45-Day Notice: Proposed Architectural Standards Rule Change

Association News, Member News
Aug 25, 2025
Note: This was originally published in the September 2025 issue of Tahoe Donner News.

Pursuant to Tahoe Donner Covenants and Restrictions Article III, Section 7, modifications to rules and proposed new rules must go out for a 45-day member notification and comment period prior to the Board of Directors’ consideration and approval.

Changes to the Tahoe Donner Association Architectural Standards (AS) Rule will be considered for action by the Board of Directors. The Board is expected to review a first draft, and possibly take action to adopt the proposed AS Rule, as presented here or with some modification, at a regular meeting of the Board on October 24, 2025.

The Board invites you to participate in the rule-making process by attending upcoming board meetings where the proposed rule is on the agenda (see Key Dates) and/or by submitting a written member comment on the proposed rule during the 45-day notification and comment period.

Background
One of the design items regularly reviewed by the ASC before construction is siding material. Per the AS Rules, the ASC is authorized to consider approving or denying exceptions to the siding rules on a case-by-case basis. Under AS rule H.5: “Plywood or sheet siding exceeding the above 50% maximum may be allowed as an exception, on a case-by-case basis, on those sides not facing a street or the golf course only if: a) the design is in harmony with the street/golf course view side(s); and b) the plywood or sheet siding is properly coated or treated to minimize discoloration and deterioration.

The proposed changes to the out-of-date Architectural Standards (AS) siding rule result from member feedback during the permit submittal process over the past few years indicating a desire to permit and promote up-to-date fire-resistant home construction material, as well as guidance from the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors and the recently passed Board Resolution 2025-1 (Exhibit B).

Rule Change Purpose and Effects
The existing AS Rule was adopted more than three decades ago, and its intent was to prohibit plywood/sheet-siding in favor of a real wood appearance. Changes in the quality of materials, such as Hardie Board, and improved aesthetic appeal, along with an increasing demand for enhanced fire resilience in home construction, necessitate slight adjustments to the existing rule. The purpose of the proposed AS Rule change is to replace, in small part, the outdated rule with a new siding rule designed to meet Tahoe Donner’s current and future needs. The proposed rule change will still allow the Architectural Standards Committee (ASC) to continue to evaluate each project on a case-by-case basis, working with members to achieve a mutually agreeable solution that balances existing siding standards, aesthetic harmony, fire resistance and construction quality. Additionally, the rule change is intended to achieve the following outcome goals:

  • Update the AS siding rule to fit within the guidelines of Board of Directors Policy Resolution 2025-1
  • Enhance and broaden the choices of available siding material that the ASC is able to approve
  • Promote member desire for fire-resistant home construction materials
  • Preserve the ASC’s authority over construction material approval
  • Preserve the purpose and intent of the original siding rule which was to discourage a sheet/plywood appearance
  • Support a long-term, sustainable, and equitable solution for balancing the desire of members for different siding materials while preserving the overall aesthetic standards within the Association

Key Dates
September 1, 2025: The 45-day member notification and comment period begins.
September 26, 2025: Board of Directors meeting; receives and hears member comments on the proposed rule.
October 24, 2025: Regular Board of Directors meeting to consider adopting the proposed rule changes with or without modifications.

Member Comments
Please submit your written comments below, or US Mail: Tahoe Donner Association Attn: Timea Griset, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA. 96161.

To ensure the board of directors has time to review all member comments, written comments must be submitted by October 17, 2025.


PROPOSED CHANGES TO ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS RULES POLICIES AND SIDING SECTIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

B. DESIGN POLICIES AND REVIEW:

2) POLICIES

c) FORM AND CONTENT: All structures shall be of a size and use that is consistent with the C&Rs and AS Rules and the standards of the community. All structures and site improvements shall be designed to fit the topography of the lot. The styles, shapes, sizes, massing, and colors are to be of good proportions, well balanced, and appropriate to Tahoe Donner. Elevations and designs that the ASC finds aesthetically incompatible with the physical site, adjoining properties, or the environment of the development will not be approved. The owner and designer are strongly encouraged to meet or exceed up-to-date fire-resistant design, materials, and construction practices.

III. SPECIFIC BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

H. EXTERIOR SPECIFICATION:

5) SIDING …“Plywood or sheet siding exceeding and/or other alternate materials exceeding the above 50% maximum may be allowed as an exception, on a case-by-case basis, only if on those sides not facing a street or the golf course only if: a) the design is in harmony with the street/golf course view side(s); and b) the plywood or sheet siding is properly coated or treated to minimize discoloration and deterioration. Grooved sheet siding will not be allowed.
Proposed changes are indicated in red text.