Once again there is a push to change the current zoning laws in the Tahoe Area Plan to allow more density, higher and larger footprint buildings, and to decrease required parking. All of this is to make it easier for developers. Tahoe City is a small town of approx 2,000 people. The town sits on the shore of Lake Tahoe without much room for expansion, with only a two-lane road in and out of Tahoe City. Development will adversely affect traffic, views of the lake, runoff into the lake, and air quality.
Changes to the zoning laws include elimination of the 6,000 square foot "minimum lot area per dwelling unit" in every tract in Placer County, Fairway Tract NE increasing from 8 to 15 dwelling units per acre, and the minimum lot size and width for several tracts reduced from 10,000 square feet and 55 feet to 2,904 square feet and 25 feet respectively.
This development is tourist based and the workforce is disappearing. Like other parks and tourist areas there has to be a solution to control visitation, not market for more. Tahoe is being loved to death.
Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments Workshop
Due to public outcry on the proposed Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments, the county is hosting the workshop below on November 9th since they did not do formal or proper community engagement. Placer County staff met with stakeholders from the development and/or business community for their thoughts on strategies to make development easier. Now is the time for all of us, as residents, to participate in the conversation. Please join in-person on online, details below.
Tahoe Basin Area Plan Amendments Workshop
November 9th, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
In-person:
North Tahoe Events Center
8318 N Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, CA 96143
Online:
https://placer-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/92410194101
Meeting ID: 924 1019 4101
Recent experience with the Caldor fire and South Lake Tahoe proved evacuation routes are limited and the roads quickly became gridlocked. This is dangerous for the lives of residents and tourists alike.
There must be a discussion of capacity. What capacity can an environmentally sensitive and rural community support? What about enforcement? Trash, illegal camping, short term rentals run as businesses in residential neighborhoods, and many more ailments affecting our communities continue to grow without limits or enforcement oversight.
What happens when parking requirements are loosened? Do hotel guests and condo owners park on the street, in the grocery store, bank, or post office lots? Do we then start to charge for parking?
For what purpose, other than to make it easier for developers? What happens to the scenic views of the lake when the buildings get taller?
The local community should have the opportunity to participate in decision making. Our community should not be controlled by special interests. Stay informed and speak up!