SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board has approved an environmental redevelopment project at the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe..
The permit approval and amendments to building height in the project area will allow the marina owners to remove blighted buildings, improve scenic quality, and upgrade water quality, aquatic invasive species prevention, and recreation infrastructure.
A previous TRPA enforcement action also required the marina to replace its deteriorated floating docks, many of which were leaking polystyrene, a source of microplastic pollution, into the marina. The new, more durable docks and boat slips have a new fire suppression system, utility upgrades to accommodate electric boat charging, and improved lighting, which meets TRPA dark sky standards. They were completed earlier this year.
The Board also approved changes to TRPA’s review process for monopine telecommunication towers, which are designed to simulate mature pine trees. The updated permit review process will protect views while helping reduce microplastic pollution in the Tahoe Basin.
Monopine poles reduce impacts to scenic quality but can degrade over time and shed plastic pine needles. The Board supported staff’s recommendation to apply alternative design standards to telecommunication tower permit applications that will address material degradation.
In response to recent studies on microplastics in Lake Tahoe and growing concern globally about plastic pollution, TRPA has undertaken a science-based process to evaluate regional policies and permit requirements to reduce the risk of microplastics entering Lake Tahoe’s environment.
The following is planned for the Tahoe Keys Marina:
- Four places for dining – fine dining, a second restaurant, a coffee shop, and a hamburger spot – a true dock-and-dine experience
- The parking lot in front of the old Fresh Ketch will be eliminated, and in its place, a public plaza
- A promenade
- More retail
- Gathering spots
- Paid parking and valet parking with 268 parking spots, compared to the current 160 usable spots
- Relocation of the boat ramp to the south end of the property
- Offices and some employee housing
- Restrooms for those using the Cove East trail
“Our goal is a welcoming experience,” said Eric Metz of Suntex last spring. “This is a four-season opportunity.”
