Angora -- grading permit info

(South Lake Tahoe, CA)—In collaboration with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, El Dorado County is providing a new permit option to Angora Fire victims wanting to get a jump-start on home reconstruction.

On Monday, September 24, 2007 the County Building Services Department will make TRPA-approved grading-only permits available for properties affected by the Angora Fire. The grading-only permit will allow homeowners to complete foundation excavation work before the October 15 end-of-grading season in the Tahoe Basin. TRPA also made a commitment to extend the grading season deadline for affected homeowners in the Angora burn area based on weather conditions to help in the re-building effort.

In order to minimize erosion and protect water quality, the TRPA Code of Ordinances only allows major digging between May 1 and October 15 each year. Soil disturbance during the wet weather season is restricted.

“The County wants to ensure that residents who want to rebuild now have the opportunity to move dirt before the deadline precludes them from doing so,” said Greg Fuz, County Development Services Director. “Through this new option, a homeowner will be able to start excavation almost immediately, even before submitting a building permit application or complete plans for reconstruction.”

Additional El Dorado County and TRPA staff will be available at the County Building Services office at 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd. to provide over-the-counter review and approval for expedited excavation. There is no fee for grading-only permits.

Submittal requirements for the grading-only permit include a site plan, grading calculations, coverage calculations for future development, as well as signed pre-grading inspection and site winterization forms. The site plan must also indicate trenching sufficient to accommodate all necessary public utilities. A complete building permit application package and an approved building permit will still be required in order to pour any foundations. Eligibility for grading-only permits is limited to sites with excavation of less than five feet in depth. A summary of submittal requirements is available at www.edcgov.us/angora.

“TRPA wants to help make the reconstruction process as smooth as possible,” said Julie Regan, TRPA Communications and Legislative Affairs Chief. “We are working both internally and with the County to do what it takes to help those fire victims who want to re-build this year.”


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