About Mobility Certification
The Circulate Mobility Certification provides recognition and support for transit-oriented, smart growth projects in the San Diego region.
Projects applications are reviewed by the Circulate Mobility Certification panel, a volunteer committee with expertise in the areas of development, active transportation, and neighborhood design. The review committee independently evaluates each project on the basis of an objective application criteria.
Except for limited circumstances, projects must pay an application fee to be considered for certification. The application is risk-free, and projects with unsuccessful applications are kept confidential.
Benefits of the Circulate Mobility Certification
Formal Letter of Certification
A formal letter of certification that can be provided to elected officials, community groups, and decision-makers that demonstrates the independent recognition of the sustainable, transit-oriented, and smart growth characteristics of the project.
Use of Mobility Certification Seal
Permission to use the Mobility Certification Seal on websites or any other forms of communication signifying the certification.
Publicity
Publicity and marketing through press releases, website summaries, social media, and recognition at Circulate San Diego events and in the Circulator newsletter. See our prior press releases here.
Public Testimony
Independent testimony at public hearings of decision-making bodies (i.e., planning commission, design review, or city council) by Circulate San Diego staff, explaining the certification program and the basis for certification. Additional services for certified projects can also be negotiated.
Testimonials
-
[T]he certificate is viewed as kind of a Good Housekeeping seal of smart growth and can be valuable for developments – and politicians who might want to vote for them.
Michael Smolens
Columnist
San Diego Union Tribune -
The Circulate Mobility Certification is an independent and respected certification that confirmed with the Vista City Council the high standard CHW will design and build, consistent with the City’s vision.
Mary Jane Jagodzinski
Vice President of Development
Community HousingWorks -
The Scripps Mesa Joint Occupancy Project exemplifies the type of project that the Circulate Mobility Certification supports. The project puts publicly owned land to good use with affordable and market-rate housing, as well as neighborhood-serving retail/commercial space.
Sarah Kruer Jager
Partner
Monarch Group
Application Fees and Benefits for Certification
| Program Type (Download Application) | Residential Project Size | Non-Residential Project Size | Circulate Staff Hours for Testimony | Application Review Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1-30 Units or 100% Affordable at any size |
N/A |
N/A |
Free |
|
|
31-60 Units |
50,000 sq. ft. or smaller |
5 Hours |
$3,500 |
|
|
61-500 Units |
50,001 to 200,000 sq. ft. |
10 Hours |
$7,500 |
|
| Mobility Certification |
501-2,000 Units |
200,001 to 500,000 sq. ft. |
15 Hours |
$10,000 |
|
2,001+ Units |
Greater than 500,000 sq. ft. |
20 Hours |
$15,000 |
|
|
Any Specific Plan, Station Area Plan, or Community Plan (Commercial and/or Residential) |
Any Specific Plan, Station Area Plan, or Community Plan (Commercial and/or Residential) |
15 Hours |
$15,000 |
Eligibility
Private- and public-sector residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects (both new construction and rehabilitation) are eligible for consideration. Projects may be market-rate, mixed use, or 100 percent affordable. Generally, projects currently seeking entitlement choose to apply. However, the Circulate Mobility Certification is available to entitled projects, or projects during or after construction.
Types of Circulate Mobility Certifications
Mobility Certification
The Mobility Certification application is available for any sustainable growth development project. Projects are evaluated on their proximity to transit, accessibility to pedestrians and bicyclists, and context within a neighborhood.
- Download the Circulate Mobility Certification application here.
- Download a Sample Mobility Certification application here.
“Mini-Mobility” Certification
The special “Mini-Mobility” application is a free short-form version of the more comprehensive Mobility Certification. This application and certification process is only available for either small infill projects of fewer than 30 units, or for 100 percent affordable projects. Successful applications for the “Mini-Mobility” Certification receive the same Circulate Mobility Certification as a large project.
Plan Mobility Certification
Circulate's Plan Mobility Certification is available for neighborhood-level residential, commercial, or mixed-use plans proposed by either the public or private sectors. These can be community plants, specific plans, transit area plans, etc., that contemplate more than one building or project.
Application Process
Before submitting a completed application, interested applicants should contact:
Jeremy Bloom
Director of Development and Partnerships
jbloom