Court Ruling Allows Shorezone Permitting to Continue

Judge Issues Injunction Decision


Contact: Julie Regan, TRPA Communications and Legislative Affairs Chief, (775) 589-5237

For Release Immediately September 18, 2009

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV - Pier and buoy permitting at Lake Tahoe will be allowed to continue under a federal court ruling made in the legal dispute over TRPA's shorezone program.

A federal judge agreed with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's legal brief in response to litigation filed by the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Club to allow buoy and pier permitting to continue while the lawsuit moves through legal channels, according to Nicole Rinke, TRPA's General Counsel.

"TRPA successfully made the case to continue the permitting process for buoys and piers to further our goal to improve how boating activities are regulated on Lake Tahoe," Rinke said. "While no construction of new piers or buoys is allowed until after the lawsuit is sorted out by the courts, TRPA will continue moving forward to carry out the new shorezone plan and is optimistic the courts will agree with our approach when the lawsuit is resolved."

After a 22-year debate of how best to manage development in Lake Tahoe's shorezone, the TRPA adopted new policies and ordinances in October 2008, which have since been challenged by environmental organizations. The plaintiffs argued for an injunction on all permitting of new buoys and piers but the court did not grant the full injunction. The merits of the entire lawsuit are being evaluated by the courts.

"It's crucial for the public to understand that the new shorezone regulations set development caps on new buoys and piers and establishes mitigation measures, making the new rules more protective than previous ordinances," Rinke said. "There are already nearly 800 piers and approximately 4,500 buoys on the lake today. With our new shorezone program we can better manage boating activities and protect water quality at Lake Tahoe from environmental threats including invasive species."

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, email jregan@trpa.org<mailto:jregan@trpa.org>.

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Jeff Cowen
Community Liaison
(775) 589-5278