FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Project Description

Alpine Estates will bring 90 new homes to South Lake Tahoe at a moment when the region needs them most. Construction is set to begin in May 2027, delivering two duplexes and two elegant residential buildings with thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, all deed-restricted as achievable housing for local workers and families. With direct access to Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Barton Avenue, 123 parking spaces, and a design that favors walking and biking over driving, Alpine Estates will make it possible to live, work, and play in the Tahoe Basin.

None of this would be possible without the vision of the California Tahoe Conservancy, whose transfer of this 3.69-acre parcel of surplus state land is turning a housing goal into a real neighborhood. The Conservancy's stewardship of the Tahoe Basin will shape the project throughout: a trail will link Alpine Estates to the Tahoe Valley Greenbelt, a walkway will connect residents to The Crossing at Tahoe Valley shopping center, and art sculptures and seating areas will be woven through the community's public gathering spaces, all reflecting the Conservancy's commitment to connected, livable open space. Alpine Estates will carry that legacy forward, pairing badly needed achievable housing with the trails, art, and natural beauty that define life at the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the final unit count for the affordable housing project?

The latest proposed unit total is 90 units.

Who can buy deed-restricted achievable units?

Middle-class residents who work in the Tahoe Basin. Regulated by the TRPA. At a minimum, one person per household must work 30 hours per week at a local-based company. Workers for national and International companies are excluded. Children must attend Tahoe schools. Retirees must have lived in the Tahoe basin for at least 7 years.

Can people live here as a second home?

No. These units are deed-restricted and must be the primary residence.

When will construction begin?

Construction is planned for May 2027.

Will there be a bus stop at Alpine Estates?

No, the TTD has raised concerns regarding the safety of a bus stop because of the lack of distance to the intersection and merge lane. The existing City of South Lake Tahoe transit center is located a short walking distance at the corner of the "Y".

Does the project promote connectivity and how is the site designed?

Alpine Estates and The Crossings will be connected via biking/pedestrian access so that tenants can easily access restaurants and stores. Bike and walking paths will connect to the city’s Green Belt so people can travel without a car. The proposed multi-residential units and communal spaces are oriented toward the Green Belt to promote a synergy between the Green Belt and the project. Bike parking and fix-it stations will be provided to promote bicycle transit. The project site will be inviting to those traveling along the Green Belt. Connectivity will be provided throughout the site from Lake Tahoe Blvd to the Green Belt.

Why was the mixed-use component removed?

Due to the housing need in the community it was determined in consultation with City staff that providing a higher density of multi-family units was preferable to the community.

How many units and how many parking spaces?

90 units, with 90 garages and 30 parking spaces.

Will there be storage for sports equipment?

There will be room for sports equipment to be stored in garages.

How many ADA units?

9 ADA units.

Will this project affect traffic?

No negative impact; no extra traffic lights or round-a-bouts. Traffic will decrease because workers will have a shorter commute to work. Also, the adjacent bike path and bus station makes it easy to commute without a car.

How are you protecting the environment?

Temporary and Permanent BMPs. Revegetation plan designed by a registered forester. Tenants living closer to their place of employment will cut auto emissions.

What sustainable measures will be made to accommodate energy efficiency?

High-efficiency windows and appliances. Sustainable building materials.

Can the project connect to Barton Rd?

Baron Rd will be a secondary point of ingress/egress to Alpine Estates and provide emergency access and neighborhood connectivity to the surrounding community. In an effort to get individuals walking and biking, connectivity and access are at the heart of the Alpine Estates project.

How will my input be gathered and utilized from this meeting?

At least two community outreach meetings will be held. We will meet with the California Tahoe Conservancy and make recommended improvements. Additional community meetings will be held if desired by the community stakeholders. Look for updates on this website.

What are the plans for the medical building on the property?

A proposed 4000 sqr foot medical building has been replaced with two beautiful duplexes. South Lake Tahoe has a housing crisis and it is more important to maximize space for housing.
The duplexes will be set back from Hwy 50 with a rock wall and landscaping to reduce noise and conform to the surrounding scenic elements seen along Lake Tahoe Blvd. The apartments will appear to be forward-facing to provide an aesthetically pleasing look and activate the front street-scape as a major goal as outlined in the Tahoe Valley Area Plan.