C-1.2     The standard for the acceptable level of service (LOS) as noted in Policy C-1.1 is to be achieved by 2026. That LOS standard is to be achieved through the development and adoption of Capital Improvement and Financing Plans (CIFP) and implementing ordinances that:

1. Define benefit areas to be included in the CIFP. Benefit areas could include Planning Areas, Community Areas, or the County as a whole.
2. Identify and prioritize the improvements to be completed in the benefit areas over the life of the General Plan.
3. Estimate the cost of the improvements over the life of the General Plan.
4. Identify the funding sources and mechanisms for the CIFP to include, but not limited to, a Traffic Impact Fee (TIF).
5. Provide an anticipated schedule for completion of the improvements.
6. Coordinate with TAMC regional fee program.
7. A TIF shall be implemented to ensure a funding mechanism for transportation improvements to county facilities in accordance with Policy C-1.8.

The CIFP shall be reviewed every five (5) years in order to evaluate the effectiveness of meeting the LOS standard for County roads. Road segments or intersections identified to be approaching or below LOS D shall be a high priority for funding.


C-1.3     In order to achieve a countywide LOS D, or the applicable LOS per Policy C-1.1, in conjunction to Policy C-1.2, projects that are found to result in reducing a County road below LOS D shall not be allowed to proceed without a phasing program where development is concurrent with improvements that maintain a minimum of LOS D for all affected County roads. Where the LOS of a County road impacted by a specific project currently operates below LOS D and is listed on the CIFP as a top priority, Policy C-1.4 shall apply


C-1.4     Direct on-site Adequate Public Facilities and Services (APFS) and direct off-site APFS circulation improvements that will maintain or restore LOS D or the applicable LOS shall be constructed concurrently with new development. Off-site circulation improvements which mitigate cumulative impacts either shall be constructed concurrently with new development, or a fair share payment shall be made. Support collection of regional impact fees to address impacts to regional roads and highways.


C-1.5     County transportation planning activities shall be coordinated with all affected agencies and jurisdictions.


C-1.6     Efforts by the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) to find multiple, alternative sources to fund the circulation improvements needed to achieve the circulations goals and policies of this Plan shall be supported and encouraged.


C-1.7     Funding for the improvements to County roads that serve as regional corridors shall be sought from TAMC and other available resources.


C-1.8     Development proposed in cities and surrounding jurisdictions shall be carefully reviewed to assess the proposed development’s impact on the County’s circulation system. The County, in consultation with TAMC and Monterey County cities, shall, within 18 months of adoption of the General Plan, develop a County Traffic Impact Fee that addresses impacts of development in cities and unincorporated areas on major County roads. From the time of adoption of the General Plan until the time of adoption of a County Traffic Impact Fee, the County shall impose an ad hoc fee on its applicants based upon a fair share traffic impact fee study.


C-1.9     All available public and private sources shall be used for the funding of road and highway development, improvement, and maintenance.


C-1.10     The County, in coordination with TAMC and other affected agencies, shall continue efforts to improve traffic congestion at critical locations.


C-1.11     In addition to the Countywide Traffic Impact Fee established in Policy C-1.8, the County shall require new development to pay a Regional Traffic Impact fee developed collaboratively between TAMC, the County, and other local and state agencies) to ensure a funding mechanism for regional transportation improvements mitigating Tier 3 impacts. The County shall adopt the Regional Traffic Impact Fee within 12 months of the adoption by TAMC of a Regional Traffic Impact Fee, the goal of which shall be to achieve LOS D on the regional roadway system. From the time of adoption of the General Plan until the time of adoption TAMC fee by the County, the County shall impose an ad hoc fee based upon the regional transportation fee developed by TAMC through its 2004 Nexus Study or as subsequently amended or replaced.

If the Regional Traffic Impact Fee program is not adopted by the County within one year of its adoption by TAMC, then the County shall not approve any development that would degrade the LOS on regional roads below LOS D, or contribute to the further degradation of regional roads already operating at LOS E or LOS F until the TAMC fee is adopted.