Category: Borelli Testimonials

What are BMP’s, and Why Are They Part of Tahoe’s Home Building Requirements?

For over 30 years, our architect firm has been designing lakefront and mountain homes that are situated with the Lake Tahoe Basin. And every year, our clients enquire about “BMP’s” which are defined as “Best Management Practices,” which are required as part of the home building (and selling) process.

With the building season around the corner, we thought it would be appropriate to dedicate this news article to this popular question.

BMP’s were created as part of the region’s quest to protect the Lake Tahoe Watershed that feeds into Lake Tahoe. As stated on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agencies’ (TRPA) website, here is the simple definition:

Best Management Practices, also known as BMPs, capture and infiltrate stormwater and stabilize soil to prevent erosion. This simulates pre-development conditions when precipitation would soak into the ground and be filtered by the soil, rather than running over impervious surfaces (like roofs and roads), collecting pollutants such as sediment and nutrients as it travels, and ultimately ending up in Lake Tahoe. Research proves that implementing BMPs on existing development is a critical step toward improving Lake Tahoe’s water quality and clarity.

The ideal end result is to ensure future generations continue to enjoy the pristine water within Lake Tahoe.

Whether our team at Borelli Architecture is designing homes, or commercial buildings, within the Tahoe basin, we will work with our partners to ensure the project includes the installation of BMP’s according to the TRPA requirements. Once the property has been reviewed and approved by a team member of the TRPA, the property owner will receive a BMP Certificate. At that point, it’s the owner’s responsibility to continue to maintain the land that surrounds their home or commercial establishment.

Examples of BMP’s for Your Home

There are some good resources available that have been written and published by the TRPA. Within this link, you will find an easy-to-read document that details some of the more common practices to prevent sediment and unwanted nutrients from entering our watershed.

It includes:

Paving dirt driveways
Installing drain rock under gutters and roof lines
Building retaining walls on steeper slopes
Vegetating and mulching open soil

For information, visit www.tahoebmp.org or call the BMP hotline at (775) 589-5202.

Or, feel free to contact our team. As part of our personal design services at Lake Tahoe, Borelli Architecture also offers the following assistance:

Custom Interior Design
Site Planning
Space Planning
Permit Processing Assistance
TRPA Feasibility Studies
Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
Construction Administration Services

Finally, if you are thinking about building a home within the Lake Tahoe basin, now is the time to get started. Connect with us now for your complimentary consultation.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Winter Driving Safety Tips

With all the recent snowfall, we continue to encourage our friends and family to be cautious as they come and go to enjoy the grandeur of Lake Tahoe. Whether you have lived in the Tahoe Basin for a long time or are new to the High Sierra, it’s always a good thing to refresh yourself about how to drive through safely in and around our mountainous roads.

For a fresh look at the best advice, we dove into the Nevada Department of Transportation’s website. We found this informative list in their numerous stories about traffic safety, road conditions and webcams for roads in Nevada, and construction updates.

Before you head out to the slopes or trails, or just head to the local stores to stock up on supplies, we encourage you to review this list from NDOT’s news section:

Winter Driving Safety Tips (courtesy of the Nevada Department of Transportation)

Winter driving safety tips are available at dot.nv.gov/winter.

Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to help avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
Before driving, check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 within Nevada (or 1-877-NV-ROADS outside of Nevada) or logging on to www.nvroads.com.
Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you.
Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
Buckle up.
Turn on headlights to see and be seen.
Do not rely solely on GPS to find alternate routes, as it could lead to unmaintained roadways or hazardous areas.
Turn off cruise control.
Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
Do not slam on the brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped (antilock braking system) vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
Always comply with all posted traction device requirements.
If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.
Keep extra distance from other vehicles.
Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
Do not pass without reasonable distance and sight clearance.
Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas- they may freeze first.
Maintain a high fuel level.
If the vehicle begins to skid, steer in the direction of the slide and slowly remove the foot from the accelerator.
Be aware of black ice.
If parked or stuck in the snow, leave a window slightly cracked for ventilation and ensure the vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow.
Check before you go:
Tires Brakes Lights Battery Wipers Defroster Heater Vehicle Fluid Levels
Carry with you:
Tire chains Flashlight Ice scraper Snow shovel First-aid supplies
Extra clothes/gloves Blanket Flares Non-perishable food/water

In the meantime, if you want more details about what it is like to live in the mountains or have thought about building a home in Truckee or Lake Tahoe, feel free to reach out at any time. Our family at Borelli Architecture has been living and working in the Sierra for over 30 years.

Happy New Year!

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060

New Take Care Tahoe Offers Eco-friendly Things to Do in Tahoe

Every once in a while we spin away from our trends in architectural design, or new resort communities in Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Carson City, and this post is no exception.

Today we are sharing a really cool new website that the Tahoe Fund has created for locals and visitors alike. We share this as the site includes almost endless ways to get out and enjoy our backyard. From birding on the North Shore, to underwater clean-up efforts, or simple hikes led by Eco-specialists who will teach you about our sensitive environment, it’s a super year-round resource.

Here are some highlights that we thought would be of interest to you:

Take Care Tahoe ~ Within this section you can learn about fire preparedness, where to recycle your sleds, bear activity, and more.

Events in Tahoe ~ Coming to Tahoe? Bored at home? Click into this section to see what events are going on in your neck of the woods. Like to bird hunt? Seeking a hike with a fundraising twist? Got the feel to join in on a community clean-up day? Look through the calendar to find something new to do in Tahoe.

Visitor and Community Centers in Tahoe – I never really thought about how many visitor or community centers there in Tahoe yet once you chime in to this section, you may be amazed as well.

But wait, there’s more!

Take Care Tahoe is a collective group of more than 50 organizations that love Lake Tahoe and want to see more people connect with this beautiful natural environment. They developed their website to make it easier for you to find fun and interesting ways to learn more about Tahoe.

Or better yet, as our architect firm in Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Reno has lived and worked throughout the High Sierra for over 30 years, we have some good local insight about where to go and what to do in Tahoe, and then some!

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Golf, Ski Communities in NV Continues to Thrive

Clear Creek Tahoe Community Illustration

Back in 2018, ago we posted our first news announcement about the west’s newest tax friendly golf and ski community that was underway in Carson City, NV. It’s amazing how time flies … and today our team at Borelli Architecture has several projects underway in this burgeoning resort community.

Within that article we noted its amenities that are are now in full operation and open to Clear Creek Tahoe’s neighbors:

Picture if you will … the mountain setting and impressive amenities that come to those who live in the popular Martis Creek community in Truckee, CA … are now mirrored in the tax-friendly state of Nevada, with a nationally-acclaimed golf course designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, PLUS a private beach house and pier on the edge of Lake Tahoe.

Clear Creek Tahoe Home In Design Stages by Borelli Architecture, Douglas County, Nevada

Today, we are working on several design concepts for our clients who have purchased property on the East side of the Sierra – and a short scenic drive from our architect firm in Incline Village, NV.

All of which are taking full advantage of the pine, mountain, and golf course settings that are all a part of the community’s environment.

The photo above is a sample of what is to come in the Clear Creek neighborhood.

Just a short, scenic drive north is another popular community, St James’ Village, that touts its close proximity to golf and ski resorts.

**St. James Village,** **In Design Stages by Borelli Architecture, Washoe County, Nevada**

This custom single-story residence in the gated community of Saint James Village, south of Reno, Nevada is currently in the design stage and scheduled for construction in the fall of 2021.

It is 4,350 square feet with two 2-car garages and has a large covered outdoor living area that wraps around three sides of the building as well as a detached gazebo structure. The residence has a large kitchen/dining/living area which opens up to the outdoor living spaces and two guest bedroom suites in addition to the spacious master bedroom suite. The design maximizes views of Mount Rose to the west and Washoe Lake to the south.

If you have recently purchase land in the Reno, Carson City, Truckee or Lake Tahoe, and would like to discuss your design ideas, our architect firm in Reno Lake Tahoe is ready to make your vision come true.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Lake Tahoe Transportation Plan Approved

If there is one topic that is always in the news in Truckee and Lake Tahoe, it’s transportation. And with good reason. As the world continues to discover the magnificence of living and working in the High Sierra, we all are more sensitive everyday to this trend’s impact on our environment.

As an architect firm that serves the Tahoe Basin and all the Counties within the High Sierra, we have seen what a few more cars can do on a busy day.

Thankfully, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and their Bi-State Compact Partners have just approved the new Regional Plan. With the TRPA’s website, they offer a variety of excellent information that explains just what this document covers and the inpact it will have on our future.

Their website has a brief overview of that the Plan is in layman’s terms. It notes:

The Regional Plan is a regulatory framework that includes several initiatives and documents. The Plan is meant to be updated every four years, in conjunction with an environmental evaluation report, so that the plan can adapt to changing needs, circumstances and emerging threats. Click on any of the components of the Plan below to find out more about each one.

To give you a quick overview, I have selected some highlights from their website at TRPA.org. Feel free to click in read more of the specifics.

A new way forward for Lake Tahoe was approved in December, 2012 with an update of the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan. The updates encourage greater private-public partnerships and created incentives for property owners to make Lake-saving improvements to their home or business. Use these fact sheets for an overview of the focused updates that went into effect in February, 2013.

The California State Resources Agency submitted a letter to state leaders affirming that the 2012 Regional Plan Update is consistent with the requirements of the Bi-State Tahoe Regional Planning Compact.

The Bi-State Compact requires TRPA to create a Regional Plan to establish a balance, or equilibrium, between the natural environment and the human-made environment. The Plan emphasizes an improvement in the quality of development in the Region and in the quality of the natural environment. The Compact was written and signed by the states of California and Nevada and ratified by the U.S. Congress. The original compact was signed in 1969 and substantially revised in 1980 to give the Agency more regulatory powers and more specific environmental targets, called Thresholds. In 2013, the states initiated the process to revise the Compact again to solidify the new direction.

For more details, follow these links below.

Regional Plan By-The-Numbers

Regional Plan Fact Sheets

Regional Plan Fact Sheet (Spanish)

Making Tahoe Bikeable/Walkable

For over 30 years, our architect firm that serves Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Carson City has been providing our clients with up-to-date information about the region in all capacities.

Whenever you have questions about building codes, county regulations, environmental codes, and more, please contact me at any time. I am always happy to share our insight.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

TRPA Unveils Lake Tahoe Restoration Act Plans

Over the years we have continued to keep you up to date on what is new and trending with regard to the environmental policies that come with building or remodeling a home in the Lake Tahoe Basin. As one of the region’s more established architectural firms in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, Borelli Architecture has its pulse on any and all activities underway with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the counties that wrap the Tahoe Basin.

Just this week, the TRPA unveiled its priorities that have been approved and are a part of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Plan for 2022 and beyond.

Within the document on the TRPA.org website it highlights this significant program:

The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2016 authorized up to $415 million over 7 years for the Environmental Improvement Program. The Act requires that the EIP maintain a priority list of projects for the program areas of Forest Health, Aquatic Invasive Species, Watershed Restoration, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, and Accountability.

Specifically, here are their top priorities:

Federal Fiscal Year 2022

Forest Health & Fire Protection $40,350,000 ~ Decrease the threat of catastrophic wildfire through forest fuels treatments and upgrades to water infrastructure

Aquatic Invasive Species $7,200,000 ~ Decrease the threat of catastrophic wildfire through forest fuels treatments and upgrades to water infrastructure

Watershed Restoration $48,368,000 ~ Improve water quality with innovative stormwater treatment projects and restoration of rivers and meadows. Transform communities through implementation of multiple-benefit projects

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout $7,720,000 ~ Continue to build a sustainable population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in the basin through habitat restoration.

Accountability $2,300,000 ~ Continue to build out the LT INFO online public platform that tracks all EIP funding and accomplishments and incorporate EIP monitoring results

TOTAL $105,938,000

You can see the full report by following this link.

As we have noted before in many of our news reports, in addition to our architectural design services in Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Truckee, we offer an extensive list of services to help our clients navigate through the intricate environmental policies and county building codes. If you ever have any questions about the varied proeceures, please reach out to me at anytime.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part Two)

Within my most recent news posts, I started to share some top tips on how to decide what kind of home you want to build. And within that story I promised I would continue to share additional idea on how to get started to build a home. So here are more tips from our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and North Lake Tahoe, CA.

What is your budget? Depending on where you have purchased your property, the costs per square foot will vary – a lot! Check with your real estate agent for comps on home building prices. With the recent pandemic, we have seen a tremendous rise in interest in building a home in Nevada (Carson City in particular). Construction costs are increasing with the demand.

Who will finance the project? If you need to secure a loan you certainly need to research a lender before the shovel goes into the ground. Be sure to shop around and when you have made your decision, be sure to have your lender offer a pre-approval so you can get started sooner than later.

What is your timing? Mirroring my last statement, as the world discovers the benefits that come with living in Nevada, and/or the High Sierra, our general contractors have not been this busy in a long time. The sooner you can work with an architectural firm like ours that services Nevada and California, the better.

How familiar is your home designer to your home’s environment? Just because you have a final drawing does not mean you are done. Within our firm that designs mountain and golf course homes in Lake Tahoe, we offer a list of additional services that come with the pleasure of living in a resort area. Those services include:

Site Planning
Space Planning

How familiar is your architect to local building regulations? When one has selected to build or remodel a home within the High Sierra and its surrounding counties, there is a lot more to the building process that meets the eye. For over 30 years,our Borelli Architecture team has remained on-top of the environmental and county regulations. Within our services, we also offer professional assistance with the following projects:

Permit Processing Assistance
TRPA Feasibility Studies
Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
Construction Administration Services

Will you need an interior designer to help you design the inside of your home? Our team offers the professional assistance of Kelly Borelli Interiors located in Incline Village, NV on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Kelly Borelli Interiors has been providing exceptional design services for resort homes and commercial clients in for over 20 years. From practical design for the Lake Tahoe Lifestyle to the most contemporary California seaside estate, Kelly works with each of her clients in conjunction with our own design team, to discover that perfect, personal touch that each client should expect and every home deserves.

In closing, if you have any questions whatsoever about how to get started, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. We look forward to helping you design your dream home.

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Where is There Land for Sale to Build a Home in Carson City and Genoa?

(Photo courtesy of Clear Creek Tahoe)

Within our last news article we showcased some of the ideal Lake Tahoe communities and resort developments that still have land and lots for sale in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. Today, we’re taking a look ‘over the hill’ where there are many new home developments that offer outstanding amenities in addition to spectacular views of the Sierra and vast ranch lands.

We’ll take you on a tour now of the home and golf course communities that offer property for sale.

Clear Creek Tahoe

At the top of the list is Clear Creek Tahoe which we have talked about throughout the past two years. Lots are continuing to sell and with homes being built year-round throughout their golf community. At Borelli Architecture, firm in Lake Tahoe and Carson City and representing Clear Creek Tahoe, we spend a lot of time with our clients on site, so if you would like a personal tour, please contact us at anytime.

Canyon Creek Estates

Located at the base of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Range, Canyon Creek Estates is just off of the Genoa Lakes Resort Golf Course. Each lot provides 360 degree views of the Carson Valley and beyond. All offer plenty of privacy and room to spread-out and enjoy life in this burgeoning community.

Douglas County Land for Sale

If you picture your dream home wrapped with lots of acreage and privacy, and positioned in the state of Nevada, the Carson Valley may be your next home sweet home. Those who are already leaving the fast pace of city life and seeking a quieter pace are finding the communities of Minden and Gardnerville, NV, an ideal spot to raise a family or retire.

Silver Oak Golf Community

On the north side of Carson Valley, Silver Oak Golf Course and community continues to expand with lots of property available on which to build your new home in our tax friendly state of Nevada. This is a very convenient area to build a home as it’s a short, scenic, 20 minute drive to the south end of Reno and just a few more minutes to the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. Throughout the expansive development are opportunities to hop on your mountain bike and head into the hills through the very popular Ash Canyon biking trails.

And that is just the beginning of the property and lots for sale in the Eastern Sierra. When you are ready to investigate what it takes to build a home in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, or the Carson Valley, please reach out. At Borelli Architecture, have been designing and remodeling homes throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area for decades and look forward to doing the same for you.

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Top Structural Tips for Mountain Home Design

For those who live in the High Sierra, we are well aware of the impact that Mother Nature has had on our homes over the years. The good news is that we are still experiencing some mild winter temperatures with sunny skies and cold nights that keep the ski conditions in good shape for the holiday season.

The not so good news is that when the snow does arrive, and as the snow starts to melt, we expect to see structural damages to homes and businesses that were poorly designed for the wrath of Mother Nature.

With this in mind, I thought I’d share some insights within this December blog about some of the key features that our architecture firm in lake Tahoe and Truckee incorporates into our clients’ mountain home’s design or a mountain home remodel.

The ideal roof design for mountain homes.

Let’s start with the roof. When Borelli Architecture begins to design our clients’ homes in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area, we like to design a home with a roof that is ideal for the snow loads, changing temperatures and weather, as well as neighborhood appeal – and of course, our clients’ desires.

Key to the design process is to identify the home’s setting – where there is sun, and where there is not. From that point, we start to develop a structural design that complements the location’s potential snow “impacts.” What we want to be sure to do is avoid a design that would cause significant snow slides that can destroy porches and cars, block doorways … you get the idea.

In a cold climate, the ideal roof is a simple gable. In general, the distinguishing feature of the gable is its triangular shape. This design allows for water and snow melt to flow naturally to the base of the home … and not into valley and crevasses that may “dam up” and cause water and ice damage.

Another option for those who prepare something more modern is what the industry calls an “avalanche shed” design. A simple visual for you is a roof that has only one tilted slope which is slanted toward a section of the home where there will be no residual impact.

No matter what the final design may be, we look for a good roof plane that has a consistent slope from the ridge to the eave.

Where to place vents when designing mountain homes?

The heavy winter of 2018 unveiled many mistakes in rooftop plumbing placements that are now under full repair. Plumbing vents installed and placed lower on the eaves and not on the home’s ridges were torn and twisted by the significant snow pack; some even ended up on the ground after the snow finally slid.

Simply said: we always plan for the vents to be near the ridges, not the eaves. Why? Ridges are dryer than the eaves that see much more water and snow pack over the course of the year.

What about gutter placement for high elevation home design?

With the weather patterns of the Sierra we can always expect rain and snow throughout the seasons. To keep the precipitation off the driveway and entrances, we suggest our owners have gutters installed below the plane of the roofing and drain away from popular outdoor areas of the home.

Want some free advice about mountain home design?

Borelli Architecture team in Washoe County, NV, has been designing and remodeling homes throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area for over 25 years. We’ve learned a lot and always welcome the opportunity to share our insight.

In the meantime, have a joyous Christmas and happy and healthy New Year!

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775 831 3060

Real Estate Market Continues to Sizzle in Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Reno

Luxury Tahoe Home Design by Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, Nevada - Tahoe Truckee Martis Camp Lahontan Clear Creek Architect

The real estate market is soaring throughout Lake Tahoe’s Nevada and California markets as well as the Reno/Sparks region in Nevada. Unlike any other year on record, Chase International, based here in the Lake Tahoe and region region, experienced record home sales and record home prices, according to its Q3 Report.

Here’s what their recent press release noted about their success which mirrors other stories throughout our news sources in the region.

“We are experiencing an unprecedented time in the real estate business,” said Julie Kozich, real estate officer for Chase International. “The numbers confirm the interest that our buyers are fleeing the city life and settling into the High Sierra and surrounding region for a healthier and more peaceful lifestyle.”

The figures are part of a quarterly Report released by Lake-Tahoe-based real estate agency, Chase International, that has just documented skyrocketing statistics. The data compares all MLS homes sales from January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 to the same timeframe in 2019.

Among the most impressive numbers are those that were documented from the Nevada side of the Sierra.

Kozich noted the 123% increase in volume on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore with total home volume hitting an all-time high at $294,699,629 in Q3 2020. On Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, Incline Village recorded an 82% increase in total single home volume with the average listing price increasing 24%.

Our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe and Carson City is experiencing a similar pace with new homeowners purchasing land to build their new home in Nevada. Althought lots are literally no longer available in Incline Village, many of the old homes have hit the market and are now being torn down to make room for a new home in our tax friendly state.

Just over the hill, the very popular and prestigious Clear Creek Tahoe golf and ski resort development is seeing the same interest. In fact, we have several homes in the design phase right now.

If you have always thought about moving to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle (and remember our tax friendly assets), feel free to reach out to Borelli Architecture. We are at the pulse of land and home sales in Nevada and Lake Tahoe and ready to share our advice with you.

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775.831.3060