2006-322 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element INTRODUCTION Transportation is a key component of every community ' s infrastructure. While a community' s transportation system connects land uses within the community, it also connects the community to other areas in the state, country, and world. The transportation system itself consists of several components. These components include : the roadway or traffic circulation system; the transit system; the pedestrian/bicycle system ; and the air/water port system. Each plays a vital role in creating a coordinated transportation system. In Indian River County, as in most jurisdictions, the traffic circulation system is the most visible component of the transportation system. The traffic circulation system is particularly significant because it not only provides for travel needs within and through the county, but it also provides direct access to land parcels, residences and businesses. Consequently, the relationship between land use and transportation is of great consequence. Generally, travel patterns and transportation demand result from land use patterns . For that reason, the location and intensity of development determine the number, length, and routing of trips which determine the need for transportation system improvements . On the other hand, transportation improvements , themselves, can influence development patterns . For example, building roads and providing access to undeveloped areas can increase the development potential of an area. For these reasons, coordination between transportation planning and land use planning is important. The intent of this element is to recognize these travel patterns and effectively address transportation issues in Indian River County. BACKGROUND In its 1990 comprehensive plan, Indian River County had separate plan elements for traffic circulation, mass transit, and ports, aviation, and related facilities . Since 1990, state regulations have changed. Now, local governments must incorporate all of those elements in a consolidated transportation element. This element does that. Another change since 1990 is that the Census Bureau designated the city of Vero Beach and the densely populated area around the city as an urbanized area. By definition, an urbanized area is a census designation determined by concentrations of population. Recently, the Indian River County urbanized area changed as a result of the 2000 census . Now known as the Vero Beach/Sebastian urbanized area, this area is defined by the Urbanized Area Boundary (UAB) shown in Figure 4 . 1 . The UAB relates to several different aspects of transportation planning, including whether roadway segments will have an urban or rural functional classification designation and what Level of Service (LOS) standard each roadway segment must meet. Within Indian River County, the Indian River County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the organization responsible for regional transportation planning. Although the MPO is a separate organization, the MPO shares staff members and other resources with the county. Community Development Department Indian River County 1