Lake Tahoe, NV/CA (Dec 14 2023) – In a landmark move, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board greenlit a comprehensive package of affordable and workforce housing incentives on Wednesday. This strategic decision aims to combat the housing crisis gripping Lake Tahoe’s environment and communities, with a focus on easing the burden on residents and addressing key environmental concerns.
Following an extensive three-hour public testimony, the board adopted these policy changes, incorporating refinements based on community and board member feedback. TRPA emphasized that these targeted alterations to Lake Tahoe’s zoning regulations are designed to reduce the cost of providing affordable and workforce housing while simultaneously benefiting water quality and alleviating traffic congestion.
One of the root causes identified by TRPA for the housing crisis is the impact of rising property values combined with development caps and building design requirements set decades ago. These regulations unintentionally directed the market towards large, single-family homes, neglecting smaller, more affordable multi-family units like duplexes, triplexes, and apartments.
Under the constraints of the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan, new developments, renovations, and redevelopment projects must now align with multiple goals, as outlined by TRPA. Recognizing the need for change, the agency has extended incentives to deed-restricted multi-family projects, prioritizing the creation of more affordable housing options.
Julie Regan, Executive Director of TRPA, expressed the urgency of these changes, stating, “In resort communities in Tahoe and across the nation, it’s getting harder for people to live where they work. The status quo is unacceptable, and these changes are one of many solutions needed.”
The approved policy changes emphasize the implementation of high-level stormwater Best Management Practices to safeguard water quality. TRPA envisions fostering public-private partnerships to facilitate the construction of more affordable housing throughout Lake Tahoe.
Key Highlights of the New Housing Incentives:
- Focus on Transit Proximity: Incentives apply exclusively to projects near transit and services, providing permanently deed-restricted units for lower-income and local workers.
- Town Center Projects: Projects in town centers can now benefit from more flexible building designs, additional land coverage, up to 9 extra feet of height, increased units within the building envelope, and reduced parking if alternative transportation measures are implemented.
- Residential Zones: Smaller projects in surrounding multi-family residential zones can also apply for incentives to encourage the development of duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units.
Cindy Gustafson, TRPA Governing Board Chair, and Placer County District 5 Supervisor emphasized the urgency, stating, “This approval gives the Tahoe Basin one more tool that the local jurisdictions can choose to use, but we know we need to keep making progress on additional solutions to strengthen our communities and protect some of Tahoe’s most at-risk community members.”
Local governments now have a year to align these changes with their area plans, allowing flexibility to tailor extra allowances while working toward regional housing goals. Starting in early 2024, TRPA will embark on a multi-year effort to integrate housing, equity, and climate goals into key land-use and water quality programs, following a recent $2.4 million grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
For those interested in getting involved, visit trpa.gov/housing and sign up for the agency’s housing eNews.
