POSITIVE STEPS MOVING FORWARD INTO SPRING & SUMMER
Placer County staff have been working with my office to address many of the concerns we all share about the quality of life and the environment in our region. Understanding that we can’t control everyone’s behavior, we are working on a combination of approaches to address the issues including: public education campaigns, increased enforcement efforts, and provision of additional services. This comprehensive approach will help lessen the impacts we experienced last summer. I am very encouraged by the efforts of so many agencies and organizations working collaboratively to help. I know we can’t solve all issues, but it is a huge step forward!
The following information will report on these near-term efforts and plans for longer-term projects. Please share this information, and I encourage you to provide your input on other suggestions we can pursue.
Currently in Eastern Placer
SHORT-TERM RENTAL PROGRAM UPDATE
In response to both community feedback and enforcement staff recommendations, the Placer County Board of Supervisors voted to update the county’s current short-term rental ordinance. Since the program’s inception, we have been listening to local stakeholders and residents to learn how we can improve the program in a way that benefits our community and addresses the neighborhood impacts. These updates reflect not only program feedback, but also a larger effort by the county to address key issues affecting our region. With additions to compliance staff and new data systems we believe that tracking and reporting will be available to help us make prudent and effective adjustments moving forward. Learn More
Current updates to the program include:
• Redefining the program boundaries to match the Eastern Placer transient occupancy tax (TOT) collection area.
• Clarifications to rental restrictions during construction.
• Adding information regarding bear boxes, fire safety enhancements and program streamlining.
View the STR complaint stats below, click here to enlarge.
FREE!! RIDESHARE SERVICE COMING TO NORTH LAKE TAHOE
This summer, North Lake Tahoe residents and visitors will have a new microtransit rideshare service available through Placer County’s Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit. The service will offer free, curb-to-curb shuttle service using a smartphone app to book rides, similar to popular services like Lyft and Uber. Learn More
TEMPORARY SIGNAL AT GROVE STREET
In 2020, county staff hired a third-party consultant develop a design for a temporary signal at the Grove Street and SR 28 intersection. Staff has also worked with Caltrans to obtain the necessary permits and approvals for the signal. By installing a temporary signal, county staff can monitor traffic flow conditions to determine whether a permanent signal could work.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING GUARDS
In 2020, Placer County contracted with a third-party vendor to provide crossing guards on weekends from July – September in Kings Beach and Tahoe City. Specifically, crossing guards were placed at heavily used crosswalks at the roundabouts in Kings Beach and at Grove Street and Commons Beach Road in Tahoe City. This service will continue in 2021 and expand to additional weekends in June and July which were not included in the 2020 service contract. The goals of this program include pedestrian safety and reduction in traffic congestion.
ENHANCED LITTER/TRASH SERVICE
In 2020, Placer County increased the frequency of trash pickup service in Kings Beach and Tahoe City to address issues with litter and trash. To further address this issue, county staff is currently working with Clean Tahoe to supplement existing trash service in summer 2021 and winter 2022. Clean Tahoe will also be “on-call” to address overflowing trash cans and dumpsters in Town Centers and they will monitor trash and litter in Town Centers and public parks and beaches daily. County staff is also working with the California Tahoe Conservancy and other local and state agencies to partner on this enhanced service.
PLACER APPROVES $1.4M FOR MARTIS VALLEY TRAIL, FANNY BRIDGE COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROJECT AND MORE
The Martis Valley Trail, Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project, Kings Beach Western Approach Project, Pam Emmerich Memorial Pinedrop Trailhead Improvement Project, and the SNOW Sports Museum were among nine projects approved by the Board of Supervisors. The projects being funded are indicative of the investment our county continues to put back into eastern Placer through our transient occupancy tax program. From transportation, to recreation access, to preserving the region’s history — the efforts made by our Capital Projects Advisory Committee represent a tremendous partnership to support local community projects of importance. Learn More
Looking Ahead in Eastern Placer
TRPA | REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN ADOPTION
At the April meeting, the TRPA Governing Board will consider adoption of the Regional Transportation Plan. This 25 year list of projects and services totals $3.4 billion and will require significant effort in securing funding through all Federal, State, local, and private sources. A high priority will be securing an annual $20 million regional share to provide free to user transit, microtransit on-demand, and matching funds for State and Federal grant funding. Learn More
Focus areas include:
• Free to User Transit throughout the region with connections to adjoining areas.
• Complete the Tahoe Trail and connections.
• Utilization of new technology to provide better options for travel choices.
• Enhance transportation access to regional hot spots (Emerald Bay, beaches, etc).
TAHOE CITY DOWNTOWN ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS
Project goals include improving mobility and access for pedestrians and other Active Transportation users, providing public parking for access to recreation amenities and commercial destinations, reducing vehicular congestion on North Lake Boulevard (SR 28), and constructing facilities envisioned in the Tahoe City Mobility Plan. Key features include a shared-use path extending behind the commercial businesses and parking area, expanded public parking from the existing Grove Street public parking lot. access to expanded parking from multiple commercial properties, delivery truck access at rear of commercial properties, and potential for future public restroom facilities and possible electric car charging stations. Currently the Draft Environmental Document and preliminary design have been completed and looking ahead will include the formal adoption of the Environmental Document followed by full plans and engineering, then construction (in late 2021 or 2022).
View the preliminary design below, click here to enlarge.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY ANALYSIS OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER RECREATIONAL ACCESS PROJECT PLAN
The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Ascent Environmental Inc. to complete an environmental impact report and community impact analysis for the Truckee River Recreational Access Project plan. The Truckee River corridor between Tahoe City and Truckee is a popular destination for paddlers, hikers, anglers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, campers and others who want to enjoy the river. Through the recreational access plan, Placer County – working in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, Town of Truckee, Truckee River Watershed Council, nearby property owners and the general public – seeks to create clear river and forest access points along the plan area. Learn More
Housing Update
HOUSING PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
The Placer County Housing Goals include increasing the availability of mix housing types, improving the County’s overall employment growth and reducing vehicle miles traveled. Currently, Eastern Placer County has two projects in the works including Meadow View Place in Martis Valley which broke ground in July 2020 with 56 units of workforce housing and Hopkins Village which is currently creating a list of qualified buyers with 40 units of workforce housing. Upcoming development in Eastern Placer County include Dollar Creek Crossing where the County will be conducting a site study to assist in planning/design development of the site this Spring followed by the environmental review starting this summer. Potential future projects include the redevelopment of the Tahoe Inn in Kings Beach and the former Eastern Gateway property in Kings Beach. Learn More
HOUSING RELATED CODE AMENDMENTS
Proposed housing related code amendments are aimed at increasing housing availability and affordability while streamlining the permit approval process for a mix of housing types for all income levels. The proposed changes will allow for increased residential capacity on commercial and multi-family zoned parcels and will align with recent changes to State housing laws, with higher density, mixed use, transit-oriented, and infill housing development primarily located where existing infrastructure and public services are currently available. Learn More
FREE PLANS FOR ADU’S
Placer County has a NEW Accessory Home website, which includes free pre-approved plans, a cost and ROI calculator, testimonials from ADU homeowners and a design inspiration book. As of March 8, Placer County has received 24 applications, 16 permits issued and 89 accessory home inquiries in 2021. Learn More
WORKFORCE HOUSING PRESERVATION PROGRAM
Placer workers struggling to afford a home will soon have a new option to make their housing dreams come true. Placer County’s Workforce Housing Preservation Program will pay homeowners to deed restrict their properties so that only local workers can purchase or rent them. The program would provide qualifying home buyers a funding source that could be used for a down payment or renovations. The program would also be eligible for recently constructed housing that is deed restricted for local worker occupancy. Learn More
MORE PLACER COUNTY RENTERS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR RENT PAYMENT HELP
Hundreds of Placer County residents may be newly eligible for help with rental and utility payments after income limits were loosened at the federal level. The Rent Help Placer program provides financial assistance to qualifying Placer County renters to help prevent housing instability or potential eviction due to a COVID-19 financial hardship. Applications will be accepted through April 30. Learn More
Wildfire Update
IT’S ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME TO BE WILDFIRE PREPARED, PLACER!
Placer County remains one of the top in California for community-led fire preparedness efforts with our Placer County Fire Safe Alliance, a group of local, state and federal agencies and community partners, who support local Firewise Communities and fire safe councils throughout the county.
Additional Resources:
• Placer Sierra Fire Safe Council
• Ready for Wildfire webpage
• Homeowner’s checklist
• Defensible space information
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE DATA CALL NOTICE
In an open letter dated April 13, Commissioner Ricardo Lara addressed the Commercial Insurance Data Call notice, acknowledging that insurance companies are non-renewing or refusing to write commercial insurance. Lara directed commercial insurance companies doing business in the state to provide detailed information to his Department within 60 days about the availability of commercial insurance. This new commercial insurance data will help inform her actions as well as actions that the Governor and California State Legislature can take to further protect our businesses. Read Letter
There is so much more to work on to address your needs and concerns. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office and we will work with County staff to get you answers and help find solutions.
In service,
Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor
COVID UPDATE: CALIFORNIA SET TO REOPEN ON JUNE 15
As we reach 20 million vaccines administered and COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations have stabilized, California is looking to move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to fully reopening our economy. On June 15, all industries across the state can return to usual operations with common-sense risk reduction measures such as masking and vaccinations. We will only progress to this stage if we continue to stay vigilant, keep wearing our masks and getting vaccinated. The state will monitor hospitalization rates, vaccine access, and vaccine efficacy against variants with the option to revisit the June 15 date if needed. Read More
VACCINE UPDATE: NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE 16+
As of April 12, the Placer County Public Health Division began conducting vaccine clinics for people who live OR work in Placer County who are 16 and older. Book Your Appointment
PLACER COUNTY BUSINESS RETENTION + EXPANSION SURVEY
You’re invited to participate in our first-ever Placer County Regions Business Retention and Expansion Survey. This survey is a collaborative effort to determine how we can continue to work with business owners in Placer County, strengthen our local economy and help you prosper. Ultimately, your success is our success; continuing our legacy as one California’s best places to live, work, play and learn. Take survey
Contact information:
175 Fulweiler Ave., Auburn, CA 95603
Supervisor Cindy Gustafson: cindygustafson@
District Director Lindsay Romack: lromack@placer.ca.gov
District Aide Kelly McCaughna: kmccaughna@placer.
Temporary Assistant District Aide Judy Friedman: jfriedman@placer.ca.
