Overview
Transportation Planning is responsible for analyzing and developing the County's thoroughfare roadway system, reviewing all development proposals related to transportation issues, managing the County's transportation concurrency tracking system, and developing the County's transportation modeling network. It also involves creating strategies and policies to develop and maintain an effective transportation network, considering factors such as population growth, land use, technological changes, and environmental influences. The goal is to create a cohesive, safe, and sustainable transport system that serves the needs of the community and businesses, including the activities outlined below.
Duties
Transportation Planning and Analysis:
- Forecasts future traffic patterns and transportation needs based on data analysis and trends.
- Coordinates with local, state, and federal transportation plans to ensure integrated solutions.
- Focuses on both short-term solutions for immediate needs and long-term planning for future infrastructure developments.
Multimodal Site Access and Safety Analysis (MSASA):
- For projects presented to the Board of Commissioners, an MSASA study is required to evaluate the impact on various modes of transportation—vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit. This ensures the development has safe and efficient access points for all users.
Trip Reservation Report (TRR):
- For administratively approved projects, a TRR is required. It assesses the traffic impact of smaller developments, including trip generation estimates and necessary transportation infrastructure.
Traffic Study Waiver:
- Projects generating fewer than 50 trips during the PM peak hour or less than 600 daily trips may qualify for a traffic study waiver. However, a TRR may still be needed for traffic management.
Operational Analysis:
- This analysis reviews the design and location of access points (e.g., driveways and intersections) to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion. It helps ensure that the proposed development integrates well with the existing road network.
Commonly Referenced Links and Documents:
Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) website contains information on the five-year update of the MPO Long Range Transportation Plan, Scenic Highway Program, Congestion Management Plan, FDOT Five Year Work Program, and other related transportation information.
Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA) - A state wide organization of people involved in planning and development in Florida. The Association serves as a conduit for information and assistance for people interested in planning and zoning.
Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) - Created by the Florida State Legislature in 2007 to develop and implement a regional transportation master plan for the counties of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota. The purpose of the authority is to improve mobility and expand multimodal transportation options for passengers and freight throughout the seven County area. A master plan was adopted by the governing board of the authority on May 29, 2009.
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) - Serves the four counties of Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco as an association of local governments. TBRPC brings together forty-three jurisdictions in the Tampa Bay region to coordinate planning for the jurisdictions’ future and sharing of development solutions. A broad spectrum of economic, physical, social, government, and environment programs and services are provided.
Traffic Study Guidelines
The Transportation Planning Division has prepared a document identifying a set of requirements and procedures to be used by the general public in undertaking traffic studies for development projects. The link to this document is provided below. The effective date for this document is March 23, 2015.
Study Guidelines (Final Mar 2015)
