Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – Grading and digging season for permitted projects at Lake Tahoe begins May 1, although the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is cautioning that some projects and sites may be delayed this year due to unseasonal amounts of snow and wet conditions. Property owners and project managers should plan ahead for delays to the start of grading activity and pre-grade inspections, the agency said today.
Grading and digging activities are confined to drier months to protect Lake Tahoe from sources of erosion and sediment that have been tied to decreases in its famed clarity. During the normal grading season (May 1 – October 15), grading and digging can proceed in dry conditions, but are not allowed when a project area is covered with snow, when ground is saturated, muddy, or unstable, and during periods of precipitation.
The past winter has been a record-breaking season and many sites may still be impacted by snow on May 1st. There is a potential for delays and in some cases required pre-grade inspections may not be completed until all snow has melted from the site and the site is dry. Working in dry conditions prevents soil compaction and prevents loose soil and mud from washing away from project sites, into roadways, storm drains, waterways, or the lake.
May 1 Update: Delays Likely For Some Projects
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – Grading and digging season for permitted projects at Lake Tahoe begins today, however the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is cautioning that some projects and sites may be delayed due to unseasonal amounts of snow and wet conditions. Property owners and project managers should be aware of site conditions that could delay to the start of grading activity and pre-grade inspections, the agency repeated today.
During the normal grading season (May 1 – October 15), grading and digging can proceed in dry conditions, but are not allowed when a project area is covered with snow, when ground is saturated, muddy, or unstable, and during periods of precipitation.
The past winter has been a record-breaking season and many sites are still impacted by snow. Required pre-grade inspections cannot be conducted until all snow has melted from the site and the site is dry. Working in dry conditions protects lake clarity and prevents soil compaction and loose soil and mud from washing away from project sites, into roadways, storm drains, waterways, or the lake.
Emergency exceptions are available from TRPA to protect water quality public health and safety. Visit trpa.gov/grading-season-exceptions/ for more information.
Although all grading must stop in wet conditions, not all digging requires a permit. More information is available under Grading.
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The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, Public Information Officer, at (775) 589-5278 or jcowen@trpa.gov.