TREE MARKING
LVFPD offers free tree evaluation and marking services for private property owners to obtain defensible space. Trees targeted for removal are ladder fuels located under the canopy of more mature trees, too close to structures to obtain proper clearance or overly dense. The goal of removing vegetation by create separation both vertically and horizontally from the ground upwards is to reduce fuels as well as improve forest health by reducing competition.
Request a free defensible space inspection in order to have trees evaluated, marked and/or permitted. Homeowners will be educated on all fuel types and aspects of the structure which homeowners need to address in order to maintain their property as fire safe as possible and to be in compliance with state regulation PRC 4291.
When is a Tahoe Basin Tree Removal Permit required to remove vegetation?
- Live trees greater than 14 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground. 14 inches in diameter is equal to 4.0 feet in circumference (measured around the trunk). Tahoe Regional Planning Agency approved changing the regulation from 6 to 14 inches in 2007.
- Live trees, brush, and vegetation located in a Stream Environment Zone or on the lakeshore regardless of size.
- Trees required to be planted as a special condition of a permit.
- Removal of more than 100 trees greater than 10 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground (this is rarely applies for the defensible space zone, but may be applicable for fuel reduction on a larger property).
When is a permit not required to remove vegetation?
- Dead trees or vegetation of any size on a residential or commercial property. A dead tree is defined as a conifer with no green needles or a deciduous tree with no leaves (except natural leaf drop in the winter).
- Pruning tree limbs for defensible space includes removal of limbs within;
-10 feet of structures, rooflines and decks
-15 feet above driveways for fire truck access
-At least 10 feet above the ground up to 1/3rd of the total tree height
- Brush removal (except if located in a steam environment zone, the lakeshore or if required to be planted as a permit condition)
Who do I contact if a tree removal permit is needed?
LVFPD entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with TRPA in 2005, allowing LVFPD inspectors with qualifying forestry experience to mark and permit fire hazardous trees for removal.
- If the tree is within 100ft of your home *** Contact LVFPD to schedule an inspection. The owner or authorized agent must be present.
- If the tree is greater than 100ft from your home, or on a vacant lot *** Submit the TRPA Tree Removal Application available at www.trpa.org or call 775-588-4547
- If the tree or brush is located on the lakeshore or in a stream environment zone ***Contact LVFPD and/or TRPA
What if I have been approved or am applying for a permit to build an addition or a new structure?
- Trees within footprint will be approved by the permitting agency
- Defensible space compliance is required as a special condition of building permits in the Lake Valley Fire Protection District
- Request an inspection to pre-review plans and/or upon permit approval. It is easier and usually less expensive to remove trees before a structure is built. LVFPD inspectors can assist with these decisions.
What if I do not know if a permit is needed?
- Contact LVFPD for an inspection, trees are always evaluated as part of the defensible space inspection.