Rancho Santa Margarita Circulation Element (2014)

The Circulation Element emphasizes the maintenance of layered transportation networks for the
City that respond to demands of current and planned land uses, as set forth in
the Land Use Element. This Element establishes acceptable roadway service levels and
identifies improvements required to maintain the service levels. The use of non-vehicular travel
modes such as transit, walking, and biking is promoted to reduce the demand for transportation
system improvements and improve air quality.

Purpose of the Circulation Element

The purpose of the Circulation Element is to provide a safe, efficient, and adequate circulation system for the City.

State planning law requires: “….a circulation element consisting of the general location for proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element plan.”

To meet this purpose, the Circulation Element addresses the circulation improvements needed to provide adequate capacity for future land uses. The Element establishes a hierarchy of transportation routes with typical development standards described for each roadway category.

The State General Plan Guidelines recommend that the circulation policies and plans should:

• Coordinate the transportation and circulation system with planned land uses
• Promote the safe and efficient transport of goods and the safe and effective movement of all segments of the population;
• Make efficient use of existing transportation facilities; and
• Protect environmental quality and promote the wise and equitable use of economic and natural resources.

Cycling Specific Purpose of the Circulation Element

The goal is to link residential areas, schools, parks and commercial centers so that residents can travel within the community without driving. New development projects will be required to include safe and
attractive sidewalks, walkways, and bike lanes, and homeowners associations will be encouraged
to construct links to adjacent areas and communities where appropriate.