Residential parking permit program for Heavenly area launched by City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Anyone driving to and around the Heavenly Mountain Resort last winter can remember the standstill traffic and parking challenges brought on by the near-record-breaking snow. With another winter season rapidly approaching, the City of South Lake Tahoe has been working on a plan to alleviate the stress put on the Heavenly Valley neighborhood.

The new Residential Parking Permit Program has been months in the making and the City just announced its launch. It was created to address the 2022-23 challenges associated with those using city streets for ski resort parking.

The Heavenly Valley neighborhood has experienced increased congestion and parking impacts during winter months. To address these issues and enhance the quality of life for residents, the City has introduced a Residential Parking Permit Program in the Heavenly Valley area.

Key features of the program include:

Seasonal No Parking Zones: Additional zones where parking is prohibited between November 1 to May 1 have been added to ensure parking on only one side of a street or, where streets are narrow, no parking on either side.

Seasonal Resident Permit Zones: Specific areas have been designated for Resident Parking only. These areas will be reserved for residents in the program area with valid parking permits during the winter season. Residents will be required to obtain parking permits from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and display the permit in vehicles parked in these zones.

The program prioritizes the needs of local residents. Residents living in the designated zones can apply for parking permits, ensuring they have access to convenient parking near their homes. SLTPD will monitor compliance with the program and unauthorized vehicles parked in No Parking Zones or in Resident Permit Zones without permits will be subject to $300 fines.

Visitors to the area will be encouraged to utilize designated parking facilities, transit, and micro-transit options to minimize congestion in the residential neighborhoods. Heavenly announced a pay-for-parking program earlier this year and many residents were concerned their neighborhoods would become more of a parking lot than in previous years.

Heavenly worked on its plan to alleviate road congestion and parking challenges and will offer reservations for free parking to cars carrying four or more people, $20 during peak times. Paid reservations for the California Lodge lot will be required on weekends and holidays/peak periods until 12 p.m. and will be available online at the start of the season. After 12 p.m. all parking in this lot will be free and no reservations will be required.

On-street parking prohibition during snow removal conditions that apply citywide will continue to apply in these Heavenly areas as well.

Beginning November 10, 2023, SLTPD will begin issuing Residential Parking Permits (RPP) Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. by appointment only (No Walk-ins). To make an appointment, call (530) 542-6100 during Business Hours (M-F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. walk-ins only (appointments not possible) until 12/16/2023. SLTPD is located at 1352 Johnson Blvd.

All items identified on the application form must be completed before applying. Applications will be accepted in person and RPPs will be issued at the same time. There will be a maximum of five RPPs for each address, which includes two guest permits. The applicant will be responsible for all RPPs issued to that address. For the application, visit HERE.

More information on the permit application process and other program details can be found at www.cityofslt.us/HeavenlyValleyRPP.