The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) approved two motions related to the proposed Talaz Eco Resort campground project during its meeting on Wednesday.
While two board members opposed the measures, the agency passed findings of no significant effect and approved the project subject to conditions in the draft permit.
The project site is a nine-acre private parcel of land between Dorla Court and Nevada Beach Campground at Round Hill, Nevada.
The property had previously been permitted for a private residential compound, but that plan expired. The new owners, Globetrotter Properties Inc., intend to transform the land into a public campground designed as a year-round, eco-focused destination.
The proposal includes 53 campsites—26 open year-round and seven with en-suite facilities—alongside 18 insulated domes and nine elevated treehouses.
Planned amenities include a communal kitchen and clubhouse, three comfort stations, two nature playgrounds, a BBQ pavilion, and deed-restricted employee housing for up to nine staff.
Accessibility features, recycling infrastructure, electric shuttles, six EV chargers, and more than 30 electric bikes are also part of the design. The property will be plastic-free and pursue LEED certification, according to SouthTahoeNow.com.
Some community members and groups, including the Sierra Club, voiced opposition, citing concerns about tree removal, traffic, and the potential pricing of glamping accommodations.
Forest health issues were discussed during the meeting, with the TRPA forester describing tree thinning as beneficial.
Trees along US50 will not be removed, and reforestation with native plants is planned. Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief Scott Lindgren required emergency-only access to US50 and noted his department has been coordinating with developers.
Founder Rachel Bowers, an eco-tourism advocate, told the board that the project seeks to provide “a family-friendly option to enjoying nature and the outdoors.”
While some public comments expressed concerns that average visitors may be priced out, Bowers said the project does not intend to exclude a broad segment of travelers. Lodging costs have not yet been announced, as pricing is determined by the market rather than TRPA regulation.
Carol Chaplin, CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, said the project “respects the outdoor environment and promotes sustainability,” while the Tahoe Chamber also expressed support.
Mitigation fees for the project are expected to exceed $200,000, which will be held by TRPA until completion and later distributed to support water quality and other projects.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the Talaz project reflects a broader trend toward glamping-style developments that balance guest demand for unique accommodations with environmental considerations.
Its mix of domes, treehouses, and traditional campsites illustrates how developers are experimenting with diverse lodging types to appeal to multiple market segments, while investment in sustainable infrastructure points to evolving expectations from both regulators and guests.