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Salisbury Lowers Traffic Study Threshold for New Developments
City Council approves policy change to trigger more traffic analyses for new projects
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Salisbury City Council has approved a change to the city's land development ordinance that will lower the threshold for when a traffic study is required for new developments. The new policy introduces a tiered system, with the highest tier triggering a full traffic impact analysis for projects expected to generate 1,500 or more vehicles per day, down from the previous 3,000 vehicle per day threshold.
Why it matters
The policy change is in response to growing concerns about increased traffic and development in Salisbury. By lowering the threshold for traffic studies, the city aims to better understand and mitigate the impacts of new projects on the local road network.
The details
Under the new policy, developments expected to generate between 500-1,499 vehicles per day will trigger a condensed traffic assessment letter, while those generating 100-499 vehicles per day will require a trip generation letter. The ordinance also includes guidelines for evaluating factors like volume-to-capacity ratios, levels of service, and queuing. The changes were recommended by the technical review committee and planning board before being approved unanimously by the City Council.
- The City Council approved the policy change at their meeting on February 17, 2026.
- The updated traffic study thresholds will apply to all new development proposals submitted after the policy change took effect.
The players
Victoria Bailiff
Planning Manager for the City of Salisbury.
Victoria Trexler
Traffic Engineer for the City of Salisbury, referred to as one of the 'Victorias' by Mayor Tamara Sheffield.
Tamara Sheffield
Mayor of Salisbury, who commended the planning and traffic staff for their work on the policy change.
Carlton Jackson
City Council member who asked about how Salisbury's new policy compares to neighboring municipalities.
What they’re saying
“Currently our land development ordinance does not trigger a traffic analysis until a project has hit 3,000 vehicles per day. That threshold is rather large in staff's opinion.”
— Victoria Bailiff, Planning Manager (salisburypost.com)
“This is consistent with all municipalities across the state. They are just facing that 3,000 daily trips is no longer sufficient. Our areas' developments have changed how they're shaped.”
— Victoria Trexler, Traffic Engineer (salisburypost.com)
“We are growing. We have neighborhoods who have concerns about traffic. Hearing our neighbors and saying, 'hey, legally this is where it is, but what fits us?' I appreciate that collaboration across departments and listening to citizens.”
— Tamara Sheffield, Mayor (salisburypost.com)
What’s next
The new traffic study policy will go into effect immediately, applying to all new development proposals submitted after the City Council's approval on February 17, 2026.
The takeaway
Salisbury's updated traffic study requirements demonstrate the city's responsiveness to community concerns about the impacts of growth and development. By lowering the threshold for when traffic analyses are required, the city aims to better plan for and mitigate traffic issues as the area continues to evolve.
