Stateline, Nevada – Grading season in the Lake Tahoe Basin starts Monday, May 1. But people are asked to remember all grading and soil disturbing activities must be suspended during times of precipitation and are not allowed if soil at the project site is covered in snow, saturated, or muddy.

Because of high precipitation this winter, snowy and wet conditions in some locations around Lake Tahoe may not allow grading projects to begin May 1. In areas still covered by snow, saturated, or muddy, grading must wait until the snow melts and the ground dries out. If you are digging and encounter groundwater, stop and call your project inspector.

Grading season runs from May 1 through October 15. Restrictions on grading are in place to prevent loose soil and mud from washing into Lake Tahoe and reducing its water quality, soil compaction, and other environmental impacts.

Projects that disturb more than seven cubic yards of soil must apply for a grading permit. Forms are available at https://www.trpa.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/archive/2/Grading_Project_Application.pdf. Projects that disturb between three and seven cubic yards of soil most notify TRPA with a qualified exempt activity form available at https://www.trpa.govExempt-Qualified_Exempt_Activity_Application_2-26-16.pdf.

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 Tom Lotshaw, Public Information Officer, at 775-589-5278.