For any proposed change in site use for property located within the City that is anticipated to create 100 or more vehicular trips entering and exiting the subject property during peak traffic hours, a traffic analysis will need to be completed.
If you are doing one of the following, a traffic review or traffic impact study may be required:
- Developing a property
- Redeveloping a property
- Rezoning a property
- Building a subdivision
- Changing the use of your property
Examples of developments that may generate over 100 vehicular peak hour trips can be found here: Trip Generation Quick Reference.
Why does the City of Des Moines require a Traffic Analysis to be completed?
Identify existing and anticipated issues with the adjoining intersections or roadways for all modes of transportation.
Recommend improvements needed to address existing/anticipated issues:
- Safe and efficient ingress / egress from new developments
- Support the vision and goals of Plan DSM and Move DSM
- Address the mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, and vehicular traffic
Documentation for the City staff and Property Owner to answer questions from the public, neighborhood group, and/or City Council regarding real or perceived traffic concerns.
The Adopted Traffic Analysis Policy can be found here: Traffic Analysis Policy.
Council Actions on the Traffic Analysis Policy include:
What is required for a Traffic Analysis?
The analysis is performed by a pool of traffic engineering consultants contracted with the City and the costs are paid for by the property owner or developer prior to the commencement of the study.
Typical scope items for the Traffic Impact Study can be found here: Traffic Impact Study Requirements.
How long does the Traffic Analysis process take?
Below is the typical schedule for a Traffic Analysis:
- Pre-Application Meeting
- Traffic Analysis Application Date
- Scope Meeting - within 30 calendar days of Traffic Analysis application
- Scope./Fee Due to City/Applicant - within 10 calendar days of Scoping Meeting
- Applicant pays Fee to City Traffic & Transportation
- Assumptions Document due to City/Applicant - within 15 calendar days after payment received
- Assumptions Document to include anticipated generated trips, trip distribution, and annual growth rate
- Draft Report due to City/Applicant - within 30 calendar days after payment received
- City/Applicant comments due - within 14 calendar days after draft report
- Final Report due to City/Applicant - within 30 calendar days after comments
- After the Final Report is received, the applicant may submit the applicable proposed change in site use documents to the City Permit and Development Center with the following attached:
- A copy of the Traffic Analysis scope of work
- A copy of the Final Report
- A copy of any written comments provided by City staff during the 14 day comment review period
I think my development may require a Traffic Analysis, what now?
If you think a traffic impact study is required or have questions, please complete the Traffic Analysis Application.
Engineering Department
Traffic and Transportation Division
400 Robert D Ray Drive
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
