TRPA makes broad improvements to permitting services
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/20/2024 - 10:38pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - 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.
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 proposed later 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.”
Permitting service updates include:
- Dedicated permitting technicians and an appointment system.
- Free virtual or in-person meetings for initial application questions.
- Direct permitting services phone line - (775) 589-5333.
- Pre-application consultations for complex projects and advanced questions.
- Improved permit tracking and connecting with the assigned planner.
- Revamped TRPA front lobby in Stateline, Nev. with a computer kiosk and one-on-one meeting spaces.
- Faster turnaround time for small projects.
- Expanded list of exempt projects and same-day acknowledgment for qualified exempt activities.
The TRPA lobby is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.; and Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Between now and March 2023, the permitting improvement project team will develop additional process updates for consideration by the TRPA Governing Board. More information is available at trpa.gov/permitting-improvement-project/.