South Tahoe proceeds with tourist core plan

Stormwater and height issues prevented South Lake Tahoe Councilwoman JoAnn Conner from voting for two items related to the tourist core area plan.

“My biggest concern is they have not addressed stormwater,” Conner told Lake Tahoe News after the item was discussed last week. “And people don’t want three-, four-, five-story buildings down the highway.”

Others voiced similar concerns. Laurel Ames, a long-time city resident, does not believe the plan addresses the threat of floods. Jennifer Quashnick, representing the local Sierra Club chapter, wants a visualization of what the height rules could look like.

The tourist core plan goes from the state line to Ski Run Boulevard. Photo/LTN file

The other person expressing concern about the plan was Shannon Eckmeyer with the League to Save Lake Tahoe. She said the League wants a connection between the area plan and the total maximum daily load requirements.

The city’s Hilary Roverud told the council the flood component is the same as what South Tahoe has been using with past plans that are mandated by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Maximum height of buildings in the plan area fluctuates between 36 and 95 feet, with the higher number being in the main tourist area. And while those are maximums, staff and council do not have to approve that amount – it could be lower.

The six other speakers from the public spoke in favor of the plan.

The council voted 4-1 for the plan as well as for the environmental negative declaration. Conner was the dissenting voice both times.

South Lake Tahoe and Douglas County staff worked in unison so the respective plans will complement one another. The goal is that locals and tourists will not see the state line when it comes to aesthetics, walkability and other basics.

The TRPA Governing Board has approved Douglas’ plan and will discuss South Lake Tahoe’s on Nov. 20.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report