1. Implement Fire Defensible Space and Erosion Control Measures.Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Defensible Space work together and whenever possible, wise homeowners choose to combine the work of both to help their properties become a working part of the ecosystem. Impervious surfaces like homes, driveways, and roads abound and many homeowners clear their land to bare soil causing harmful sediment and nutrients to flow into Lake Tahoe each time it rains. BMPs are proven methods of capturing stormwater and are required on all properties in the Region.

For more local insight about how to design a home to meet the regional BMPs, call us at Borelli Architecture or see our “Services” page on our website now.

2. Use Native and Adapted Plants When Landscaping.

It’s important to make the right decisions about landscaping and gardening—don’t disturb native vegetation any more than you have to. Instead, strive for landscaping that is dominated by native or adapted plants as they require considerably less irrigation and fertilizer or pesticides than non-native species. The goal is to have healthy plants with roots that hold topsoil in place. Good planning will result in landscaping that’s useful, attractive, and good for the environment.

When designing a mountain home, we give great care and consideration of the property that will surround your home. For some visual examples of our mountain and lakefront home designs at Lake Tahoe, click into our Projects page, now.

3. Pave Your Driveway

Paving doesn’t always create a negative impact. Sediments from even the most compacted dirt driveway wash into the nearest storm drain, and then into Lake Tahoe during rainfall or snowmelt. Paving your driveway also reduces the amount of dust in the air during the summer months.

When we design homes within the Lake Tahoe Basin, we are keenly aware of the strict regulations about ‘impervious coverage.” Feel free to contact us at any time to learn more about TRPA our County regulations at Lake Tahoe.

4. Replace Old Woodstoves

Wood smoke contributes to air quality problems at Lake Tahoe. If you have an old wood stove, look into purchasing a newer, EPA-certified stove or fireplace insert. These typically use half the wood to generate the same amount of heat as an old stove, so you’ll save money and help the environment.

Our clients throughout the region often call us for estimates on remodeling homes in Lake Tahoe.  You can too at any time. We’d be happy to share our insight about the Lake’s EPA requirements, and then some.

5. Protect Wetlands

Many residential areas have stream environment zones (SEZs) meandering through them. An SEZ is a beautiful, delicate, irreplaceable stream environment that requires care and respect. While SEZs don’t necessarily incorporate a stream or creek, they are highly fragile areas that are extremely important in preserving water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. SEZs are typically located in low-lying areas with spongy soil and support deciduous trees.

Please do your best to help protect our piece of paradise.  And never hesitate to give us a call to discuss your ideas for designing a home in Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Truckee, or right here in our hometown of Incline Village, NV.