Annual Lot Inspections Begin; Chipper Program Available

From now until mid-August, Bear Valley Residents, Inc. volunteers will inspect each lot in the New Subdivision for compliance with fire safety laws and BVRI’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Check out the The Forest  to learn about the Bear Valley Lot Inspection Program.

Lots not in compliance will be sent a notice and reinspected in September. Those still out of compliance with the fire safety laws will be turned over to the Sheriff and the BV Fire Department.

Thinning of overforested areas is not yet mandatory, but we’re getting closer. State guidelines want to see trees 10 feet apart. And stands of brush, like buckthorn, should be no wider than 10 feet.

In short:

• Remove all dead trees.
• Limb up live trees 10 feet.
• Clear the ground of dead branches and duff (pine cones and other flammable debris) more than 3 inches deep.
• Remove any branches within 10 feet of your chimney and make sure you have a spark arrestor on it.
• Rake down to mineral earth up to 5 feet from your house.
• Make sure your address is visible from the street. There’s a new emphasis on this, even though it’s been law for years. If your home insurance company inspects your house, they’ll want to see pictorial proof of displayed address.

Here is the form that our lot inspectors use.

The inspectors will also check for CC&R compliance. Snowmobiles and other gear should be hidden as much as possible. Tarps must be brown, green, or black.

If you have questions or comments, email bvri@goldrush.com.

Free Chipper Program Resumes in 2023

There will once again be a free chipper program this year. You MUST file an application to have your piles chipped — do not just put piles out.

Forms are available at the Sheriff’s Office (the firehouse), or on the BVRI website. You can turn the form in at the Sheriff’s Office once your piles are ready to be chipped.