Planning FAQs

Public comment is an important component of project review. Any concerns of issues relating to the application must be raised during the public review period or at the public hearing. When submitting public comments, please include your name and physical address. Comments received become part of the Town's permanent record. Due to public records act laws, Town staff cannot redact personal information from comments received, including email addresses. If you prefer not to have your email address included, please submit your comments via letter to the Planning Division either by mail or as an attachment to an email.

Projects that do not require a public hearing: For projects where a public hearing is not anticipated, public comment can be submitted via mail or hand delivery to the Planning Division (10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161) or by email to the project planner or email the Planning Department before the noticed deadline. To determine which planner has been assigned to a project, please visit the public notice page on the Town website or call the Planning Division at 530-582-7700.

Projects that require a public hearing: For projects that require a public hearing, public comment can be submitted at any time before the public hearing to the Planning Division (10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161) or by email to the project planner or email the Planning Department. Comments received prior to publication of the agenda may be included as an attachment to the staff report. Once the public hearing date has been set, public comments can also be submitted using the Public Comment form. Comments must be received by the Town prior to the public hearing. Comments submitted before 2 pm on the day of the public hearing will be sent to the Planning Commissioners and uploaded for public view. Comments received after 2 pm the day of the meeting will be added to the public record, but the Commission may not be able to review them before or during the meeting. If you wish to be heard by the Commissioners during the meeting, please plan on attending the meeting in person.

If you have any questions regarding submission of public comments, please feel free to contact the Planning Division at 530-582-7700 or by email the Planning Department.

For parcels less than three acres in size:

• The front and rear yard setbacks are 20 feet from the respective property line.
• The side yard setback is 10 feet from the side property line.

Properties that are located on Donner Lake or properties less than 80 feet in width may have different setback standards. Please contact the Planning Division at 530-582-7820 for further information.

For more information and see Development Code Chapter II, Sections 18.08.030 and 18.08.040, and Development Code Chapter III, Section 18.30.120.

Please review the Town of Truckee Zoning Maps.

The maximum height of a single-family dwelling in a Low Density Residential (RL) parcel is 35 feet or 3 stories, whichever is less. For more information, please reference the Development Code.

• Article II – Development Code Section 18.080.030 Table 2-4
• Article III – Development Code Section 18.30.090 (height Measurement and Height Limit Exceptions)

The Town does not currently issue business licenses except for Taxi Services and Gun Sales. Businesses that involve taxi service or gun sales should contact the Planning Division 530-582-7820 for further information.

All businesses require a "Fictitious Business Name" through Nevada County. 530-582-7838

All businesses must comply with all zoning and building code requirements, including those related to signage and business location.

Businesses being run out of a home must comply with the home occupation standards and may require a special permit Home Occupation Permit Information Sheet (PDF).

The Town does not require tree removal permits for vegetation removal on developed, single-family residential properties but you should contact your applicable homeowner's association to verify their requirements. If the property is located on a public water way or if the property is a vacant lot, please contact the Town 530-582-7820 for further guidance.

The standards for woodstove removal, a list of woodstoves that comply with the requirements and more can be found at Woodstove Removal Ordinance. Please contact the Building and Safety Division regarding permitting requirements 530-582-7820, ext. 1).

Please review the Town of Truckee Development Code Master Use Table (PDF).