TRPA to require fire-protection preapproval for construction

Get News Feeds

Provided to the Tribune
March 24, 2008

Print Email

Building on its efforts to assist implementation of defensible space at Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on April 14 will begin requiring fire protection preapproval of construction projects on private property before a construction permit application can be submitted.

By providing initial review of new construction, remodel and addition projects across the basin, local fire agencies can help property owners protect their property from wildfire and speed efforts to create defensible space.

"This initial step in the permit process is crucial to get everyone working toward rapid implementation of defensible space," said TRPA Executive Director John Singlaub. "We've heard from the fire districts that they prefer to review plans up front so that wildfire safety is integrated with every project, and we are helping facilitate that."

In addition to construction projects, applications for scenic assessments also will require fire agency signoff before the TRPA can begin review.

Scenic assessments are surveys of existing conditions along Lake Tahoe's shoreline. Maps of all fire jurisdiction boundaries are available at the TRPA offices and on the agency's Web site at www.trpa.org.

Property owners with questions about how to submit plans through the pre-approval process can contact the appropriate fire protection agency:

-- City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Department: (530) 542-6166 or www.sltfd.org

-- Lake Valley Fire Protection District: (530) 577-3737 or www.lvfpd.org

-- Tahoe-Douglas Fire Protection District: (775) 588-3591, ext. 227, or www.tahoefire.com