Directions For Using VIA Annotated Outlines

Project Information

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.

   Select a Response (Score) High Level of Change (3 points) Moderate Level of Change (2 points) Low Level of Change (1 point) No Noticeable Change (0 points)

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.

   Select a Response (Score) Low Compatibility (3 points) Moderate Compatibility (2 points) High Compatibility (1 point)

3. What level of local concern is there for the types of project features (e.g., bridge structures, large excavations, sound barriers, or median planting removal) and construction impacts that are 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.

   Select a Response (Score) High Concern (3 points) Moderate Concern (2 points) Low Concern (1 point) Negligible Project Features (0 points)

4. Will the project require redesign or realignment to minimize adverse change or will mitigation, such as landscape or architectural treatment, likely be necessary?

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

   Select a Response (Score) Project Redesign Needed (3 points) Extensive Mitigation Likely (2 points) Mitigation Likely (1 point) No Mitigation Likely (0 points)

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

   Identify any projects (both Caltrans 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.

   Select a Response (Score) Cumulative Impacts Likely to Occur Within 0-5 Years (3 points) Cumulative Impacts Likely to Occur Within 6-10 Years (2 points) Cumulative Impacts Unlikely to Occur (1 point)

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 Caltrans and local agency management and staff familiar with the affected community's sentiments as evidenced by past projects and/or current information.

   Select a Response (Score) High Potential (3 points) Moderate Potential (2 points) Low Potential (1 point) No Potential (0 point)

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.

   Select a Response (Score) High Sensitivity (3 points) Moderate Sensitivity (2 points) Low Sensitivity (1 point)

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.

   Select a Response (Score) Low Compatibility (3 points) Moderate Compatibility (2 points) High Compatibility (1 point)

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 permitted, 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.

   Select a Response (Score) Yes (3 points) Maybe (2 points) No (1 point)

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 to address potential visual impacts?

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

   Select a Response (Score) Yes (3 points) Maybe (2 points) No (1 point)

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

Project Score: