June is Lake Tahoe’s Wildfire Awareness Month. How Prepared Are You?

June is Lake Tahoe’s Wildfire Awareness Month.  How Prepared Are You?

With the summer upon us, it’s the right time to plan and prepare your home and property with defensive space.   To help you get to it now, and not later, our team at Borelli Architecture in Incline Village, NV has done some research and is now providing you with some helpful contacts, websites, and events that are part of our annual Lake Tahoe Basin Wildfire Preparedness Month.

Why Prepare Now?

What began as a very dry winter in the Lake Tahoe Basin ended with Sierra snowpack approximately 85% of normal, thanks to heavy precipitation received during the month of March. However, both the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and the Reno National Weather Service (NWS) expect a warming trend to develop that will lead to drier than normal conditions by late spring.

As a result, the below average snow pack is expected to melt faster, grasses and other vegetation are expected to dry out earlier and wildland fire activity is likely to increase to above average by mid-summer.

Wildfire Preparedness Tips

Springtime in the Sierra is the perfect time to complete defensible space clean up around homes, review evacuation plans, sign-up for reverse 911 your county, contact local fire districts to schedule free defensible space evaluations, learn about free chipping services, and talk to neighbors about the importance of wildfire preparedness.

Permanent residents, second-home owners and vacation home owners/renters should familiarize themselves with and follow advice found at this link from Living With Fire.  It offers an extensive list of things you and your family can do to be as prepared as possible.

Free Seminars and Events About Lake Tahoe Basin Wildfire Awareness Month

If you want to get a jump-start to prepare you home and property, take time to attend one of the many events our local authorities have planned on your behalf.

 Date/Time Event
06/01/2018
All Day		 Lake Tahoe Basin Wildfire Awareness Month Begins!
,
06/09/2018
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm		 Wildfire Safety Expo
TJ Maxx Parking Lot, South Lake Tahoe CA
06/15/2018
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm		 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Zephyr Cove Post Office, Zephyr Cove NV
06/16/2018
9:00 am – 3:00 pm		 Whispering Pines Shrub Crawl & Block Party
Whipering Pines, Incline Village NV
06/27/2018
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm		 Learn S’More About Fire Safety and Fire Safe
Zephyr Cove Beach, Zephyr Cove NV
06/30/2018
8:00 am – 10:00 am		 Community Pancake Breakfast – North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
North Lake Tahoe Fire Station, Incline Village NV

Remember it’s not a matter of “if” the next wildfire will occur, it’s a matter of “when”.

If you have any specific questions about preparing your home for wildfire, please feel free to directly contact our local North Lake Tahoe Protection District at 775 831 0351 or stop in their main headquarters at 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village, NV  89451.

Finally, as your neighbor who has lived on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore for over 30 years, I have learned quite a bit about defensible space.  Feel free to contact me at any time for tips that I have learned over the years...

Jim

 

 

 

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

TAX FRIENDLY NEVADA SEES BOOST IN HOME VALUE, REAL ESTATE SALES

(Image courtesy of WestallRealEstate.com)

With summer just around the corner, real estate offices throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe region are gearing up for what may be one of the busiest summer sales seasons in a long time.  And as an architect who designs and remodels homes in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee area, that’s good news for us as well.

 Home Values Soar on Tahoe’s North Shore/Nevada

Just this past month, we received a recap of the Q1 reports and the results were impressive.  No matter what side of the lake one seeks to buy or sell a home, the market continues show great promise for a good real estate sales year ahead.

Most impressive are the results noted about Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side where sales volume increased by 45%( year-to-year) and the median price increased by 25%.  Authorities in the business attribute the state’s tax-friendly offerings and note that a significant number of new residents are flocking from California to enjoy Nevada’s many benefits.

Key Highlights from Lake Tahoe Real Estate Q1 Report

  • Luxury home sales account for 33% of all sales in 2018
  • Sales of luxury homes are up 40% over last year
  • Total dollar volume is up 18% over 2017
  • Homes are selling 7% faster than in past years

Complete Q1 Report Available Right Here

To keep you posted on all the recent real estate trends, we’ve included this link to the Tahoe Sierra Board of REALTORS.

Remodeling or Designing a New Home in Tahoe Requires Local Insight

If you have any interest in knowing more about the market, especially if you are looking into investing in a property that needs a significant remodel (which are often the best values) feel free to reach out to our architecture firm in Incline Village, NV. 

We have been advising clients about the numerous Washoe County building regulations, TRPA permits, and the mandatory “Best Management Practices”  (BMP’s) that are all an integral part of designing and remodeling homes in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Got questions? Contact me anytime.

Jim

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

 

 

WANT TO BUILD A HOME IN TAHOE? START NOW. HERE’S WHY.

CHANGE IN TPRA RULES WILL AFFECT THE TIMELINE OF SECURING YOUR BUILDING PERMIT IN LAKE TAHOE. START PLANNING YOUR FUTURE HOME NOW.

For years the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) had an excellent arrangement for Lake Tahoe Architects that allowed us to work directly with Washoe County on all the permitting processes through one individual in their office in Reno, NV.

During that timeframe, Borelli Architecture offered its clients a streamlined process through one main contact at the County office that helped us to move forward with our permit plans and construction in a timely manner.

Not so anymore.

At the end of last year, our representative at the Washoe County Building Department retired – and there are no plans right now to replace him.  We all hope there will be a new representative soon.

In the meantime, we are now required to present all the elements involved in designing and securing permits for home building projects in Lake Tahoe to two separate organizations which happen to be hours from each other.

And, although Washoe County is expeditious in their review, TRPA takes longer to review and process the materials – due to the load of permits that they officially must handle before any building is approved in the Basin.

Long story short: What used to take me a month, now requires a wait time of up to three months.

If you are even thinking about building a home, or diving into an extensive remodel of your home in Tahoe, contact me sooner than later.

For over 30 years, I have hand carried hundreds of blueprints and all the necessary paperwork to the local constituents to secure a permit, and I am still ready to do so for you.

TRPA Permitting, Feasibility Studies, All Part of our Services at Borelli Architecture.

As a Lake Tahoe architect, we enjoy working with our clients on the design of their dream home. In addition to these creative services, we also offer a turn-key operation that provides many additional services that are necessary when building or remodeling a home in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The list includes yet is not limited to:

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

Don’t wait. Let my team at Borelli Architecture in Truckee and Lake Tahoe expedite the design and permitting process in Lake Tahoe so we can get started on construction sooner than later.

Got questions? Contact me anytime.

Jim

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

ARCHITECTURE / COMMERCIAL DESIGN IN TRUCKEE A HOT TOPIC

Over the past few months I have shared information about the numerous awards that the Truckee / Tahoe region is receiving for its overall appeal.  Within those award assessments, the organizations evaluated the benefits that one receives when living in a small town community that overflows with the arts, culture, and outdoor adventure that comes naturally to those who have mountain homes in Truckee, and the Lake Tahoe region.

Although all of the accolades are worthy, some believe the national acclaim may be too much, or not.

Just one look at the recent (and plentiful) articles about the THREE, yes THREE, grocery store franchises that have their eyes on Truckee and one needs to ask. “Just how many grocery  markets does one need to survive in the mountains?” And how do they appropriately “fit in” to the charm that has led to all of the recent awards.

The Sacramento-based Raley’s food chain just released their plans to build at “Soaring Ranch” – near the Truckee Tahoe Airport, that includes a ‘quintesential mountain design’ that may in fact be appropriate for the approved location.

According to a recent article ,”Raley’s is planning their Truckee endeavor to become their flagship store for the entire corporation throughout the country.”  It further noted that the archictural design and overall project is slated to be “an authentic local center where people can live, work, and shop with a variety of different stores, restaurants, and public art.”

Raley’s “Soaring Ranch’ Project Highlights: 

  • 40,000 sf grocery store with attached 12,000 sf of co-anchor retail and a 7,000 sf freestanding retail building (note that subsequent phases are contemplated with 65,000 sf of retail in four buildings); as part of the application, the developer is proposed to name the project “Soaring Ranch.”
  • 224 parking spaces
  • Infrastructure improvements include widening the Highway 267/Brockway Road/Soaring Way intersection to include right and left turn lanes, landscaping, sidewalks and construction of multi-use paved trails (Class I):
    • Connecting SR 267 along the entire property frontage (Soaring Way to Hampton Inn) with a connection to the Soaring Way/Joerger Drive intersection.
    • Connecting Soaring Way to the Riverview Sports Park on Joerger Drive (note that any future development within the “Soaring Ranch” development on the east side of SR 267 would be required to build Class I trails along both sides of Brockway Road [connecting SR 267 to the Martis Valley Road intersection] and a Class I trail connection to the Martis Valley Trail parallel to Hope Court and west of SR 267).

We all know that  there are many benefits that come with expansion and development – when done right. For now, the jury is out.  You can follow this story, and other business news as to what is underway in Truckee, CA through this link.  

Or, you can just give me a call or send me an email.  I’m in the process of reviewing architecural home designs in Northstar and Martis Camp and always hear about what’s new and forthcoming in a town that is certainly on the radar of many distinguished developers… and with good reason.

James P. Borelli

Founder/Principal
Borelli Architecture
Truckee / Lake Tahoe
775 831 3060

 

 

 

WHO’S BEHIND THE ‘OLYMPIC DESIGN’ ???

 

I know, my blogs are usually focused on architectural designs for homes in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, yet it’s America – where we have freedom of speech, so here we go.

Today we are half-way through the Winter Olympics, and if I have it right, we have seen every ‘clothing’ design that was destined to be profiled on the Podium, or not, during the Winter Games.

With my innate creative mind-set, I just had to know more about all the Stars and Stripes that seem to be designed in a wide variety of angles and colors this year for our Olympic athletes.  Through investigation on our world-wide-web, I found out that the company behind the uniform branding for Team USA is the famed Polo Ralph Loren.

According to David Loren, Ralph’s son and chief innovation officer:

“The uniform celebrates the American spirit, with iconic pieces updated with modern details and technical fabrications.”

But wait, there’s more!  Did you know that the parka and classically-designed “bomber” jackets are complete with battery-powered heating systems that will keep our heroes happy and warm in sub-zero temps for up to 11 hours?  Where were they when I was digging out my home in Incline Village, NV during Snowmaggeden of 2017?

Sure could have used one of those last year!  Although I do love to ski as much as I can, don’t expect to see me in an Olympics uniform anytime soon.

However, I will continue to root for Team USA as they continue to push the limits of their life on behalf of all of us in America.

Enjoy what is left of the games!  And if you need any assistance with mountain or lakefront home design in Truckee or Lake Tahoe I’d be happy to be your hero. You can see some of my own designs, right here.

See you on the slopes!

James P. Borelli
Call 775 831 3060 

SUNSET MAGAZINE TAPS TRUCKEE AS ‘GAME-CHANGING’ PLACE TO LIVE

They did it, again.  And with good reason.

For those of you who follow my Blog you have seen a variety of articles about  great places to live in and around the mountain region in which I work and play.  Well my friends, Truckee, CA  (and new to the list- Reno, NV) have recently received more top accolades – and this time it’s from the prestigious SUNSET magazine.

In a recent issue, they explored the West to find their picks on “game-changing” communities; defining that title as a place where innovation is hot, education is a top priority, and getting back to nature is second nature in these communities.  They concluded the characterization with an explanation that their top picks offered environments where one can “start all over again with a pioneering determination … these are the communities the exemplify ‘Western Can-Do”.

As an architect who has had the opportunity to design an exceptional variety of homes for folks who do ‘seek the good life”, I’ll have to concur with SUNSET.  The personalities that make up our community, and the assets that come with living in and around the High Sierra, are ‘game changers’ in every sense of the definition.

SUNSET said it best:

“As gateway to Tahoe’s north shore, Truckee needs no introduction to skiers, hikers, bikers, or paddlers. But with maker spaces offering workshops in textiles, weaving, and painting, it’s also gaining some cultural cred.

With its small town feel (the population was recently recorded at 16,391) and big awards piling up every year, it’s no wonder why residents from all over the West are choosing Truckee, CA as their new “home sweet home.”

Thinking about moving to Truckee? I just completed a mountain home design in Northstar (you can see it here) and would be happy to share my insight about the process that comes with building homes in the sensitive environment of the High Sierra.

 

James P. Borelli
Founder, Borelli Architecture
775 831 3060 or visit our Contact page, right here. 

TRPA ANNOUNCES NEW PERMITTING PROCESS, AND IT APPLIES TO YOUR FUTURE BUILDING PLANS.

As a company that assists our clients with a variety of design and building services in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, we’re always watching for changes and updates to the very complicated permitting process that comes with building or remodeling a home in Tahoe or Truckee. 

With that said, we thought we’d dedicate this blog to some important news that was just announced by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.  They announced some changes within its plan review and permitting process.  Here’s a short synopsis from our favorite regional newspaper MOONSHINE INK:

Washoe County, TRPA Permitting Process Changes

Washoe County and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) announced a change in the permitting process for projects in the Washoe County portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin on Dec. 15. Previously, Washoe County accepted and reviewed permit applications on behalf of TRPA.

Now, projects in Washoe County must be submitted to TRPA planners. The TRPA will have a planner available one day a week at Washoe County’s Incline Community Center to accept and review project applications.

The projects must meet conformance with TRPA regulations that apply to residential additions and modifications, new construction of single-family and multi-family residential structures, commercial projects, and qualified-exempt residential activities.

Building a Home in Tahoe or Truckee in the Near Future?  We’re Here to Help.

For over 30 years, my company has offered a variety of turn-key services to our clients throughout the High Sierra. With all the technicalities that come with building a home or commercial building, we feel it is our responsibility to partner with our clients as their ‘liaison’ to the many agencies that are involved in the process.

Highlights of our services include:

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

If you have any questions about any of the permitting processes in Tahoe, feel free to give me a call. I always enjoy the opportunity to share our knowledge, and shed your stress, at any time.

James P. Borelli
Founder, Borelli Architecture
775 831 3060 or visit our Contact page, right here. 

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? Truckee / Tahoe Real Estate Shows Promising 2018

 

With a new year just around the corner, it’s always a good thing as a Truckee and Lake Tahoe architect to know what the future holds; not just for our own well-being yet for our clients throughout the West.

This past week, Tahoe Luxury Properties posted a blog about recent Lake Tahoe and Truckee real estate statistics and included the graphic noted above.   I must say that the information is a good way to end a year that started with one of the most significant snowfall records in history which led to a summer filled with endless fun on the lakes and streams, and now ends with stats that show a promising future for real estate in the Truckee and Lake Tahoe region.

All combined, it seems that the world continues to hear about all the benefits that come with living the good life in and around the High Sierra.

“Growth in the number of Q4 transactions can be attributed to the strong economy, rising equity markets, and the popularity of Tahoe as a second home destination, highlighted by a strong past winter and a summer of perfect weather.”

It’s always interesting to hear the local’s insight about all the good things that are happening throughout the Reno/Lake Tahoe region.  Got some news of your own about real estate predictions for 2018? I’m all ears …

Just give me a call at 775 831 3060 or visit our Contact page, right here.

Finally, on behalf of the Borelli Architecture family, have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and white and wonderful New Year to come!

James P. Borelli

COOL WINE CELLAR DESIGNS FOR MOUNTAIN HOMES

With the holiday season upon us, I have been thinking about what lovely wine I will be bringing to the neighbors this year.  And with wine on my mind, I happended to  come  across an article about a family who wanted to incorporate a wine cellar into their new four-story vacation home in Truckee, CA.

Leave it to those who live a good life to continue the quest for the best!

As one who has invested my whole career in designing estates and mountain homes in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee regions, the story mirrors many of my own clients’ quests to have the best of all worlds.  And why shouldn’t they?  As the classic ad slogan of Smith Barney once noted “They EARNED it.”

There are many factors to take into consideration before one can creatively start to think about incorporating this fine asset into any home.  Among the list is overall size, capacity, climate, access, location, and for those who sip only the finest of the vine:  security.

This particular wine cellar had its challenges: according to the story “…  it took more than a month for the excavation crew to dig down below the home’s foundation walls in order to make the space tall enough to stand in. Crews carried out dirt and rock by hand, in buckets, up 82 steps to the road above where it could be hauled off.”

The story finished with a visual that is just as important as the overall design … “the wine cellar incorporates exposed beams, natural wood shelving, and soft lighting to highlight the couple’s extensive wine collection.”

If you have ever dreamed of incorporating a wine cellar into your existing home, or have plans to build a new home in Truckee or the Lake Tahoe region, I’d be happy to swap ideas about cool designs for wine cellars, and my favorite blends, at any time.

Cheers to a festive Christmas season ahead!

James P. Borelli
Call 775 831 3060 or visit our Contact page, right here.

A Perfect Treehouse for Kids This Christmas Season

During this time of the year our family at Borelli Architecture looks forward to the magic that comes with the season of frosty white snowfalls, Christmas carols, and warm and wonderful holiday memories.  And it is also times like this that we make a special effort to share the season with those less fortunate.

While researching ways to donate to non-profits this year, we found an organization called “Treehouse” based in Washington state that collects donations to “Make Holidays Brighter” for children and youth in foster care.

Intrigued by the idea, we researched closer to home for ways that all of us can make a difference this Christmas season for children and youth in our own communities in North Lake Tahoe, Truckee and the Reno/Carson City regions.

We hope you take a few moments to review this list – and then find a little time this season and join us in making the holidays brighter.

Toys for Tots,  El Dorado County / Tahoe Truckee Region 

Toys for Tots, Eastern Placer County / Tahoe Truckee Region

Toys for Tots ~ Carson City, NV

Toys for Tots ~ Reno, NV and Greater Washoe County

On behalf of the entire team at Borelli Architecture, we thank you for sharing the magic of the season with those who need it most!

  

Jim and Kelly Borelli