The Placer County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved the Tahoe Basin Area Plan Phase 2 Housing Amendments, a set of changes aimed at supporting new workforce housing in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The decision was made following a review that found the amendments would not cause any new or more severe environmental impacts than those previously identified in the plan’s environmental impact report.
With this approval, Placer County adopted an addendum to its existing environmental review for the area plan, as required by state law. The amendments repeal and replace sections of the current Tahoe Basin Area Plan, specifically updating Chapters 2 and 3 to refine regulations that encourage achievable housing development.
The changes apply only to fully deed-restricted housing projects located within town centers such as Kings Beach and Tahoe City, as well as other areas already zoned for multifamily residences. The amendments are designed to offer greater flexibility on issues like building height, density, and parking requirements throughout the Tahoe Basin Area Plan area. Properties developed under these rules must be designated as affordable, moderate, or achievable (intended for local workers) housing.
“These amendments are focused on making multifamily housing more financially feasible,” said Placer’s Principal Planner Emily Setzer. “The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency worked with consultants from Cascadia Partners to identify variables that could bring down the cost of a housing project and they landed on coverage, height, density and parking.”
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) had previously approved related updates to its Regional Plan and Code of Ordinances in December 2023 and June 2024. Following litigation over these amendments, parties reached a settlement in July 2024. Because the TBAP is a joint document between TRPA and Placer County, both agencies needed to approve these Phase 2 Housing Amendments; TRPA’s Governing Board gave its approval in March.
Over recent years, stakeholders including local governments, non-profits, builders, and community members provided input through TRPA’s Tahoe Living Working Group. This group outlined three phases of recommended changes: initial adjustments already completed; this second phase focusing on workforce housing; and a future third phase titled ‘Cultivating Communities.’
More information about the Tahoe Basin Area Plan can be found at https://www.placer.ca.gov/3342/Tahoe-Basin-Area-Plan.
