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Questionnaire to Determine Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) Level

Use the following questions and subsequent score as a guide to help determine the appropriate level of VIA documentation.  This questionnaire assists the VIA preparer (i.e. Landscape Architect) in estimating the probable visual impacts of a proposed project on the environment and in understanding the degree and breadth of the possible visual issues. The goal is to develop a suitable document strategy that is thorough, concise and defensible.

Enter the project name and consider each of the ten questions below. Select the response that most closely applies to the proposed project and corresponding number on the right side of the table.  Points are automatically computed at the bottom of the table and the total score should be matched to one of the five groups of scores at the end of the questionnaire that include recommended levels of VIA study and associated annotated outlines (i.e., minor, moderate, advanced/complex).

This scoring system should be used as a preliminary guide and should not be used as a substitute for objective analysis on the part of the preparer.  Although the total score may recommend a certain level of VIA document, circumstances associated with any one of the ten question-areas may indicate the need to elevate the VIA to a greater level of detail.

Calculate VIA Level Score

PROJECT NAME: 

Change to Visual Environment

1. Will the project result in a noticeable change in the physical characteristics of the existing environment?

Consider all project components and construction impacts - both permanent and temporary, including landform changes, structures, noise barriers, vegetation removal, railing, signage, and contractor activities.

2. Will the project complement or contrast with the visual character desired by the community?

Evaluate the scale and extent of the project features compared to the surrounding scale of the community.  Is the project likely to give an urban appearance to an existing rural or suburban community?  Do you anticipate that the change will be viewed by the public as positive or negative?  Research planning documents, or talk with local planners and community representatives to understand the type of visual environment local residents envision for their community.

3. What types of project features and construction impacts are proposed?  Are bridge structures, large excavations, noise barriers, or median planting removal proposed?

Certain project improvements can be of special interest to local citizens, causing a heightened level of public concern, and requiring a more focused visual analysis.

4. Will the project changes likely be mitigated by landscaping and architectural enhancement or will avoidance measures be necessary to minimize adverse change?

Consider the type of changes caused by the project, i.e., can undesirable views be screened or will desirable views be permanently obscured?

5. Will this project, when seen collectively with other projects, result in an aggregate adverse change (cumulative impacts) in overall visual quality or character?

Identification of any projects (both departmental and local) in the area that have been constructed in recent years and those currently planned for future construction.  The window of time and the extent of area applicable to possible cumulative impacts should be based on a reasonable anticipation of the viewing public's perception.

Viewer Sensitivity

 1. What is the potential that the project proposal will be controversial within the community, or opposed by any organized group?

This can be researched initially by talking with Departmental and local agency management and staff familiar with the affected community’s sentiments as evidenced by past projects and/or current information.

2. How sensitive are potential viewer-groups likely to be regarding visible changes proposed by the project?

Consider among other factors the number of viewers within the group, probable viewer expectations, activities, viewing duration, and orientation. The expected viewer sensitivity level may be scoped by applying professional judgment, and by soliciting information from other Caltrans staff, local agencies and community representatives familiar with the affected community’s sentiments and demonstrated concerns.

3. To what degree does the project’s aesthetic approach appear to be consistent with applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, policies or standards?

Although the State is not always required to comply with local planning ordinances, these documents are critical in understanding the importance that communities place on aesthetic issues.  The Caltrans Environmental Planning branch may have copies of the planning documents that pertain to the project.  If not, this information can be obtained by contacting the local planning department.  Also, many local and state planning documents can be found online at the California Land Use Planning Network.

4. Are permits going to be required by outside regulatory agencies (i.e., Federal, State, or local)?

Permit requirements can have an unintended consequence on the visual environment.  Anticipated permits, as well as specific permit requirements - which are defined by the permitter, may be determined by talking with the project Environmental Planner and Project Engineer.  Note:  coordinate with the Caltrans representative responsible for obtaining the permit prior to communicating directly with any permitting agency.

5. Will the project sponsor or public benefit from a more detailed visual analysis in order to help reach consensus on a course of action?

Consider the proposed project features, possible environmental impacts, and probable mitigation recommendations.

  It is recommended that you print a copy of these calculations for the project file.

PROJECT SCORE:

Select An Outline Based Upon Project Score

The total score will indicate the recommended VIA level for the project.  In addition to considering circumstances relating to any one of the ten questions-areas that would justify elevating the VIA level, also consider any other project factors that would have an affect on level selection.

SCORE 6-9

No further analysis is required. Print out a copy of this completed questionnaire for your project file.

SCORE 10-14

A brief Memorandum (see sample) addressing visual issues and providing a rationale for why no formal analysis is required.

SCORE 15-19

An abbreviated VIA is appropriate in this case. The assessment would briefly describe project features, impacts and any avoidance and minimization measures. Visual simulations would be optional.  A Minor VIA Annotated Outline can be found online and is recommended for use.

SCORE 20-24

A fully developed VIA, that meets or exceeds FHWA requirements, is appropriate. This technical study will likely receive extensive public review.  A Moderate VIA Annotated Outline can be found online and is recommended for use.

SCORE 25-30

Prior to preparing a VIA, a formal visual scoping study that meets or exceeds FHWA requirements is appropriate to alert the Project Development Team to the potential for highly adverse impacts and to consider project alternatives to avoid those impacts.  An Advanced/Complex VIA Annotated Outline can be found online is recommended for use.