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Permitting Improvement Project

Apr 29, 2025

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is improving its customer service and regional permitting system. Environmentally beneficial redevelopment and private sector investments are a crucial element in ensuring a sustainable Lake Tahoe. Beginning in early 2022, the Permitting and Compliance Department launched the Permitting Improvement Project.

The priorities for the project include:

  • Establish more efficient, consistent, and predictable application review processes.
  • Simplify and shorten review processes for minor applications and sequential approvals.
  • Update code standards that are difficult to interpret, do not add value, or are unduly cumbersome.
  • Prioritize public communication and customer services.
  • Expand tools for staff development and training.
  • Maintain adequate and dependable funding to support quality application reviews.
Project Status

In September and October of 2023, the TRPA Governing Board adopted a suite of amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Rules of Procedure, Design Review Guidelines, and Fee Schedule aimed at the priorities listed above. These changes implement the actions and recommendations of stakeholders identified in the March 2023 Implementation Report. In 2024 and 2025, TRPA staff continues to implement sweeping procedural and administrative changes.

Adopted Amendments
  • Expanding the list of Exempt activities (not needing TRPA review)
  • Changes to the required Level of Review for projects. (e.g. pier projects can now be reviewed at staff level without a hearing)
  • Clarifying the Land Coverage definition and transfer criteria.
  • Expanding eligibility of Coverage Exemptions.
  • Clarifying Height and Roof Pitch
  • New expedited review of Minor Projects and streamlined process for concurrent reviews.
  • Streamlining projects related to Historic Resources.
Operational Improvements

The amendments above are paired with sweeping procedural and administrative internal improvements, including:

  • Dedicated project review teams.
  • Dedicated permitting customer service phone line (775-589-5333).
  • New appointment system.
  • New Procedure Manual providing a comprehensive step-by-step guide of the permitting process.
  • Improved navigation to tools and applications on the TRPA website.
  • Expense monitoring and reporting system for application reviews.
  • User friendly guide for residential Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Coming Soon

  • New Residential application and permitting guides.
  • ADU permitting guides.
  • Procedure Manual updates and Code clarifications.
  • Pier lottery process updates.
  • Land capability digitization.
  • Permitting AI tools.
Contact

Please contact our staff with questions or suggestions.

Jennifer Self
jself@trpa.gov
(775) 589-5261

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