If you own a vacation home in Lake Tahoe, there are some things you should consider before removing trees (or limbs) from your property. In many locations in the United States, cutting down or trimming trees on your own property is a perfectly acceptable practice. However, you should be aware that there are rules in Lake Tahoe regarding the removal of trees and limbs. Knowing and following these rules will ensure you won’t risk incurring a fine.
There are some very legitimate reasons for removing trees from your property, such as creating defensible space against the danger of a wildfire. Nobody wants a repeat of the devastation that occurred as the result of last years Angora Wildfire. But in certain situations you may need to get a removal permit, even for the most legitimate of reasons.
What Activities Require a Permit?
Tree removal permits are required for most types of tree and limb removal, but not all, so it’s important to know whether you should submit a tree removal application. You do not need a permit to remove trees in the following situations.
- Trees are being removed to clear land for developments that have already been approved. This could include construction of new properties, grading, or paving.
- Removing small trees for defensible space reasons does not require a permit unless they are in a stream zone or along the shoreline. A small tree is classified as one that has a diameter of less than 14 inches at chest height. If you have a lakefront home, or if you are in a stream zone, then any trees between your house and the water must have a diameter less than 6 inches. Contact TRPA to find out if there is any stream zone on your property.
- You do not need a permit to remove dead trees from residential or commercial property. Remember, for a tree to be classified as dead it must be completely devoid of green leaves or needles.
- You can do a limited amount of tree trimming without a permit, but be aware that the rules are quite specific. You may trim or prune trees so that there is 10 feet of space around and above chimneys, buildings, and decks. Portions of trees that are less than 15 feet above driveways may be removed. Any branches that are in contact with utility lines may also be removed.
Any other activities require a tree removal permit. If you have any questions about whether a permit is required, call the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) at 775-588-4547.
How to Get a Permit
Tree removal permits are issued by the TRPA. To receive a tree removal permit, you must complete and submit a tree removal application. The application is available online here: TRPA Tree Removal Permit
In addition to providing basic contact information, you will be asked to identify which trees you wish to remove and why. There are only a limited number of acceptable reasons for removing trees, and they include insect infestation and disease, and the potential for damaging foundations. Alternatively, you may also request that all trees on your property be evaluated to determine whether they can be removed. A TRPA representative will then visit the property and offer expert advice on forest health, tree removal, and trimming. Once the permit is issued, and trees are marked, you usually have one year to complete the removal.
No Permit can Mean Tough Penalties
A few homeowners simply decide to remove trees without going through the inconvenient process of obtaining a permit, but you should know that the TRPA and the USDA Forest Service are tough on those who violate regulations. Recently, a California company was fined $30,000 for removing trees without a permit, and individual homeowners are also being targeted. Fines for individuals are normally in the range of $5000 per tree.
The most recent tree cutting violation occurred in Incline Village, which resulted in the record $100,000 fine by the federal government. This was a special case where the person involved removed trees that were on National Forest property. Here are a couple links to the story:
Tahoe Tree Cutting - Sac Bee
Tahoe Tree Fine - Tahoe Tribune
Although the process of obtaining a permit may seem a little unfair and is inarguably inconvenient, we consider it wise to follow the regulations.
