Transportation Demand Management Program
The Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program's primary purpose is to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) generated by new development projects. The Program is designed to work with developers to provide more on-site amenities that will encourage smarter travel options so people can get around more easily without a car. These choices are better for the environment, help reduce the amount of congestion that new projects contribute to, help to reduce risks to pedestrians and cyclists, and improve the overall efficiency of our transportation network.
The intent is to "shift" more typical car dependent travel practices by providing a series of development-focused TDM measures, such as:
- Fewer parking spaces relative to surrounding neighborhoods
- More bicycle parking and amenities
- Subsidized transit passes
- Delivery services facilities
For an explanation of the implementation strategy and the mandatory monitoring and reporting requirements:
TDM Program Standards  |  Appendix A: TDM Measures (June 2018)
TDM Program Standards  |  Appendix A: TDM Measures (February 2017)
For details about the Program background, see the Program Technical Justification (January 2018)
On June 7, 2018, Program staff reported on the Program's first year of implementation and proposed amendments reflecting feedback gathered during that time. The Planning Commission unanimously approved substantive amendments to ACTIVE-1 and ACTIVE-2 (TDM measures), and the Planning Director approved minor amendments to correct text references and clarify implementation requirements (Resolution No. 20199).
For projects filing their TDM Plans on or after June 7, 2018, please be sure to follow the June 7, 2018 version of the Program Standards. Projects with their TDM Plans already filed, you can elect to utilize the new set of Standards. For inquiries, email us at tdm@sfgov.org.
Program Applicability and Application
When is a TDM Plan necessary?
In general, any Development Project that meets the applicability criteria of Planning Code Section 169.3 shall be subject to the TDM Program requirements, and must submit a TDM Plan.
- New construction resulting in ten (10) or more Dwelling Units, or bedrooms for Group Housing;
- New construction resulting in 10,000 square feet of occupied floor area or more; or
- Any Change of Use resulting in 25,000 square feet of occupied floor area or more.
Projects that are 100% Affordable Housing, or projects that are for Parking Garages or Parking Lots that are not included within a larger Development Project, are exempt from the TDM Program requirements.
For more details, please review Planning Code Section 169.
How to meet the TDM Program requirements
- Based on the Development Project characteristics, a point target is calculated. To calculate a project's point target, use the TDM Tool. For guidance, please review the TDM Tool User Guide.
- Each applicable land use category for a project generates its own point target. To meet the point target(s), you can select for a menu of TDM measure options.
This information is needed when you are ready to create and apply for a TDM Plan.
How to apply for a TDM Plan application
Overall Process
| Phase | Step | Action (Resposible Party) |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| TDM Plan Development | 1 | Determine Applicability (property owner) |
Property owner determines if the TDM Program is applicable to the Development Project. |
| 2 | Fill out Application (property owner) |
If subject to TDM Program, property owner understands TDM requirements and gathers information necessary for TDM Plan Review Application. | |
| 3 | File Application (property owner) |
Property owner submits a TDM Plan Review Application for City review, along with an administrative fee | |
| TDM Plan Review | 4 | TDM Plan Reviewed (Planning Department staff/ property owner)Â |
Planning Department staff reviews the TDM Plan, compares it to the TDM Program Standards. |
| Project Entitlement | 5 | TDM Plan: Condition of Approval (Planning Department staff/ Planning Commission) |
If the Development Project is approved, the requirement for a TDM Plan is included as a Condition of Approval. |
| TDM Plan Monitoring and Reporting | 6 | Pre-Occupancy Site Visit (Planning Department staff/ property owner) |
Prior to issuance of a First Certificate of Occupancy, Planning Department staff will conduct a site visit with the property owner to verify that all physical measures (bicycle parking, signage, etc.) have been included as planned. |
| 7 | Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting Statement (Planning Department staff/ property owner)Â |
Once the building is occupied, the property owner is required to submit an Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting Statement with an administrative fee. Planning Department staff will review the statement to ensure compliance with the TDM Plan. Enforcement steps will be taken, if needed, to attain compliance status. | |
| 8 | TDM Plan Update (Planning Department staff/ property owner) |
At any time after the Development Project's entitlement, the property owner may voluntarily initiate review of the TDM Plan, by filing a TDM Plan Update Application, along with an administrative fee. |
TDM Plans & Monitoring
Use this map to see all of the TDM Plans in your neighborhood. Each dot represents a TDM Plan that is either currently being reviewed by the Planning Department or has been implemented.
Monitoring & Reporting
The TDM Program has an active monitoring and reporting component to ensure the compliance and effectiveness of the Program. Over the life of a project, the Planning Department will monitor the implementation of its TDM Plan. A project is required to complete an Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting Form on an annual basis, where staff will check for the installation and/or implementation of its TDM measures.
TDM is an evolving field and new technological advances occur regularly. Potential updates to the TDM measure menu may occur, reflecting the evolving field. In addition to potential updates, every four (4) years, Planning Department staff will share a report analyzing the implementation of the TDM Program.
Monitoring Reports & Amendments
Executive Summary: Adoption of Amendments to the TDM Program Standards (June 7, 2018)
- TDM Program First-Year Monitoring Report (Attachment A)
- Resolution No. 20199 (Attachment B)
Program Contact
Audrey Harris
TDM Program Performance Manager
audrey.harris@sfgov.org
For general inquiries,
email TDM@sfgov.org