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Building Services

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1. What are the hours of operation?

Office hours are from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Due to furlough scheduling, city offices are closed the first and third Friday of each month.

2. How can I view my street file?

All street files are public record and can be viewed at the Building Division office:
1052 Tata Ln.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Copies are $0.10 per page.

3. Who do I contact if I want to remove trees from my property?

The city's Fire Department provides inspections of your entire property including defensible place and tree removal. You can contact the Fire Department at (530) 542-6180.

4. When can I speak to an Inspector?

The inspectors are available at the counter from 8:00 am - 9:30 am and 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

5. I have an ADA question about my business. Who do I contact?

There are approximately 360 Certified Access Specialists in the State of California.The City of South Lake Tahoe also has a Certified Access Specialist who can answer your ADA questions. Dave Walker can be contacted at (530) 542-6072. Certified Access Specialists

6. How long does the plan check process take?

From the date the plan check is received, it could take anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the time of year. Winter time could be 2 to 3 weeks and Summer time up to 6 weeks.

7. Do I need a building permit for a shed?

A building permit is needed if the shed is over 120 square feet. Regardless of size, TRPA should be contacted for the additional coverage.

8. Do I need a permit to work on my driveway?

Yes, an encroachment permit is required to do any work on your driveway. Encroachment permit

9. How can I pay for my permit?

We accept cash, check, Master Card, Visa and American Express. There is a $10,000 limit on credit card payments.

10. Do I need a permit to replace my windows at my house?

No permit is required if you are replacing windows and there is no modification to the original dimensions of the opening (frame) of the window space.

11. Do I need a permit for a fence at my home?

Yes, for further information contact the City's Planning Division at (530) 542-6020. Fence application

12. I am going to work on my existing deck, do I need a permit?

Yes, any structural improvements to a deck requires a building permit and Engineering to support the seismic conditions in our area. Railing is required on decks higher than 30 inches from the ground.

13. Do I need a permit to build a new deck over existing dirt?

All new decks need a permit and TRPA will also be involved due to the additional coverage.

14. Can I see what permits are in the file for my house?

Yes, all permits issued for your property are available for Public review. Come to the Building Division counter to review the file. No appointment necessary.

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Campground

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1. Where is the campground

It's located at 1150 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe...come on up! Map to location

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City Attorney

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1. Who does the City Attorney work for?

The City Attorney is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Council.

2. Can the City Attorney give me legal advice about a legal issue?

No. The City Attorneyrepresents the city government. The City Attorney acts as corporate counsel to the City executives and managers of the municipal corporation and thus does not, and cannot, give legal advice to the public.

3. What type of litigation does the City Attorney's office handle?

The City Attorney's office represents the city in any litigation filed against it. Additionally, the City Attorney will initiate litigation in matters involving violations of the municipal code.

4. How do I file a claim for damages against the City?

You may access and print a Liability Claim Form or you may call the risk management coordinator at (530) 542-6063 and request that a form be mailed to you. Procedures for filling out the claim form are attached to the form itself. Please note, claims generally must be filed no later than six months after the occurrence.

5. How do I submit a small claims action?

Small claims actions must be filed through through the El Dorado County Superior Court and not with the City of South Lake Tahoe.

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City Clerk

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1. How is the city governed?

The City of South Lake Tahoe is a general law city and uses a Council-Manager form of government. Five Council Members, elected at large for four-year staggered terms, govern the City. The City Clerk and City Treasurer are also elected by the voters and each serve a four year term.

Each year in December, the Council Members choose which of them will serve the following year as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. The Mayor is the presiding officer of the Council. In the absence of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem serves as Mayor

2. Where do I get a document notarized?

The City Clerk and the Assistant City Clerk are both Notary Publics and notarize documents by appointment. Call (530) 542-6003

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Fire

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1. Is today a burn day?

There is no open burning allowed in the City limits of South Lake Tahoe. BBQ's are acceptable if they are used for cooking food.
If you live in the County, please call the following number to find out if today is a burn day: 1-888-332-2876 1-888-EDC-BURN

2. I need to get a defensible space inspection - how do I do that?

Please call (530) 542-6180 and leave your name, phone number, and address, and someone will call you soon to set up an appointment to get your defensible space inspection. If you live in the County, you will need to call (530)577-2447 to get an inspection.

3. I need to drop off a set of plans, where should I do that?

You can drop off your plans at our fire department headquarters, which is located at 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The main phone number is (530) 542-6160 for any other questions.

4. Can I have a fire pit in my yard?

At this time, there is a No Open Burning policy in place in the city limits of South Lake Tahoe. Even if your pit is the metal or mesh kind that you can purchase at the store and even if it has a metal lid, you may not use them in the city limits at this time. BBQs are acceptable, as long as you are cooking food with them.

5. When can I cut my tree without a permit from the Fire Department?

You may cut trees on your property if:1:They are dead. 2: If they are UNDER 14'' in diameter at 4 1/2 feet off of the ground on the uphill side. 3:If your tree is in a shorezone, which means in between your house and the lake, you may only cut without a permit if it is UNDER 6" in diameter at 4 1/2 feet off the ground on the uphill side. If you thnk you might need a permit, please call (530) 542-6180.

6. Why do Engines and Ambulances respond to calls together?

The fire department provides the first critical parts of a tiered Emergency Medical System. The premise is to send the closest medically trained response unit to the scene of a life threatening medical emergency to provide the quickest intervention, the highest chance of survival and recovery. This is critical in emergencies resulting in those with compromised breathing or circulatory systems. Trauma, strokes, heart attack, allergic reactions, and choking are all emergencies that require the rapid intervention of the closest units. If any of these conditions lead to heart attack or shock, failure to provide rapid treatment within 4-6 minutes could lead to irreversible brain damage and most likely death. Rapid defibrillation in the case of a heart attack, as well as, oxygen therapy provides the heart attack and stroke patient with the best chance of survival.

South Lake Tahoe Dispatch provides the first contact with the patient utilizing a Emergency Medical Dispatching System (EMD) to determine chief complaint, Location, units to respond and pre-arrival Instructions if needed. The fire department provides the first two tiers of emergency medical treatment through Paramedic staffed Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulances and Basic Life Support (BLS) Staffed Fire Engines. All non-Paramedic units are staffed with a minimum of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Level personnel and defibrillation capability. The fire department is the exclusive provider of extrication and disentanglement for trapped victims. South Lake Tahoe Fire and Lake Valley Fire provide ambulance service through the Cal-Tahoe JPA as the next tier of the system. They provide advance drug therapy and some invasive procedures, as well as transport patients to the hospital. Medical Air Ambulance is provided by Cal-Star as a primary County Franchise and Care-Flight as back-up.

Together, the tiers provide a network for the patient regardless of who arrives on scene first. Often times the patient has the best chance of survival when all of the responders work together on the scene. Often times, patients require more than two personnel for care. This is particularly true when families or others are present creating another facet for the responders to deal with. In these and the more complex calls, a Company Officer is required to buffer the actions and develop and maintain command of the scene. The more complex incidents may require more manpower to deliver care with timeliness a critical aspect. Responding the first tier with the next as a baseline ensures this delivery of critical care. When the engine companies arrive first, care will be transferred immediately upon arrival of the upper tier (ambulance) from the EMTs to the Paramedics. On incidents where the Engine Companies are on scene first and the ambulance has an extended response time, the patient is stabilized by the EMTs and packaged to minimize the on scene time when the next tier (ambulance) arrives. This aspect is critical in some patients and a minimal scene time with rapid transport is critical for survival.

7. I live in South Lake Tahoe, but outside of the city limits. What fire agency serves my area?

Lake Valley Fire Protection district serves South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County. Their phone number is (530) 577-3737. Their address is 2211 Keetak St South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

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Housing

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1. Where can I get information about Tenant and Landlord rights?

The following agencies may be contacted for information tenants/landlords rights:

Legal Services of Northern California
619 North Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 662-1065

Julie Buckman
El Dorado County Superior Court
1354 Johnston Blvd. Department 11
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-3075

Legal Services of Northern California

2. Where can I get a copy of the California Landlord/Tenant Publications?

A variety of publications regarding Landlords and Tenant are available at the Caliifornia Department of Consumer Affairs, publications webpages listed below.

CA Consumer Publications - Landlord/Tenant

3. How do I file a Housing Discrimination Complaint?

Housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability is illegal by federal law. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint using the link below to the U.S. Department of HUD's discrimination complaint office or contact the regional office below for more information.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
San Francisco Regional Office of FHEO
600 Harrison Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 489-6524

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

4. How do I file a complaint regarding mobile home parks?

Mobile home parks are regulated by the State of Department of Housing and Community Development. To file a complaint with them, please contact:

Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Codes and Standards
(916) 255-2501
Fx: (916) 255-2508

California Department of HCD, Manufactured Housing

5. Does the City have a list of rental properties?

For a list of Affordable Housing Rental Properties, visit the City's webpages below or for other rental properties you can the Housing Hotline at (530) 542-7417.

City's Affordable Housing List

6. Does the City have information regarding mold in rental housing?

For more information on mold resources, please visit El Dorado Environmental Health website (address below). The City works closely with El Dorado County to address water leaks associated with a mold issues.

El Dorado County Environmental Health
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 303
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-7955 x 5300

El Dorado County Environmental Health Office

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Neighborhood Services

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1. When is the next meeting?

The next Neighborhood Service Team meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 21st at 2:30 pm at the Best Western Station House conference room located at 901 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Neighborhoods included are:
Stateline residential
Lakeside Park
Heavenly Valley
Tahoe Meadows
Bijou Park

2. Why should I be involved in a Neighborhood Service Team

Neighborhood gatherings can be useful when making a neighborhood list of assets, including existing and potential members, partners, etc., or when planning a neighborhood service or improvement project.

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Planning & Zoning

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1. Are all commercial uses allowed in commercial areas?

No. The City is divided into multiple plan areas and community plan areas. Each area has a statement or use matrix that describes permissible uses that are “Allowed” or “Special” which means they must be considered under the provision of a special use permit. Uses that are determined to not be compatible in a certain area are not listed and are prohibited.

2. When is a Fence Permit required?

A fence permit is required for any new residential or commercial fence. Routine maintenance and repairs to a fence do not require a Fence Permit. If reconstruction of a damaged nonconforming fence is to be done, a fence permit application will need to be submitted to the Planning Division. Planning staff will determine whether repairs or reconstruction of a nonconforming fence will need to be brought into conformance upon review of the application.

Note: A “nonconforming fence” means a fence which does not meet the fence requirements in the City Code such as height, material, setback, or clear zone.

3. When is a Sign Permit required?

A sign permit is needed anytime a business is installing new signs or changing their existing signage.

4. When is a Home Occupation Permit required?

A Home Occupation Permit is required for businesses operated in the home that meet the necessary criteria. If a permitted home occupation generates income at the home such as handicrafts, laundering, mail order, seamstress, handiwork, telephone sales, and artisans, a Home Occupation Permit is required provided all the criteria is met. A Home Occupation Permit is not required per the City of South Lake Tahoe Code § 32-26 if the business is only an office and office services, provided certain conditions are met. Please refer to the City of South Lake Tahoe Code § 32-25 for the requirements.

5. What are the setback requirements for residential and commercial?

There are setback requirements for any structure being built, including dwellings, garages, carports, storage sheds, decks, residential refuse receptacle shelters, commercial buildings, swimming pools, cornices, eaves and playground equipment per City Code § 32-14 through 32-18. You may view the setback handout on our website under Fees, Applications, and Checklists.

6. When is a Temporary Activity Permit required?

A temporary activity is an organized event or a commercial activity which does not occur more than four times in a calendar year and which does not exceed fourteen consecutive days in duration. Typical temporary activities that require a permit are grand opening sales, sidewalk sales, tent sales, street fairs, fundraising events, and holiday events.

Planning staff will review the application and will approve or deny the application based upon their findings associated to the type of activity, noise, parking, land coverage disturbance, signage, etc.

7. What is the process for addressing abandoned cars, garbage, trash, etc. on property?

Please contact the Community Services Officers at the Police Department. They will take your complaint information and address it. Their phone number is (530) 542-6136.

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Revenue

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1. How do I get a business license?

For information on How to Obtain a Business License, (also known as Business and Professional Tax Certificate), please follow the link below to the page on this website that provides a complete description. Then submit the completed application to the Revenue Division office:
1901 Airport Road, Suite 210
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(this office is at the Airport) More information

2. What are the requirements for new and current motel owners?

Current owners need to have a current business license and a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate. New motel owners are advised to meet with Revenue Division staff in person:
1901 Airport Rd.
Suite 210
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

3. How do I obtain a Vacation Rental Program permit?

Applications are handled by the City of South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

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Snow Removal

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1. Where can I park my vehicle during snow removal operations, if I cannot park in the street?

You must park your vehicle on your property and behind the berm. Cars parked in the City right-of-way are subject to citation and/or tow (City Code Section 26-42). The City right-of-way extends beyond the edge of the pavement to the property line, generally 5-10 feet beyond the edge of pavement. City Code Section 26-42

2. Why do I receive berms?

Gates on the snowplows were installed to minimize the impact of the berm; however, they do not eliminate them. Larger amounts of snowfall suggest a potentially larger berm. The plow blade can only carry so much snow. City Code Section 26-40.2