A. 
The potential avalanche hazard area, hereinafter referred to as PAHA, is intended to identify those areas where, after investigation and study, the county finds that an avalanche potential exists because of steepness of slope, exposure, snow pack composition, wind, temperature, rate of snowfall, and other interacting factors.
B. 
Such PAHA is established:
1. 
To identify those areas with avalanche potential based on approved studies that designate a minimum probability of occurrence greater than 1 in 100 per year, or where avalanche damage is documented after adoption of the ordinance codified in this article.
2. 
To give notice to the public of such areas.
3. 
To minimize health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce, and extraordinary public expenditures.
4. 
To promote the general public health, safety, and welfare.
(Prior code § 35.01)
A. 
These regulations do not apply to existing structures or existing parcels in the PAHA zones except as noted below. Nothing in these regulations is intended to preclude the development of any parcel, provided proper design and construction safeguards are taken.
B. 
These regulations shall apply to the following activities:
1. 
Conditional use permits or their modification.
2. 
General plan amendments.
3. 
Rezoning applications.
4. 
Parcel splits and subdivisions.
5. 
Any reconstruction, repair, remodel or addition where the cost of a required permit exceeds $100 to any structure that experiences damage from avalanche activity after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this article.
6. 
Any existing structure that is let out to guests, customers, or involves the public in any sense, shall comply with the notification provisions of Section 12.40.040.
7. 
Any single-family dwelling, or structure accessory to a single-family dwelling, which is constructed, added to, or remodeled, where the cost of a required permit exceeds $100, in a PAHA zone which is not required by subsections (B)(1) through (5) of this section to incorporate the avalanche design provisions shall have a recorded statement that declares whether or not the construction, remodel or addition incorporated avalanche design information, and such information shall also be supplied to guests as addendum to the notification provisions of Section 12.40.040. Such notice statement must be recorded on the property deed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy and prior to any occupancy of the area constructed/remodeled.
(Prior code § 35.02)
A. 
The PAHA boundaries shall be those specifically identified areas within the county subject to potential avalanche danger, as shown on any study or mapping commissioned by the board of supervisors and maintained by the Placer County planning department to include any amendments authorized through the appeals process of the county, which designates an occurrence probability greater than one in 100 per year, or documents avalanche damage after the adoption of this ordinance.
B. 
Applications for amendments to the PAHA boundaries shall be submitted to the Placer County planning department and processed in the same manner as administrative review permits pursuant to Chapter 30 of the Placer County Code. Approval of boundary amendments will be in a form that may be recorded by the owner.
C. 
WARNING. Avalanches occur naturally, suddenly, and unpredictably. The PAHAs designated are based on the limited scientific evidence available which is not definitive in nature. The studies and reports do not represent or imply that compliance with the provisions of this article will protect from avalanche danger, nor does it represent or imply that areas outside the PAHA are free from avalanche danger.
(Prior code § 35.05)
A. 
Duty of Owners. Each owner of real property containing any structure or building within a PAHA area shall post the following notice at a prominent location within the main winter entry area of such structure or building. Such notice may be augmented by the owner to include whether the property is in a high or moderate hazard zone, as long as this information is consistent with the official records retained by the planning department.
NOTICE TO OCCUPANT
1. 
This building is located within a Potential Avalanche Hazard Area.
2. 
Avalanche control work is carried out in some areas. Explosives are commonly used for this purpose. You may receive special advisories or instructions from avalanche control personnel during periods when such control work is being performed.
3. 
During times of severe snow storms or other weather conditions which may produce high avalanche hazards, authorities may attempt to contact property owners to advise them of current conditions in avalanche zones. You must stay informed of weather conditions and rely ultimately on your own judgment.
4. 
Tune to local radio stations on your home or car radio for information.
5. 
For location information concerning avalanche control or local road closures, you may call:
Office of Emergency Services;
Local Fire Department;
Sheriff's Office
6. 
This notice must be posted in a prominent location within the main winter entry area of all buildings within a PAHA. Failure to post this notice, or the removing of a notice, is a misdemeanor punishable pursuant to Section 12.40.070.
7. 
You are urged to become better informed about avalanches by contacting the Placer County Office of Emergency Services or by reading the pamphlets available from the Placer County Planning Department and/or Building Department branch offices located at Tahoe City.
B. 
Notice to Tenants and Purchasers. All persons who sell, rent, lease, or sublet any structure or building within a PAHA, either as an owner, agent of such owner, or real estate salesperson or broker representing such owner, shall:
1. 
Prior to occupancy by such tenant, provide to such person a copy of the notice specified by subsection A of this section.
2. 
Prior to sale of the property, provide full disclosure to the prospective buyer of the information contained in the notice specified by subsection A of this section.
(Prior code § 35.10)
A. 
The department of public works shall post signs at suitable locations providing public information about avalanche hazards and telephone numbers or locations where additional information may be obtained.
B. 
During periods of severe snow storm, such department may construct any barrier or traffic control device in areas adjacent a PAHA. Unauthorized removal thereof by any person shall be a misdemeanor.
(Prior code § 35.15)
A. 
Within any areas designated as a potential avalanche hazard area, a building permit for construction regulated by Section 12.40.020 (Scope), will not be issued for a new building or an addition unless a California licensed architect or engineer experienced in snow design, in conjunction with a recognized avalanche expert or team of experts, certifies that the structure will be safe under the anticipated loads and conditions of an avalanche.
B. 
The avalanche expert(s) must utilize both widely accepted practices in avalanche theory and a site specific study for the proposed construction. Any study commissioned by the board of supervisors to identify potential avalanche forces must be considered in the site specific study.
C. 
An expert or team of experts shall mean individuals with existing demonstrable recognition as "experts" among the community of avalanche practitioners. It shall be the responsibility of the project architect/engineer to demonstrate this recognition.
D. 
Subject to the requirements of Section 12.40.020(B)(5), damage to single-family dwelling and their accessory structures may be repaired (including interior remodel that does not increase the usable space or the occupant load as calculated by the Uniform Building Code) without complying with avalanche force designs provided the cumulative cost of repair(s) (and/or remodel) does not exceed 50% of the current Placer County assessed value of the building, or 50% of the current market value as determined by a qualified appraiser. Work performed under the limitations of this section must comply with Section 12.40.020(B)(7) for notification purposes.
(Prior code § 35.20)
Violations of the provisions of this article shall constitute a misdemeanor and be punishable by any, or all, or any combination of the following with each and every day or portion thereof being deemed a separate offense:
A. 
By a fine not to exceed $1,000 or six months imprisonment, or both such fine and imprisonment.
B. 
By making null, void, and unenforceable any agreement by an owner to sell, rent, lease, or sublet any structure within a PAHA.
C. 
By liability for damages in the manner provided by law.
(Prior code § 35.21)