Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area

NRA Recreation Residence 20 year Permit Renewal

Frequently Asked Questions
2008 Recreation Residence Permit Renewals

Updated on 8/23/07

Newest additions are posted at the top of the page.

Q. Is beige or tan a conditionally accepted Forest Service color for the body of a cabin?

A. Yes, in some cases. There has been a modification to the conditionally accepted colors. If in doubt, you should check with the Forest Service office.

Q. Is light green paint a conditionally accepted color?

A. No, because it is not an earthtone. You will need to repaint with a Forest Service approved color.

Q. The information in my letter indicates that my cabin is not painted a Forest Service approved color. Do I have to repaint it right away?

A. 1.) If the existing color is similar to an approved color, or if the color is an earth tone, the paint color is conditionally approved, but will likely require repainting at some given time in the future. 2.) If the color is in stark contrast to Forest Service approved colors, the cabin must be repainted with an approved color prior to issuance of a new permit. Colors representing a stark contrast include, but are not limited to: blue, red, shades of red (including brownish-red and barn red), yellow, white, bright green. 3.) If the paint is in poor condition and the cabin needs to be repainted, it must be repainted with a Forest Service approved color prior to issuance of a new permit.

Q. My cabin siding is natural wood and has never been painted, or it was painted at one time but is now natural wood. Do I have to paint it?

A. If the wood is still in good condition, you may leave it as is. However, you do have to maintain the finish in acceptable condition.

Q. Are there any applications for which corrugated plastic, metal or fiberglass would be authorized?

A. No. Regional guidelines do not support the use of any corrugated materials.

Q. If the Shasta County building department provides direction that differs from what is stated in our Forest Service permit, which direction are we expected to follow?

A. For liability reasons, you must follow direction provided in your permit.

Q. Why does the Forest Service have blue signs around the Shasta Lake when we've been told that blue is not a Forest-Service approved color?

A. The blue and blue-gray colors used at the Shasta Unit National Recreation Area marinas and other facilities is a thematic plan designated by Congress to bring attention to the significance of the Congressionally-designated National Recreation Area.

Q. I have been hearing that my ferns growing naturally on my lot are not native and that I am supposed to remove them. Is this correct?

A. No. Ferns are excellent soil stabilizers are should be left in place. Before making any decisions about removing vegetation, consult with your Forest Service contact.

Q. Most or all of my lot is covered with hypericum and/or vinca plants. What do I do with it?

A. Leave these hardy ground covers in place for now. A decision has not been made yet regarding the future of these ground cover plants in the recreation residence tracts.

Q. I have a retaining wall that is not a planter and does not provide extra parking or picnic area, but is truly retaining soil on my steep lot. You indicated in your letter that it is in poor condition. What do I do?

A. Contact the Forest Service so that we can review your circumstances. A field review may need to be scheduled. If your proposal to replace the wall is accepted, you will need to provide a conceptual plan for the replacement. If your retaining wall is over four feet high, you will need to provide our office with engineered plans and if required, obtain a Shasta County building permit. If the wall is less than four feet, you do not need to submit engineered plans.

Q. My cabin has not had an historic evaluation. Does it have to be managed as a potentially historic structure?

A. The cutoff date for historic structures is 1959. If you have information that indicates your cabin was built after 1959, then your cabin is not required to be managed as an historic structure and you need to provide that information to our office. If your cabin was built prior to 1959, and an historic evaluation has not been performed then your cabin is managed as though it has historic significance. In either case, when you propose repairs to the exterior of the cabin, the design and type of building material will be reviewed for continuity with the existing structure. If your cabin is potentially historic, your proposed modifications will also be reviewed by the Heritage Program Leader who is also the Forest Archeologist.

Q. I have a pet enclosure that has a chain link panel on both ends of the walkway behind my house. Since I don’t put the panels up and take them down each time I come and go from my cabin is this considered a permanent enclosure?

A. Yes, it is considered permanent. The regional guidelines provide direction regarding pet enclosures which says “no permanent pet enclosures shall be allowed”. The panels will need to be removed except when the cabin is occupied.

Q. I have heard from other members of my tract that I have to store my patio furniture inside when not in use. Is this correct?

A. No. For those individuals who are unable to replace their white patio furniture with more natural colors we request that the pieces are stored inconspicuously when not in use. If your furniture is tan, brown, dark green or natural wood color, you do not need to store your furniture when not in use.

Q. Can I use Trex® or other composite decking material when I repair or replace my deck?

A. Until a determination has been made through an historical evaluation that your cabin is not historically significant, you will be required to use materials that are similar in design and type as the existing materials. Consideration is given to health, safety and Shasta County building code compliance. If it has been determined that your cabin is not historical, you may use Trex or some other composite decking after approval by the Forest Service.

Q. Can I store my boat on my lot all year round?

A. The regional guidelines state that “unless approved by the authorized officer, only temporary seasonal storage of recreation equipment is permissible and must be included in the Operation and Maintenance Plan. Boats, trailers, snowmobiles and off-highway vehicles must be removed seasonally, as stated in the Operation and Maintenance Plan.” We consider the peak season of use on Shasta Lake to be the summer season. Outside of this season recreational equipment will need to be transported to and from an alternative storage location.

Q. My deck is greater than 60 % of my cabin footprint and is conditionally accepted. It is damaged and needs structural repair and some boards need replacing. Will I be required to bring my deck into compliance when I perform the repairs?

A. If you only need to replace some deck boards with the same type of existing decking, this will not trigger bringing the deck into compliance. If your deck is significantly damaged, requiring removal and replacement of more than one joist and/or supporting posts that are rotten, you may be required to bring your deck into compliance. Each situation will be reviewed and a determination will be made on a case by case basis.

Q. I live out of state and have already been to my cabin this year and can’t come back until next year to work on my noncompliance issues. What are my options?

A. You will need to arrange to make another trip or have work performed by local contractors or other employees.

Q. My letter says that certain features of my cabin or lot are conditionally accepted. What are the conditions that can trigger compliance?

A. Decisions pertaining to conditions of acceptance will be made as soon as possible, but no later than January 1, 2008 (prioritizing workloads), and the conditions will be relevant to the significance of the issue. For example, if the noncompliance issue is that the cabin is greater than 1,400 square feet, events that would trigger coming into size compliance would most likely be complete destruction, substantial damage e.g., 50% or greater loss or damage, or if major structural changes are proposed. Conversely, less significant issues such as a fence or a permanent brick barbecue that was conditionally accepted would need to come into compliance within a relatively short time frame (e.g., one to two years), or perhaps at the time of resale. The Forest has made liberal concessions to conditionally accept a variety of noncompliance issues in order to reduce the impact of implementing the R5 regional guidelines and to move the compliance process along.

Q. Your letter states the Forest Service expects that permit holders will have the non compliance issues resolved by December of 2007. What if I can’t get everything done by then?

A. Minor maintenance issues (section A) need to be done by December of 2007; issues requiring approval and/or permitting should at least be initiated.

Q. I have documentation indicating that certain features of my cabin and/or on my lot were previously approved. Does the new direction supersede previous authorizations?

A. Yes. We realize that the conflicts with previous authorizations are frustrating, however, the full implementation of current Region 5 guidelines that you are experiencing supersedes previous authorizations.

Q. My asphalt driveway was previously approved, and now it is conditionally accepted. Can I repave my driveway?

A. Not at this time. Repaving will not be considered until after the new permits are issued.

Q. When I had the septic inspection done on my driveway, the septic company had to dig out several small holes (approximately one foot diameter) and I would like to patch the holes. Can I perform this repair?

A. Yes, you can patch the holes.

Q. The Salt Creek Homeowner’s Association has an agreement with the Lakehead Volunteer Fire Department that says when cabins are occupied the permit holders are asked to leave a light on so that in the event of an evacuation, it will be obvious to firefighters which residences are occupied, facilitating prioritization of evacuations. Can I leave my light on as agreed?

A. Yes, if you are in the cabin you may leave your light on. There are two lighting options: 1) if your cabin light cannot be seen from the road, you may install a 25 watt light on a one foot post with a shielded light fixture (any type of enclosed light fixture) next to the road; 2) for cabins that can be seen from the road, you may leave the appropriate entry light on.

Q. If there is a catastrophic loss in our recreation residence tract due to an escaped prescribed burn conducted by the Forest Service, how will this affect our coming in to compliance?

A. The Forest Service would perform a review of the specific conditions before making a decision in this matter.

Q. I’ve been advised by the Forest Service that at this point in time I cannot make a repair to a conditionally accepted item (e.g., paved driveway). What if I perform the repair anyway?

A. The Forest Service maintains detailed information and photographs of the cabin and lot. If you elect to make repairs that you were told not to make, this will be considered a blatant disregard of Forest Service direction and will be taken into consideration at the time of the permit issuance.

Q. Are there any conditions under which a storage outbuilding would be conditionally accepted?

No. All storage outbuildings greater than 40 square feet must be removed or downsized to come in to compliance.

Q. I have a tan and green rigid plastic storage chest on my front porch. It is approximately three feet high, three feet deep, and four feet wide. Can I continue to store it on my porch?

A. Yes. The height of your storage chest is lower than the deck railing height and the colors blend with the natural forest setting. If stored outside, these storage chests may only be stored in a concealed location such as on a deck.

Q. I have a tan and green rigid plastic storage shed that measures approximately 6 feet high, two feet deep, and three feet wide. Can I continue to store it outside?

A. No. Plastic storage sheds any larger than those described in the previous questions are not acceptable for outdoor storage.

Q. I have a basketball hoop in my driveway and a badminton net behind my cabin. How long can I leave them up?

A. You may leave them up while in continuous use. When not in use, they must be stored.

Q. I have wrought iron railings around my cabin and my letter says I need to remove them. Is that still the current direction?

A. No. Your wrought iron railings are now conditionally accepted.

Q. I have a safety railing on top of the retaining wall that borders my driveway. Do I have to remove it?

A. No. You may keep the railing if it is a safety feature. The railing should be natural wood or a Forest Service approved color.

Q. Can I have more than one satellite dish?

A. No. One satellite or one antenna is accepted.

Q. Can I store my boats on my lot year round?

A. We understand the argument that year round recreational opportunities are available at Shasta Lake. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is currently developing a policy to specifically address this issue. In the interim, ski boats and aluminum fishing boats may be stored onsite if they are being used frequently throughout the year. If they are not being used they must be stored offsite during the off season (October 1 - May 1). Large boating-related equipment such as patio boats, pontoon boats and associated large trailers may not be stored on the lot as they detract significantly from the natural forest setting. RV’s and camp trailers may only stay onsite for two weeks unless otherwise approved.

Q. I have a steep access trail to my cabin and for safety reasons it needs to be lighted. I am aware that regional direction only supports lighted cabin door entries. Is there a way I can light my trail and still be in compliance?

A. Yes. You may install one set of two directional 40-watt floodlights on a post approximately one foot tall, and no more than two feet tall with the minimum amount of lights needed to safely navigate the trail. The lights should be directed as close as possible to the ground and should not shine into the tree canopy or towards another cabin. The light must be controlled by a switch and turned off when not in use. Lighted trails to the lake are not considered to be essential and will not be authorized.

Q. I have decorative lights in various places around my cabin that are non-essential but they are convenient and I like the way they look. Do I have to remove them?

A. Yes. Regional direction specifies that lighting is limited to entries. The only exception is essential lighting for safety reason, such as adjacent to the trail that serves as the cabin access.

Q. My letter said that I need to have my satellite dish mounted as inconspicuously as possible on the cabin. The dish company installed mine on a pole because I could not get reception using a roof-mounted dish. What do I do?

A. Advise your Forest Service contact of this issue so this information can get documented in your file. You may leave your dish mounted on the pole if you are certain there is no other way to get reception. The pole may have to be painted a Forest Service approved color to help it blend with the surroundings.

Q. If my deck is greater than 60% of the square footage of my cabin footprint, or greater than 800 square feet, but it was authorized by the Forest Service either in the original building plan or by an authorized officer since then, can I perform repairs to my deck leaving it as is, or do I have to reduce the size of my deck to come into compliance with the Regional Guidelines?

A. Whether or not you're deck was previously authorized, if major repairs and/or reconstruction are required you must bring your deck into compliance. If the repairs are minor, it is likely that the deck will not have to be brought into compliance.

Q. What is a "major repair"?

A. Typically, if a Shasta County building permit is required, the repair is considered to be major. However, "major" repairs are those repairs that go beyond replacement of a few boards and/or replacement of any of the infrastructure of the deck.

Q. My letter says that my cabin needs to be skirted. What does this mean?

A. The area under the cabin should not be visible, so the perimeter of the cabin needs to be enclosed with siding except the area under the deck which only has to be enclosed if the area is used for storage. Please obtain prior written approval of proposed materials and construction method.

Q. My deck is oversized and I understand that I need to acquire a retroactive permit from Shasta County. However, since the Forest Service is already aware of what is in place, can I skip the step that requires a conceptual approval of plans before I go the County for a permit?

A. Yes, we agree that skipping that step for retroactive permit processes in reasonable.

Q. I need to replace a couple of boards on the side of my cabin; do I need Forest Service approval?

A. Minor maintenance involving repairs-in-kind do not need Forest Service approval if there are no effects to the resources and no structural changes. Examples of minor maintenance include replacing a few boards in a deck, a few shingles on a roof, or a broken windowpane. All other actions such as reconstruction, new construction, additions, and exterior modification require Forest Service approval.

Q. Can I have any decorations in my yard? What types of decorations are acceptable?

A. Commercial decorations are not accepted. A limited number of decorations made from natural materials are acceptable.

Q. I live in my cabin all winter and I need five cords of wood to last. What do I do since there is a two cord maximum?

A. Store extra firewood off-site or cut less wood at a time.

Q. Can I rent out my cabin to someone else? The language on the permit says I can only rent it out if I have approval from the authorized officer.

A. On the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, recreation residences may not be rented out.

Q. What is “woody debris”?

A. Woody debris is cut or fallen branches and twigs, or residual bark from trees that have been cut or bark that is naturally falling from dead or dying trees.

Q. What are hazard trees?

A. Hazard trees are trees that if they fall they would impact the cabin or other property. Hazard tree removal is the responsibility of the permit holder. If you have a hazard tree, you must notify our office for prior written approval before proceeding with falling any tree. If possible, please provide our office with photographs of the tree and the qualifications of the faller that you select to perform the work as this will expedite the review process.

Q. Why can’t I have a fire ring?

A. For fire safety reasons and to keep the lot clean.

Q. Do I have to have an historical evaluation done for my cabin?

A. If your cabin was built prior to 1960 you will need to have an historical evaluation prepared by a professional approved by our office, or manage your cabin as though it is historical. Modifications to historical structures are regulated. This means that if any exterior elements need to be replaced (e.g. siding, roofing, windows, doors, decks, lights, etc.) you will need to consult with our office first for guidance and approval prior to replacing any materials.

Q. What if I can’t find permits for work that was done on the cabin in the past because the cabin has been passed down through the family?

A. We are performing file searches in archived records that may include information regarding past construction or modifications. If we are unable to locate permits or authorizations for construction or modifications, we may conditionally accept the modification. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Q. If we are required to remove non-native plants, how do we know which native plants are acceptable for replanting?

A. We have provided links on our website to that provide lists and suppliers of native plants. Local sources for purchasing native plants include: Wyntour Gardens, Bracken Gardens Nursery, Gold Leaf Nursery and Wal Mart. Please refer to our website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/recreation/nra for specific information.

Q. If I have a modification that I’d like to make right now outside of the permit process, should I wait until I get my letter, or submit a plan now?

A. If the project improvement dovetails with permit compliance, then you may submit it now. Due to heavy workloads, please allow ample time for review.

Q. What is the cabin “footprint”?

A. The “footprint” is the actual perimeter of the cabin at ground level, exclusive of decks, stairways, patios, or carports.