Laserfiche WebLink
EXHIBIT 2 <br /> professional judgment, and by soliciting information from other Caltrans staff, local agencies and community <br /> representatives familiar with the affected community's sentiments and demonstrated concerns.) <br /> High Sensitivity(3) Moderate Sensitivity(2) Low Sensitivity(1) <br /> 3. To what degree does the project appear to be consistent with applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, <br /> policies or standards? <br /> (Although the State is often not obligated to adhere to local planning ordinances, these documents are critical <br /> in understanding the importance the local communities place on aesthetic issues. The Caltrans <br /> Environmental Planning branch may have copies of the planning documents that pertain to the project. If not, <br /> this information can be obtained by contacting the local planning department. Many local and state planning <br /> documents can be found online at the California Land Use Planning Network). <br /> Incompatible (3) Moderately compatible (2) Larciely compatible (1) <br /> 4. Are any permits going to be required by outside regulatory agencies (i.e., Federal, State, or local) that will <br /> necessitate a particular level of Visual Impact Assessment? <br /> (Anticipated permits, as well as specific permit requirements-which are defined by the permitter, may be <br /> determined by talking with the project Environmental Planner and Project Engineer. Note: coordinate with the <br /> Caltrans representative responsible for obtaining the permit prior to communicating directly with any <br /> permitting agency.) <br /> Yes (3) Maybe (2) No 1 <br /> 5. Will the Project Development Team or public benefit from a more detailed visual analysis in order to help <br /> reach consensus on a course of action? <br /> (Consider the proposed project features, possible environmental impacts, and probable mitigation <br /> recommendations.) <br /> Yes (3) Maybe 2 No (1) <br /> Determining the Type of Visual Impact Assessment Required <br /> The total score will indicate the general level of Visual Impact Assessment that should be <br /> performed for the project. Once the level of recommended assessment is identified, the user <br /> should double-check the results by comparing each of the ten question-areas to the total score in <br /> order to confirm that the level of document appears sufficient and reasonable in each case. <br /> Score 25-30— Prior to preparing a VIA, a formal visual scoping study that meets or exceeds <br /> FHWA requirements is recommended to alert the Project Development Team to potential highly <br /> adverse impacts and to develop new project alternatives to avoid those impacts. <br /> Score 20-24—A fully developed VIA, that meets or exceeds FHWA requirements, is <br /> recommended. This technical study will likely receive extensive public review. <br /> Score 15-19—An abbreviated VIA would be appropriate in this case. The assessment would <br /> describe project features, impacts and mitigation requirements. Visual simulations would be <br /> optional. <br /> Score 10-14—A brief Visual assessment in memo form would likely be sufficient. <br />