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GHG-09: Reduce VMT from New Developments

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Measure Description

On Hold

Through this measure, the County aims to include more  rigorous VMT reduction targets in the Transportation System Management (TSM) Plans already required in the County's zoning code to promote sustainable transportation practices, alleviate traffic congestion, reduce on-road transportation emissions, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability in the unincorporated county from all new development.

Im​plementation Status

Updated 08/24/2026

The County is assessing implementation options for this measure in coordination with ongoing work related to VMT mitigation program development (see GHG-08). As the State continues developing its VMT Mitigation Bank and associated guidance, the County is monitoring those efforts while exploring local and regional program options. Future strategies will be informed by State guidance, technical analysis, partner agency coordination, available resources, and direction from County leadership.

​Actions

Action GHG-09-a

In Progress

Action Description: Adopt an ordinance to update Section 5.9.6 of the Zoning Code to update the TSM Plan requirements so that new development projects will be required to establish a target of 15 percent reduction in annual VMT below the regional average with a requirement for annual reporting of employee commute trips and VMT reduction target alignment, and a requirement to join 50 Corridor TMA/Sacramento TMA. The update should also provide additional and updated Trip Reduction Measures, such as transit incentives, micro-transit programs, parking cash-out and hybrid work policies.

Action GHG-09-b

Waiting on Dependency

Action Description: Develop a tracking mechanism that includes annual reporting requirements and validation procedures through a web portal to demonstrate ongoing compliance. The project owner/applicant will be required to report the following information annually:

  • employee com​mute VMT,
  • modal split,
  • number of onsite employees,
  • number of full-time employees,
  • ongoing travel management programs, and
  • VMT reduction target progress.​

Action GHG-09-c

Waiting on Dependency

Action Description: Partner with Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) to provide up-to-date information about available transportation demand management (TDM) programs in Sacramento County through email and at time of annual reporting (See Action GHG-09-b) for all projects subject to Section 5.9.6 of the Zoning Code.

Action GHG-09-d

Waiting on Dependency

Action Description: Conduct a nexus study for imposing a fee structure for projects that do not meet the employee commute trip reduction requirements. Based on the results, impose a fee for projects that do not meet trip reduction requirements for three or more consecutive years. Fees collected should be used to fund micro-transit or other trip reduction projects.

Action GHG-09-e

Waiting on Dependency

Action Description: Develop an informational packet on the new requirements and applicability of TSM plans and the Zoning Code updates, focused on educating project applicants, facilities already required to submit TSM plans, and County staff.

Objec​tives

Update the requirements for TSM Plans to include a target of 15% reduction in annual VMT below the regional average from all new developments through 2045.