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Homewood property owner must pay $10K to TRPA for excavating without a permit

Amanda Fehd

A property owner in Homewood must fork over $10,000 to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency after allegedly digging up 50 cubic yards of dirt without a permit.

Stan Buehler told TRPA staff he didn’t know he needed a permit to excavate on his property, according to TRPA documents.

Buehler allegedly admitted moving the dirt from his driveway and from behind the home. He told staff he wanted to reduce the slope of his driveway and build a retaining wall behind his house.



TRPA staff investigated after receiving a complaint about unauthorized digging on the half-acre plot, according to TRPA documents.

Buehler could not be reached for comment. Records at the Placer County Assessor’s Office indicate he lives in Shingle Springs. His number is unlisted.



Excavating more than 7 cubic yards of dirt requires a permit and is only allowed between May 1 and Oct. 15 in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Violations of the TRPA’s code are punishable by a maximum $5,000 per violation plus $5,000 for each day the violation persists.

The TRPA board agreed to the fine at its meeting last week in Kings Beach. Fines usually come in the form of a legal settlement agreement, in which no party admits wrongdoing.


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