occupancy vehicle trips.
4
ITEM 2: TDM Program
What is TDM?
{ City of
Carlsbad
REGULATION AND POLICIES
GENERAL
PLAN
MUNICIPAL CODE
(TDM ORDINANCE)
TDM
HANDBOOK
ITEM 2: TDM Program
5
->>>
c:::::, C , >>> Transportation Demand Management
Handbook
{city of
Carlsbad
August21.2019
{ City of
Carlsbad
TDM HANDBOOK
•Introduces TDM
•Focuses on two City of Carlsbad programs:
•TDM ordinance (mandatory program)
•TDM program for businesses (voluntary program)
•Provides developers and businesses with
resources
•Designed to be a living document
ITEM 2: TDM Program
6
{ City of
Carlsbad
TDM EVALUATION
OVERVIEW
EMPLOYERS/PROPERTIES
•Must prepare a baseline commute survey within one year of reaching 75% occupancy or within 18 months of initial occupancy, whichever occurs first.
•Must complete a follow-up survey every two years to show progress toward sustainable mode share goals.
•41 baseline surveys and 27 follow-up surveys have been completed to date.
•9,800 commuters have completed a baseline survey and 6,537 have completed follow-up surveys.
ITEM 2: TDM Program
Table 1: Sustainable Mode Share Goals
Period in which Sustainable Mode Share Goals
Reporting Falls New
Developments
Present till 2025 25%
2025-2029 30%
2030-2034 35%
2035 on 40%
Existing Buildings/Tenant
Improvements
24%
26%
28%
30%1
{ City of
Carlsbad
I
I
I
ITEM 2: TDM Program
•Approximately 8,700 employees work for employers under the TDM
ordinance
•53 employers under the TDM ordinance
PLANS SINCE 2019
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Cumulative Number of Plans and Employees Covered Under the Ordinance
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
-Number of Plans -Number of Employees
10000
9000
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
{ City of
Carlsbad
TDM EVALUATION CONTEXT
•Requires high response-rate and confidence level to ensure impacts are defensible.
•Incorporates SANDAG’s iCommute mandatory survey questions for regional application and partnerships.
•Results inform future programming and generate timely insights for each evaluation period.
•Opt-in option from commuters to receive TDM programming communications
•Ongoing monitoring of legislation that would impact future evaluation methodologies, efficiencies and frequencies
(example: employee data privacy laws)
ITEM 2: TDM Program
{ City of
Carlsbad
EMPLOYERS/PROPERTIES ITEM 2: TDM Program
Thermo Fisher
SCIENTIFIC
havas
edge
10N1s
V1asat GIA
NEO
GENOMICS
Gen Mark ox® --®
48% of employers exceeded
2025 Sustainable Mode Share
Goal with Baseline
24%
Sustainable Mode Share
(weighted of all baseline surveys)BA
S
E
L
I
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S
U
R
V
E
Y
S
41 Employers
Completed their
Baseline Survey
□D D
( City of
Carlsbad
Follow-Up Surveys
20 Employers
Conducted Both their
Baseline and Follow-Up
Surveys Between 2020-
24
14 of 20 Employers
Increased Sustainable
Mode Share from their
Baseline Surveys and
Exceeded 2025 Goals
38% Sustainable
Mode Share
(weighted of all follow-up
surveys)
ITEM 2: TDM Program
/r
□ ✓
{ City of
Carlsbad
MODE SPLIT ITEM 2: TDM Program
Drove Alone ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicles) does not count towards a TDM Plan’s Sustainable Mode Split Goal
but does contribute to overall TDM program’s GHG reduction
52.4%
35.0%
5.7%2.4%0.7%1.9%0.1%0.2%0.4%0.3%0.4%0.2%
63.5%
22.4%
7.0%3.6%0.8%0.7%0.4%0.3%0.2%0.2%0.4%0.5%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
Travel Mode Share
Source: TDM Ordinance Surveys
2023 2024
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2024 FIRST/LAST MILE ITEM 2: TDM Program
0.27
0.73
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
Yes No
Percent of Respondents Who Would Take a Coaster Station Shuttle (n=2537)
•Over a quarter of commuters would consider taking the train if a
shuttle was offered from Poinsettia Station (~685 commuters)
{ City of
Carlsbad
2024 FIRST/LAST MILE ITEM 2: TDM Program
22.8%
9.7%
27.3%
23.6%
16.5%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
Five or more
days per week
Four days per
week
Three days per
week
Two days per
week
One day per
week
How Often Respondents Would Take a Coaster Station Shuttle
(n=685)
•Those who would ride the shuttle, would ride it on average three days per week
{ City of
Carlsbad
ITEM 2: TDM Program
•High sustainable mode share
generally correlates with lower VMT,
but only among top-performing
employers.
•The relationship weakens for
employers with lower sustainable
mode shares.
•Active modes (like walking and
biking) often cover shorter distances,
boosting mode share more than they
reduce VMT.
Figure 2: Sustainable Mode Share and VMT Per Capita by Employer
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Sustainable Mode Share and VMT Per Capita -Baseline Surveys
11111111111111111111.
-Sustainable Mode Share -Dai ly VMT pe r employee -Average Da ily VMT /employee
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
OTHER KEY FINDINGS
•Employers have largely been meeting sustainable
mode share goals due to continued high levels of
remote work.
•As mode share goals increase in 2025 to 26% and employers are simultaneously calling workers back, it will become more difficult to achieve this goal
•On average, logistics, manufacturing, industrial, R&D, and labs have significantly lower sustainable mode shares than offices
ITEM 2: TDM Program
17
{ City of
Carlsbad
CARLSBAD COMMUTER
TDM
WEBSITE AND
TECHNOLOGY
STAKEHOLDER
MANAGEMENT
WITH
TRANSPORTATION
COORDINATORS
TDM RESOURCES
FOR EMPLOYERS AND
COMMUTERS
ITEM 2: TDM Program
TDM CAMPAIGNS
@@
@@ ---
The daily commute is changing fast. And we're the one-stop-shop to help you coast past the confusion.
Click one of the buttons below to get started or check out the latest happenings in our Seven Mile blog.
Commuter's Resource
Live, work or play, we are all part of the Carlsbad community in some
way, and working together, we can make our streets safer for everyone.
On August 23, the City of Carlsbad declared a local state of emergencY.
for traffic safetY. following a significant increase in collisions involving
bikes and e-bikes. As more of us continue to head back to our worksftes
and kids are back in school, we all have a big role to play in safer streets.
Let's commit to practicing our part for:
• Safer Driving
• Safer CY.cling
• Safer Walking
NEXT STEPS
•Return to the TS&MC to provide annual updates on
the TDM survey results and if necessary additional
updates to the TDM Handbook
•Additional info:
https://www.carlsbadcommuter.com/
ITEM 2: TDM Program
{ City of
Carlsbad
THANK YOU!
ITEM 2: TDM Program
{ City of
Carlsbad