Why the TRPA Parcel Tracker is Important to You

Mountain Home Design in Incline Village

Mountain Home Design in Incline Village

As an architectural firm that offers services above normal expectations, Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, NV, uses its collective talents and local knowledge to professionally complete each project.  Why is this important to you?

When one begins to build a home in our environmentally sensitive area, there are rules and regulations that are uniquely uncommon throughout the Tahoe Basin and its protected Watershed.  That said, long before we start to design homes for our clients, we review the property first.

Using the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s “Parcel Tracker,” we can learn all about the lot’s location and what environmental projects may affect or enhance the property’s design.  This list includes deed restrictions, land capability information, development rights associated with the parcel, and a summary of TRPA permit records.

After securing these important details, we meet with our clients to review the findings and proceed on not just the design of the home, yet these important services as well:

  • Site Planning
  • Space Planning
  • Permit Processing Assistance
  • TRPA Feasibility Studies
  • Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
  • Construction Administration Service

If you are thinking about buying property in Lake Tahoe, Carson City, or the Truckee Region, we will be here to help you assess your property and provide local insight into your local county and environmental regulations.

On behalf of our team at our architect firm serving Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City, NV, we look forward to sharing that insight with you.

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

Architectural Trends for 2022

Contemporary Home Designs

Contemporary Home Designs

Every year we enjoy the opportunity to share our insight into the trends in architecture.  Today, we are looking into the future of home design and have a few things that we are seeing that are consistent requests from our clients within our architecture firm in Incline Village, NV, and throughout Lake Tahoe.  As we get closer to 2020, we will continue to keep our eyes on the trends.  Yet in the meantime, here are few very clear concepts that are very much in demand.

Environmentally-sound

Whether our clients are connecting with us to remodel their home at the Lake or on the links, or have just purchased a property in the prestigious communities of Clear Creek Tahoe in Carson City or St. James’ Village in Reno, NV, the vision is clear:  home design must take the environment into consideration – inside and out.  From recycled materials to re-purposed wood and metal, all of the options should come into play within the design process.

Clean and Contemporary

Take a look at our last blog that showcased a home that is under construction in Incline Village.  You will notice the ‘mountain modern’ design that has become very popular in 2021 and we expect that to continue.  It’s a fresh and natural look that blends into the environment.  A new and particular trend is our clients’ interest in designing and building smaller homes; this is a big switch from the mega-mansions that used to pop up all over our community, and

Open Space

With families ALL living at home, space – and multipurpose areas – have become the primary discussion before any of the other details are discussed.  Think:  Great Room, Private Offices, Gym, Outdoor Kitchens, etc.

Room to Relax

What was once one’s vision of the bathroom has been completely turned upside-down.  Today it continues to serve its original purpose yet is designed with a plethora of comfort features.  It’s where one can escape the busy household and slip into a steam shower, spa, and have an adjoining massage room as well.

Cost Conscience

Many of our clients are keen on the costs of construction, lumber prices in particular, and have asked us to consider new/different options for building the home.  It is not unusual these days to see the use of iron and aluminum – more so than ever before

Minimalism

All combined, the future of home design looks bright and light with simple styles and sensible use of materials inside and out.

Seasoned Advice

In closing, whenever you have questions about the future of home design, or just want to talk to an architect who has been in the business for many decades, feel free to contact us at any time.

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

Mountain Modern Home Designs Trending in Lake Tahoe

Mountain Modern Home Design by Borelli Architecuture in Lake Tahoe

 

Mountain Modern Home Design by Borelli Architecuture in Lake Tahoe

As the world seems to be flocking to the High Sierra for all the right reasons, our designers at Borelli Architecture are seeing a dramatic increase in the appeal of the Mountain Modern home design in and around Lake Tahoe.

Right now, we are working on a project in the higher elevation of the prestigious community of Incline  Village, NV.  The photo pictured above is the rendering of a 4,600 square foot contemporary residence. In addition to the spectacular lake views, the property affords a setting that deserves expansive windows and natural exterior materials that include cedar siding, Ledgeston, and standing seam metal roofing.

The inside reflects the owners’ desires to live a comfortable, year-round lifestyle.  Located on the lower floor is a large, two-story kitchen/dining/living area that opens up to a partially covered outdoor living area. The master bedroom suite and den are also located on the lower floor.

Upstairs was carefully planned and designed for company – which is a must when you live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet!

The upper floor has three guest bedroom suites, a kid’s bunkroom/TV room, and a workout room that can also double as a guest bedroom suite.

If you are thinking about building or remodeling a home in the mountains, and have a specific interest to locate an architect firm in Lake Tahoe that designs mountain modern homes, we welcome the opportunity to show you our portfolio.

Feel free to reach out at any time for a complimentary consultation.

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

Real Estate Investors Find New TRPA ADU Program A Big Benefit

Architecture firm in Lake Tahoe

Looking for new and creative ways to invest in real estate? This is a concept that is worth reviewing.

Throughout the past few years,and last year in particular, the Lake Tahoe Basin has experienced tremendous growth of full-time residents.  For local business owners, one would think that is a good trend.  The other side of the story is the fact that a lot of the affordable housing that used to be good rentals for the workforce are now home to our new residents.

Realizing the crunch and need for more affordable options, and to help those businesses retain good employees, the Tahoe Regional Transportation agency has just released a new incentive program to entice investors to remodel their homes in Lake Tahoe or build new affordable housing.

At our architecture firm in Washoe County, based in Incline Village, NV, we applaud the TRPA for stepping up and offering incentives for those who are interested in supporting this new Accessory Dwelling Unit incentive.

For those not a familiar with ADUs, they are usually is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home. ADUs go by many different names throughout the U.S., including accessory apartments, secondary suites, and granny flats.

Those who are interested in investing in real estate within the Lake Tahoe Basin may want to consider this program.

The official press announcement from the TRPA follows.  And if you have any questions about how to get started to remodel your home to accommodate an ADU, or purchase existing real estate or land to build ADU’s, feel free to contact us at Borelli Architecture in Lake Tahoe, NV.

New TRPA Incentive A Bonus for Real Estate Investors

[Story courtesy of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency]

Updated rules to encourage more affordable housing options for Tahoe residents and workers have been unanimously approved by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board, the agency said today.

The approval significantly expands the number of properties in the Tahoe Basin that can add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and provides further incentives if the ADU is restricted to affordable rates and located near transit or a town center, which reduces vehicle use. Now in most of the region, single-family residential parcels of any size can apply to add or create an ADU, among other changes. The previous rule only allowed ADUs on parcels of 1-acre or more. The amendments maintain the 1-acre size limit in the Washoe and Douglas county portions of the basin, which is consistent with local jurisdiction rules.

Under the new regional rules and under California state law, new ADUs can only be rented for 30 days or more, which addresses concerns that new home apartments or mother-in-law units could be used for short-term rentals. Around the nation, accessory dwelling units are being encouraged as one solution to increasing the supply of workforce housing.

“Lake Tahoe’s sustainability relies on a healthy environment and strong communities and the housing crisis is hurting everyone,” TRPA Executive Director Joanne S. Marchetta said. “These amendments are an important part of a larger, collaborative initiative to solve housing problems in the Lake Tahoe Region. This is a good first step and we will continue to partner with local jurisdictions and housing partners to meet local and regional housing needs.”

Other amendments approved by the TRPA Board allow motel units being redeveloped to change from tourist accommodation use to residential use. Currently, in some cases, this type of redevelopment is limited to tourist accommodation only.

These initial amendments were developed with input from the Tahoe Living Workforce Housing and Community Revitalization Working Group, an advisory group of non-profit, social service, environmental, real estate and local government representatives. The working group will continue to develop recommendations that further incentivize affordable and workforce units.

The new rules take effect 60 days after the July 29th approval and the application process is under development. More information is available at trpa.gov/adus/.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, Public Information Officer, at (775) 589-5278 or jcowen@trpa.gov.

We look forward to assisting you with any needs/interest you may have in our architectural design services in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City, NV.

 

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

How to Get Trees Removed from Your Property in Tahoe

Tree Removal at Lake Tahoe

Within our last blog we provided you with details on how to prepare your home for wildfire season.  Within a week’s time, we received calls at our architecture firm in Incline Village and North Lake Tahoe as to how to get trees removed from property.  So we did a little research.  The following information was gleaned from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency website – to which we will give full credit for the content.  In addition to the details below, there is lots of information on their site to help you be a good steward of the land.

When it comes to securing a permit to build your home, or other environmental requirements that are mandated with the Tahoe Basin, our team at Borelli Architect firm in Lake Tahoe and Carson City provides that service to you.  For a complete list of the benefits that come with working with our team, click into our website right here.

In the meantime, here are the specifics as to how to get trees removed from your property with the Basin.

When is a tree removal permit needed?

Tree Size

A permit is required to remove live trees greater than 14 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) as long as the house is not along the lakeshore.

If the house is along the lakeshore, a permit is required to remove trees greater than 6 inches DBH between the house and the lake. Trees not between the house and the lake only need a tree removal permit if they are live trees greater than 14 inches DBH.

Trees of any size that were planted or retained as part of a permit, or that are in a Stream Environment Zone or backshore area, require a permit for removal. The backshore area is the sensitive area adjacent to the Lake.

Dead Trees

Removal of a dead tree that could fall on a house does not require a permit. A conifer is considered to be dead when it doesn’t have any green needles. A deciduous tree must be determined to be dead by a qualified forester.  To remove a dead tree that isn’t near a house, contact a TRPA forester to determine if a permit is required.

Substantial Trimming

A permit is required for removal of branches from the upper 2/3 of the total height of the tree, unless the branch:

  • Is within 10 feet of a chimney outlet, building or deck
  • Is rubbing or pulling on utility lines within your property boundary (always consult your power company before removing branches near utility lines)
  • Is dead

Sensitive Areas

Any manipulation of live vegetation within SEZs or the backshore of Lake Tahoe, including trees and shrubs, requires TRPA review.

Construction Projects

Trees that are permitted for removal as part of a development project do not need a separate tree removal permit.

How to Determine DBH

DBH stands for “diameter at breast height.” Breast height is 4.5 feet off the ground, measured on the uphill side of the tree. Measure around the outside of the tree at breast height to determine the circumference, and then divide that number by 3.14 to get the diameter. A tree with a diameter of 14 inches has a circumference of 43.9 inches.

In conclusion, never hesitate to contact our architecture and design firm in Tahoe.  We have lived and worked in the Basin for over 30 years and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about mountain home design or the numerous regulations that you need to adhere to when you are ready to build or remodel your home in Lake Tahoe.

 

James P. Borelli
Founder/Principal
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.

Contact us at any time for a personal consultation.

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

775 831 3060

Architectural Design Trends for Today’s Work at Home Environment

Living in Lake Tahoe, NV, we have seen a surge of new residents and second home owners deciding that if they need to be at home, they might as well live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

At our architecture firm that designs homes in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City, NV, we have been approached by new clients throughout the West who have purchased land and are ready to build. From the prestigious Gray’s Crossing in Truckee, CA, to one of our  favorite ski and golf home developments in Nevada – Clear Creek Tahoethere are more homes being designed and built than we have seen in many years.  And with good reason.

For those of us who have yet to retire, we are all well aware of the new “work, live, play’ lifestyle that has become the norm.  And with this new world is a whole new appreciation for our homes which have become the cocoon that wraps around our every day life. So what does today’s ‘work at home’ design look like?  Here are some highlights that our team at Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, NV are recommending to our clients who have selected our firm to design their mountain estate and golf course homes in Nevada.

Architectural Design Trends for Today’s “Work at Home” Environment

“Zoom”Room –  Never before has the space behind and around our desk been so important.  With the world having every opportunity to see what your office looks like, and possibly hearing everything going on in your home, the life in which you live most of your life is wide-open for all to see and hear.   With this trend there is a high demand to either design a room or two that insures privacy as well as plenty of space to conduct business, or remodel a home to include a brand new office environment.

“Stay-Cation” Concepts –  Earlier in this news piece we referred to the live, work, play world that most of us have become very accustomed to this past year.  Now, it’s the norm.  As such, our architect firm in North Lake Tahoe is designing elements throughout the home that accent the lifestyle that mirror our clients’ preferences – be it work or play.  From expansive kitchens where one can entertain while enjoying their family’s company, to ‘great rooms’ which are truly a great escape.  i.e. floor to ceiling windows, large fireplaces and pizza ovens,  room for a new Pool Table, and then some.

Outdoor is Always “In” at Lake Tahoe – We couldn’t leave this one out of our list.  Most of the home designs throughout the High Sierra accent the benefits that come with buying property and building a home in Truckee and Lake Tahoe.  No matter where one builds, Mother Nature is at our beckoning call.  Think:  sliding glass windows that bring the outdoor in, state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens, mud rooms and large storage areas for all our toys, and down in the valley of Carson City, pools are back and one of the hottest features of 2021.

Romper Room – For Boomers, this term may bring back memories of the morning TV show that we were all glued to while the parents enjoyed some peace and quiet.  Today, it’s kind of the same concept yet today’s Romper Room is right home and usually down the hall or above the garage.  Within this ‘hide-away’ for the kids, we are seeing all sorts of additions that include a full bath, small kitchen, basketball hoops, padded flooring for gymnastics, comfy couches and large screen TV’s.  Within this ‘arena’ is an area that depicts a high tech school room with plenty of technology, exceptional lighting, and comfortably-sized desks and chairs.

And that is just the beginning of the new trends for home design.  When you are ready to build your new home, or want to chat with us about remodeling your home, we always appreciate the opportunity to share our design ideas that include the new trends for home design in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond.

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