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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 non-residential fence. Routine maintenance and minor repairs to a non-residential fence may not require a Fence Permit as deemed by City staff. 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.

Construction of new residential fences and modification of legally existing residential fences on parcels in residential Plan Areas no longer requires approval of a Fence Permit from the City if the fence design and installation complies with City Code Section 6.85.030.  The residential fence and wall standards checklist can be used to determine compliance. Fences constructed or modified to be inconsistent with these standards may be subject to City Code violations and fines.

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.