Fact: The Water Quality Management Plan for the Lake Tahoe Basin, approved in 1988, states that “…since existing development represents a large backlog of erosion and runoff problems, the application of BMPs, including restoration of disturbed areas, is expected to significantly reduce nutrient loads from surface runoff.”

Fact: BMPs for a single-family dwelling typically cost between $500 and $3500. Factors that drive this estimate up include paving dirt driveways and stabilizing steep, eroding slopes.

Fact: TRPA and our partnering agencies make every reasonable attempt to provide the BMP site evaluation promptly upon receipt of a request, which is usually within two weeks.

Fact: Good defensible space involves a “lean, clean and green” landscape and doesn’t need to have bare soil as the landscape. A BMP Certificate of Completion will not be released until all bare soil areas are effectively mulched and revegetated. See Chapter Three (p. 42) of the “Home Landscaping Guide for Lake Tahoe and Vicinity” for specific information on good defensible space characteristics.

Fact: Compacted dirt areas count as coverage because they prevent infiltration of rain and snow melt and add to the runoff problem. If the coverage is legally existing (i.e. it can be proven that it was existing before February 1972 or that additional coverage is available for parcel), it must be paved or fully restored in order for a BMP Certificate of Completion to be released. If it is illegal coverage, it must be removed and the area must be restored to a natural, functioning condition.

Fact: The ordinance adopted by TRPA’s Governing Board requires disclosure of BMP status of all properties in the Lake Tahoe Basin prior to property transfer.

Fact: TRPA’s Erosion Control Team and our partnering agencies work with property owners to design BMPs that control runoff and appeal to the property owner’s preferences. Instead of installing gravel trenches and dry wells, a property owner can opt for underground runoff storage areas or dry creek beds.

Fact: Current regulations require that BMP status of the property be disclosed by the seller to the buyer before property can transfer ownership, with a copy of the disclosure form forwarded to TRPA’s Erosion Control Team.