Illegal lakefront wall met with $120,000 fine

A Zephyr Cove resident has one extremely expensive rock wall – that must be torn down.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board levied a $120,000 fine Jan. 26 against Edgar Roberts for 11 violations.

In addition to the fine, Roberts must remove the fill from his and the neighboring properties, rebuild the retaining wall correctly, and restore any disturbed areas. Of course he must do all of this with the proper permits from TRPA and other necessary agencies.

Roberts, years ago, approached the bi-state regulatory agency about rebuilding and moving the retaining wall into an area the agency deemed sensitive and near the lake’s high water mark.

Three years ago, Roberts brought in more than 200 tons of granite fill material to build what he wanted without the necessary permits. Roberts also operated heavy equipment, relocated sand and failed to use lake-friendly construction methods all in highly sensitive lands, according to TRPA spokesman Jeff Cowen.

“We are pleased that the Governing Board agreed with us that this settlement and fine amount is appropriate given the extent of the violations and environmental harm attributable to the unauthorized construction project,” TRPA attorney Nicole Rinke said.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report