Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

Mike Davis

This place does not prioritize customer service. If you email, they will tell you that you need to submit an application, the application for a new home, even if you are only doing something that is exempt. That application currently takes 90 days. If you call for clarification, you get a voice-mail box and a promise to call you back and further disappointment. If you go to the office from Reno expecting the decency to be able to ask a question in person, the door will be locked with a paper drop box. There is a sign that tells you to call a number to talk to someone. Any guesses where that phone number leads you? Another voice-mail box that is probably unmonitored.

Ana Liu

I am a full-time resident and a homeowner. I am not a big corporation or mega developer. I just completed the process for submitting a Single Family Dwelling (SFD) Application with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). The process is of course very complex with many regulations. But, I can honestly say that I am a happy constituent who felt well served. The entire process from application submission to permit was very smooth and transparent. Inspite of the overwhelming workload that the agency is facing, the team at the TRPA responded promptly and professionally. I typically received a response from a representative via email or phone call within 24 hours, an amazing turnaround. Automated emails and notifications as my application progressed helped make sure I was never left wondering if things were moving forward. Most importantly, the responses were extremely helpful, with much of the information already published in detailed documents available online and very accurate. For example, much of what I needed was in what is called the "Code of Ordinances" but because this is a very large document, it can seem overwhelming. Instead of just citing the code, the planners would point me to the specific sections. The entire application process was handled remotely online and was very straightforward and easy to follow. They even helped me when I needed accomodations with the payment timing for the fees. If the goal of such an organization is to help all who want to enjoy the resources of this region do so responsibly, I think that is what the TRPA is accomplishing.

Megan

Working with this agency is a terrible experience and it saddens me that it's such a stressful process to get anything done with their office. You try to do the right thing for the lake, community, environment, etc. by following all of their rules and applications, but they make it so incredibly hard. I've been trying to complete a simple application on their website and unfortunately received multiple errors. I've sent multiple emails with screenshots and specific info to get the issue resolved. However, no one has responded. I've also left multiple voicemails requesting help. For every 3 voicemails I leave, I get 1 call back at a super random time. Each message says to "call Bridget back with details about the issue and they will call back and leave a message on how to resolve it." Pretty sure that communicating via voicemail is one of the least effective ways to get anything resolved, but I don't have any other choice. I try to leave Bridget messages, but every single time her voice mail is full. The ironic part is that on their website is says "Need help?" and then lists the phone number and email address. What a joke! Over the past 4 years I've had to contact their office for different issues or applications. Every single time it's similar to the situation above.

Michael McDermott

Both drivers today were very rude to me and my service animal. I do appreciate the older drivers, but who ever is training the new drivers need some sensitivity training themselves.