The goal of all site and landscape design at Clear Creek Tahoe

The native landscape character should remain the cohesive fabric that ties the Clear Creek Tahoe community together.  In general, the planting design of each homesite should take its cue from the existing plant palette and patterns on the specific site. Landscape improvements are to enhance existing vegetation, utilize indigenous and/ or regional species and minimize areas of intensive irrigation.

improvement envelope

The improvement envelope (also knows as the building envelope) is located in areas immediately adjacent to homes offer a greater variety of non-native plant material, as listed in the Approved Plant List. New plantings are to be used to frame important viewsheds, reduce the visual impact of the residence and screen outdoor service areas and other improvements from adjacent homesites and off-site views.

natural buffer

The Natural Buffer (which can be found outside of the improvement envelope) is to only be planted with native plant material, as listed in Appendix A. Planting patterns and density is to be similar to that of the adjoining natural landscape.

choose the right zone

A defensible space strategy divides the area around a home into concentric zones—immediate (0–5 feet), near-home (5–30 feet) and extended (30–100 ft), —each designed to reduce wildfire fuel and ember ignition risks. 

choose the right plant

A list of approved Planting materials is included in Appendix A of the design guidelines. When selecting plants, consider mature size, watering needs, ignition risk, spacing, pruning and location.

choose the right quantity

To help with wildfire mitigation and defensible space, reduce continuous brush fields by placing individual or small clusters of plants 18, 12 of 6 feet apart depending on the distance from your home. Use driveways, paths, turf areas and trails to break up plant continuity.

Landscape & Site Improvements

If you are interested in making improvements or modifications to existing landscape, please click the link below to review the post final improvement process. You may also email Design@ccthoa.org for more information.

Landscape & Site Post Final Improvements