Search Documents
Search Documents

Agency Makes Broad Improvements to Permitting Services

Jan 18, 2024

The TRPA office lobby in Stateline, Nev. has been remodeled to accommodate improved permitting services.

 

Lake Tahoe, NV/CA – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is rolling out numerous improvements to permitting services including a suite of policy changes to encourage environmental redevelopment and improve efficiency, the agency said today.

TRPA staff is also moving forward with comprehensive improvements to the regional permitting system to establish more efficient, consistent, and predictable application review processes. Improvements approved by the TRPA Governing Board last year will take effect this month, with more being developed this year.

An updated 2024 Fee Schedule takes effect January 22 that reflects the streamlining, expedited processes, and shorter review times, according to TRPA.

“Environmental improvements made by property owners through the permitting process are an important part of the collaborative work to protect and restore Lake Tahoe,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “Our commitment to providing excellent public service helps encourage environmental redevelopment, which benefits the lake and our communities.”

More information is available here. Permitting service updates include:

Get Help from a Permitting Technician

A full-time receptionist is available to answer general questions and public computer kiosk is here to help with parcel information searches and permit submittals.

TRPA has dedicated staff available to answer questions about properties and permitting. Getting help in the initial planning phase often saves applicants time and sets the foundation for a streamlined project. Permitting Technicians are available by phone or appointment Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Direct Permitting Services Line

(775) 589-5333

Meet with a Permit Technician

Meet virtually or in-person with a TRPA permitting technician. Fifteen and thirty minute appointments are available. These appointments are ideal to answer questions about a project or receive help with an application submittal.

Book a Pre-Application Consultation

Pre-Application Consultations

For more complex projects, the agency also offers helpful pre-application consultations for a small fee. These appointments are ideal for discussing project concepts, permit processes, needed information, and possible issues in advance. Planners and other TRPA experts (i.e. scenic, BMPs, tree removal) will be able to provide preliminary input and advice.

Book a Pre-Application Consultation

Improved Permit Tracking and Connecting with the Assigned Planner

Once TRPA receives an application and has determined that it is complete, the project will be assigned to a planner for review. To see who has been assigned to review a TRPA application, visit the Parcel Tracker and enter the TRPA file number or property address in the top right search field.

New Look for the TRPA Lobby

More one-on-one meeting spaces have been added for in-person appointments.

TRPA recently renovated its front lobby to better accommodate and welcome visitors. Updates include a conversation and waiting area, private meeting rooms, and a public computer for online application submittals. A public service specialist staffing the front lobby helps answer general questions and connect visitors with permit technicians. The agency also dedicated space in the lobby for its land acknowledgement to the native Washoe Tribe.

Front Lobby Hours
    • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Faster Turnarounds for Small Projects

The agency now offers expedited permitting for projects that require TRPA review and are relatively simple in scope and present a low potential risk to the environment. Minor project applications have a much shorter turnaround time. Most minor projects are reviewed within 40 days or less. More complex projects may take up to 120 days or more.

Minor projects that qualify for expedited permitting
      • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
      • Conversions and transfers of development rights and some coverage transfers
      • Development right banking
      • Historic resource determinations
      • Select lot line adjustments
      • Select grading or earth moving
      • Select site or building improvements

40-Day Review for Minor Projects Packet

Same-day acknowledgement for Qualified Exempt activities (QEs)

These activities are generally minor improvements such as structural modifications, remodeling, additions of non-permanent structures, or changes in use. QEs require submittal of an online declaration form at least three days prior to the activity. The agency now offers a same-day acknowledgement process for QE declarations.

For a list of fully exempt activities that do not require any contact with TRPA, click here.

Same Day Acknowledgement for QE Activities

New 2024 Fee Schedule Effective January 22

The updated 2024 Fee Schedule will be effective and available on the TRPA website January 22, 2024. The fee schedule includes application filing, inspection, monitoring, and mitigation fees.

Permitting Improvement Project Continues

TRPA has dedicated a team and a consultant to work with stakeholders, partners agencies to suggest comprehensive updates to the regional permitting system and benefit Lake Tahoe. The key focus of the project is to establish more efficient, consistent, and predictable application review processes. Environmental redevelopment and private reinvestment benefits Lake Tahoe, our communities, and local businesses.

In October 2023, the TRPA Governing Board adopted an initial suite of amendments as part of the Permitting Improvement Project:

    • Expanded list of Exempt activities that do not need TRPA review.
    • Changed the Level of Review for projects that do not need a public hearing.
    • Clarified the definition of Land Coverage and the criteria for coverage transfers.
    • Expanded eligibility of Coverage Exemptions.
    • Clarified Roof Height and Pitch.
    • Expedited review of Minor Projects and streamlined process for concurrent reviews.
    • Streamlined projects with Historic Resource Determinations.

The amendments above are also paired with a broad range of operational improvements:

    • Dedicated project review teams.
    • Dedicated service phone line and staff to answer questions.
    • New appointment system.
    • New Procedure Manual providing a step-by-step guide for the permit process.
    • Improved website navigation to permit applications and online tools.
    • Convenient lists and links to all references in the TRPA Code of Ordinances.
    • Expense monitoring system for application reviews.

Between now and March 2023, the permitting improvement project team will develop additional process updates for consideration by the TRPA Governing Board.

Find out more about the project or recent amendment here.

Helpful Permitting Resources

###

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.