The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has announced that the annual grading and digging season for permitted projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin will end on October 15. After this date, all construction sites must be winterized to help protect the lake’s water clarity.
The seasonal restriction, which runs from May 1 to October 15 each year, is designed to prevent sediment from entering stormwater systems and Lake Tahoe itself. It also aims to reduce soil compaction and disturbance during the region’s wettest months.
TRPA provides detailed site winterization requirements on its website at trpa.gov/applications-forms/winterization-guidelines.
Exceptions to the grading season deadline may be granted if there is a public health, safety, or water quality emergency. Applications for exceptions can be submitted starting October 8 through trpa.gov/inspections-and-securities.
Some digging activities are exempt from TRPA approval outside of the regular grading season, provided they meet water quality standards and only take place during dry conditions. If a worksite becomes wet or snow-covered, activity must stop and the site should be stabilized according to winterization guidelines. A list of exempt projects is available under “How do I know if I need a permit?” at trpa.gov/frequently-asked-questions.
The next grading and digging season for permitted projects will begin on May 1, 2026.