BMPs
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are erosion control measures required since 1992 by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s BMP Retrofit Ordinance on all developed properties in the Tahoe Basin. Best Management Practices help to improve water quality by capturing and infiltrating stormwater runoff before it enters Lake Tahoe. The goal of the BMP Ordinance is to improve Lake clarity by reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients flowing into Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe RCD's BMP Retrofit Program
The Tahoe Resource Conservation District is a non-regulatory agency that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to assist single-family homeowners with meeting the requirements of Lake Tahoe’s BMP Retrofit Ordinance through its BMP Retrofit Program. The Tahoe RCD is bound by law to work with homeowners in strict confidentiality – a signed Release Authorization Form is needed to share documentation of completed BMPs with the TRPA to request BMP Certificates of Completion.
Tahoe RCD staff meets with California Lake Tahoe homeowners on-site to help with BMP design and to educate about local conservation issues including water conservation, invasive weeds, fire defensible space, and wildlife habitat enhancement.
Resources
There are many resources available through our website and at our office to provide you with information about erosion control, fire defensible space, conservation landscaping, and invasive species.
A few online resources to assist you:
Erosion Control
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Erosion Control Website
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency BMP Ordinance
Fire Defensible Space
Nevada Fire Safe Council Rebate Program
Conservation Landscaping
Home Landscaping Guide for Lake Tahoe and Vicinity
Invasive Species
Native vs. Invasive Aquatic Plants
Frequently Asked Questions About BMPs
For more information about BMP design and installation
For more information about BMP final inspections and maintenance
For more information about Vegetation Consultations