Area Plan Proposals and Updates

Area Plans provide local governments an opportunity to consolidate and simplify regulations, eliminate regulatory inconsistencies between the Regional Plan and local plans, and increase redevelopment and property investment incentives to revitalize the Region’s aging commercial centers and infrastructure. The City currently has two adopted area plans, the Tourist Core Area Plan (TCAP) and the Tahoe Valley Area Plan (TVAP). The policies and standards of these area plans have been successfully implemented since their respective adoptions; however, they are due for an update!

In addition to the two existing area plans, the City is also working on creating a third area plan, referred to as the Mid-Town Area Plan. The Mid-Town Area Plan would provide land use guidance for all future redevelopment and development opportunities for the following areas: Bijou/Al Tahoe, Sierra Tahoe Commercial, Bijou Community Park, and Bijou Meadow/Golf Course.

Tourist Core Area Plan *Update*

What is the Tourist Core Area Plan?

Originally adopted in 2013, the Tourist Core Area Plan (TCAP) aims to enhance the built environment with high-quality development, improve transportation options and the circulation network, increase access to recreation opportunities, and promote a mix of land uses. This area of South Lake Tahoe is the center of tourist services and recreation access, is located adjacent to the Nevada and California Stateline, and has traditionally been the area with the highest concentration of commercial and tourist services.

The current Tourist Core Area Plan can be downloaded here.

What is being proposed?

The purpose of the amendments range from general improvements and a need for greater consistency with recently amended TRPA regulations, state regulations, and City goals, to increasing housing opportunities and community equity in appropriate areas. Over the next few months staff will be using feedback and direction from a stakeholder workshop and the Planning Commission to draft the TCAP amendments which will be presented to the Planning Commission for recommendation at a date to be determined.

A full project description can be found here.

Have questions or want to get involved?

Check out the upcoming opportunities to provide comments on proposed amendments below. If you have questions regarding the TCAP update please contact Assistant Planner Madison Dederick at (530) 542-6022 or mdederick@cityofslt.us

Upcoming Opportunities to Provide Comments

TRPA Regional Plan Implementation Committee (RPIC): May 24, 2023
City Council Informational Meeting: TBD, May estimated
Environmental Document Circulation: TBD, June/July estimated
Planning Commission Recommendation: TBD, August estimated
City Council Adoption: TBD, September estimated
TRPA Recommendation: TBD, October estimated
TRPA Adoption: TBD, November estimated

Previously Received Feedback and Comments

Stakeholder Workshop: February 1, 2023
- Workshop Notes
- Workshop Presentation
Planning Commission: February 23, 2023
- Agenda Item 3

Tahoe Valley Area Plan *Update*

What is the Tahoe Valley Area Plan?

Originally adopted in 2015, the Tahoe Valley Area Plan (TVAP) focus on serving and supporting local needs by providing a balance of commerce, employment, entertainment, and livability while encouraging retail businesses and services that meet local needs, encourage local ownership, and appeal to visitors seeking to mix with the local community. The Tahoe Valley Area Plan plan area is a 374-acre area, centered on the US Highway 50 and State Route (SR) 89 “Y” intersection, in the southwest corner of South Lake Tahoe, California.

The current Tahoe Valley Area Plan can be downloaded here.

What is being proposed?

The purpose of the amendments range from general improvements and a need for greater consistency with recently amended TRPA regulations, state regulations, and City goals, to increasing housing opportunities and community equity in appropriate areas. Over the next few months staff will be using feedback and direction from a stakeholder workshop and the Planning Commission to draft the TVAP amendments which will be presented to the Planning Commission for recommendation at a date to be determined.

A full project description can be found here.

Have questions or want to get involved?

Check out the upcoming opportunities to provide comments on proposed amendments below. If you have questions regarding the TVAP update please contact Assistant Planner Anna Kashuba at (530) 542-7405 or akashuba@cityofslt.us

Upcoming Opportunities to Provide Comments

TRPA Regional Plan Implementation Committee (RPIC): May 24, 2023
City Council Informational Meeting: TBD, May estimated
Planning Commission Recommendation: TBD, July estimated
City Council Adoption: TBD, August estimated
TRPA Recommendation: TBD, September estimated
TRPA Adoption: TBD, October estimated

Previously Received Feedback and Comments

Stakeholder Workshop: February 1, 2023
- Workshop Notes
- Workshop Presentation
Planning Commission: February 23, 2023
- Agenda Item 4

*New* Mid-Town Area Plan

What is the Mid-Town Area Plan?

The City is working on undertaking the development of the Mid-Town Area Plan to guide future land uses and development to meet the needs of residents, businesses, visitors, and the environment. This action is guided by the City Council's Strategic Plan action item 1.2. The Mid-Town Area Plan will leverage the adopted 56-acre master plan and existing infrastructure at Lakeview Commons and Harrison Avenue to further transform mid-town into a recreation, arts, and community hub.

Development of the Mid-Town Area Plan will incorporate, at a minimum, the following elements:

The Built Environment and Land Uses
Design and Development Standards
Housing
Transportation and Connectivity
Sustainability
Recreation and Equitable Access
Arts and Culture
Implementation Measures/Infrastructure Needs

How is an area plan developed and who is involved?

Preparation and creation of an area plan has may phases and opportunities for the public to provide input. City staff, with assistance from consultants, will work to gather an understanding the existing conditions and then conducting public outreach and engagement which will be utilized in drafting an area plan that establishes the vision and goals of the community. As participation opportunities and more details about the process are determined they will be posted to this webpage.

What is the current status of the Mid-Town Area Plan?

On April 4, 2023, the City Council directed the Development Services Department to hire a full-time senior planner to manage development of the Mid-Town Area Plan. The formal planning process including public workshops is expected to occur in early fall.

Have questions?

If you have questions regarding the creation of the Mid-Town Area Plan please contact John Hitchcock, Planning Manager, at (530) 542-7472 or jhitchcock@cityofslt.us