The appeal of a design review for a proposed glampground above Highway 50 at Zephyr Cove goes to Douglas County commissioners today.
The project was approved by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency precisely a year ago.
County commissioners meet 10 a.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1616 Eighth St., Minden.
Incline Village residents Gary and Tracy Saunders, who own the office building at 303 Dorla Court, are appealing planning commissioners’ approval of the design.
“This is really a motel not a campground,” Tracy Saunders said. “It has permanent structures, is going to have a wedding venue that wasn’t permitted for, (and they’re) showing photos of weddings taking place on the site.”
Saunders pointed out that the glampground has been listed for sale.
According to the listing for the Talaz Eco Camp posted earlier this year, the 53-unit project would include 35 A-frame cabins and 18 glass domes, with a 2,500 square foot clubhouse and event capabilities for up to 150 guests.
The prospectus by Globetrotter Properties cites the TRPA approval and says they are open to an outright sale or “a collaboration with an experienced vertical hotel developer.”
Saunders cited concerns about increased traffic on Highway 50 and the possibility events will take place on the property.
When planning commissioners heard the design review in July, they were told by Community Development Director Tom Dallaire that the project description submitted to the county didn’t mention events, which is something Deputy District Attorney AJ Hames said would not be an approved use.
Another concern is the removal of 226 trees 14 inches in diameter and bigger on the property.
According to a report prepared Feb. 15 by California Registered Professional Forester William Snyder on behalf of Globetrotter, the trees are 10-20 inches in size and are estimated to be 120-130 years old.
“It is the property owner’s intent to retain as many trees as possible throughout the project site,” Snyder said in his report. “However, site development will result in the removal of 58 percent of the trees on site through construction of roads, buildings, camping sites, trails, drainage for control of runoff, comfort stations and parking areas.”
