Washoe County planning panel initiates 2025 Tahoe Area Plan update to adopt TRPA housing incentives and code fixes

The Washoe County Planning Commission on June 3 voted unanimously to initiate and recommend approval of a package of Development Code and Master Plan amendments collectively called the 2025 Tahoe Area Plan Update.

The package would amend Washoe County Code chapter 110 (Tahoe Area Plan and Tahoe Area design standards), adopt code changes required to conform with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency(TRPA) Phase 2 housing amendments, and delete the Tyrolean Village special area from the Tahoe Area regulatory zone map. "This is a development code amendment, a master plan amendment, and a regulatory zone amendment that is called the 2025 Tahoe Area Plan Update," Senior Planner Kat Oakley told the commission.

Why it matters: TRPA adopted Phase 2 housing amendments in 2023 that create incentives for deed-restricted housing (affordable, moderate and "achievable" housing for local employees). Washoe County must update its local regulations to conform with TRPA or risk inconsistent rules in the Tahoe Basin. The commission's initiation is the first formal step toward sending the county's proposed ordinance to the Board of County Commissioners and to TRPA for final action.

Key changes proposed - Adopt TRPA Phase 2 incentives for 100% deed-restricted residential developments and qualifying…