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Residential Allocations
To apply for an allocation complete the Residential Allocation Application (PDF) and submit to planner@cityofslt.us. Building plans must be submitted within 6 months of accepting the allocation.
Fees Collected With Application | |
|---|---|
Residential Allocation Application Fee | $746 (one per allocation requested) |
| Allocation Deposit | $1,000 |
Fees Collected at Time of Acceptance | |
|---|---|
| Home under 2,000 square feet | $0 |
| Home 2,001 to 2,500 square feet | $2,000 |
| Home 2,501 to 3,000 square feet | $5,000 |
| Home 3,001 to 5,000 square feet | $10,000 |
| Home 5,001 square feet or larger | $15,000 |
The City of South Lake Tahoe offers RUUs at no cost for specific projects. Visit Development Incentive Programs to see if your project is eligible. A limited number of City-owned RUUs are also available for purchase. Units created using these banks may not be operated as short-term rentals.
Overview
Each residential unit built within the Tahoe Basin requires a residential unit of use (RUU). This can be obtained by combining a potential residential unit of use (PRUU) and residential allocation. Typically, each undeveloped residential lot has one PRUU associated with it. A residential allocation can be purchased from the City of South Lake Tahoe to complete the RUU. An RUU is also required for each additional unit on a parcel, including ADUs.
Available Allocations
Every two years the City of South Lake Tahoe receives a limited number of residential allocations from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to distribute to properties within the City. Allocations received in the May 2023 distribution are currently available. The next distribution will be in 2021.
City of South Lake Tahoe Resolution Number 2023-052 adopted by the City Council specifies the policy and procedures for the distribution of allocations.
Waiting Lists:
While allocations are currently available, you may apply now and choose to be placed on a waitlist to be offered an allocation in the next round of distributions (2025). The current residential allocation waiting lists are below.
- Single Family Allocation Waiting List - As of July 2023, there are no applicants on the waiting list and allocations are available. Click here to view the waitlist for the 2025/2026 allocation cycle.
- Multi-Family Allocation Waiting List - Currently, as of June 2023, there are no applicants on the waiting list.
- Town Center Allocation Waiting List - Currently, as of June 2023, there are no applicants on the waiting list.
Private Market Allocations
If there are no allocations available through the City allocation pool or you wish to build without waiting to be offered a City allocation, you may purchase allocations and full RUUs on the open market through a private party. A local realtor may be able to help with the process or you may visit the Tahoe Regional Agency (TRPA) TDR Marketplace website. If you purchase an allocation from a private party you will need to complete a Transfer of Rights process with both the City and TRPA.
Contact:
For additional information, please contact planner@cityofslt.us.