Regulations & Plans
Development Code - The Development Code contains the Town's zoning, land use and subdivision regulations. These provisions comprise most of the Town's requirements for the development and use of private and public land, buildings and structures within the Town.
2040 General Plan - The purpose of the General Plan is to guide development and conservation in Truckee through 2040, by establishing a policy basis for decision making, particularly for land use and development in the Town.
2019 through 2027 Housing Element (PDF) - The Town of Truckee is required by state law to update its Housing Element. The current Housing Element was adopted by the Town Council on August 13, 2019.
Downtown Truckee Plan (PDF) and Appendices (PDF) - The purpose of the Downton Truckee Plan is to implement the General Plan within the boundaries of the Downtown Study Area. The Plan sets forth the policies, projects, implementation plans and regulations intended to manage growth and preserve and enhance the mountain character of the Downtown area.
Objective Design Standards - Adopted in September 2023. the Objective Design Standards primarily impact multi-family residential projects to address requirements related to State legislation. Single-family residential projects will be impacted by the new height standards, as well as changes to site disturbance allowances, gross square footage maximum, and additions in the side yard setback for legal, nonconforming structures.
Water Efficient Landscape Standards - On April 1, 2015, in response to the ongoing drought, the Governor issued Executive Order B-29-15 which called for revising the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), which was originally adopted by the Town in September 2013, to increase water efficiency standards for new and retrofitted landscapes through more efficient irrigation systems, onsite storm water capture, and by limiting the portion of landscape that can be covered in turf. It also requires reporting on the implementation and enforcement of local ordinance. The MWELO's major change is requiring that the ordinance also applies to single-family residential projects.
Innovate Gateway Strategy - A strategy which was adopted in October 2021 to address housing, economic development strategies, and sustainable mobility opportunities within the Gateway Area. This builds from the Envision DPR work and provided an opportunity for the community to discuss the look, feel, character, and types of uses that are most desired and appropriate for the Gateway Area.
Hilltop Master Plan - A master plan for a mixed use development of residential and commercial uses in the Hilltop area south of historic downtown Truckee. The Town Council adopted the master plan in August 2008.
Railyard Master Plan (PDF) - A master plan with mixed residential and commercial uses at the eastern end of historic downtown Truckee. The Town Council adopted the amended Truckee Railyard Master Plan in November 2016. A minor amendment was adopted in April 2025. The Railyard Master Plan area is also subject to a Development Agreement (PDF), which includes requirements for parking, affordable housing, and streetscape improvements.
Truckee Tahoe Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan - This plan was initially adopted by the Foothill Airport Land Use Commission in December 2004 to promote compatibility between the airport and surrounding land uses. In May 2010, the Nevada County Transportation Commission formed the Truckee Tahoe Airport Land Use Commission (TTALUC). The TTALUC formally adopted the Truckee Tahoe Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (TTALUCP) in October 2010. The TTALUC sets compatibility criteria applicable to the Town in the preparation or amendment of land use plans and ordinances and in the review and approval of the design of new development. The Town Council has accepted the plan and implements its compatibility through the Development Code.
Downtown River Revitalization Strategy - This plan is a master strategy that establishes a vision for development along the edges of the Truckee River as it courses through the downtown area. It describes actions to revitalize underutilized lands, abate environmental degradation and redevelop the community's neglected waterfront. It outlines a framework of circulation and land use that will establish a climate for investment, both for the public and private sectors.
Trails and Bikeways Master Plan - The plan is the long-range planning document for the design and construction of recreational trails and on-street bikeways within and adjacent to the Town of Truckee.
Particulate Matter Air Quality Management Plan - This planning effort by the Town analyzes the severity of the particulate matter pollution problem in the late 1990s and identifies measures to control future particulate matter emissions and to reduce particulate matter pollution through the implementation of control measures.
Gray's Crossing Specific Plan (PDF) - A specific plan for a planned community with mixed commercial and residential uses along Highway 89 North between Interstate 80 and Prosser Lakeview Subdivision. The Town Council adopted the specific plan in February 2004.
Coldstream (Planned Community-1) Specific Plan - A specific plan for a planned community with a mixed residential, commercial and recreational components on Coldstream Road by Donner Memorial State Park. The Town Council certified the EIR and adopted the specific plan on September 23, 2014.
Joerger Ranch (Planned Community-3) Specific Plan - A Specific Plan for commercial, manufacturing, workforce housing and open space located at the intersection of Highway 267, Brockway Road and Soaring Way. The Town Council certified the EIR and adopted the specific plan on March 24, 2015.