Timber Cove Pier should be open this summer. Photo/LTN

Timber Cove Pier in South Lake Tahoe is off limits to the public until owners can stabilize the pilings under the Boathouse restaurant.

“It basically involves installing a fiberglass sheathing to strengthen the existing pilings. It would normally be a qualified exempt activity, but we’ve never approved this technique to strengthen pilings before so we wanted to be able to attach a security to the project and inspections,” Tom Lotshaw, Tahoe Regional Planing Agency spokesman, told Lake Tahoe News.

A decision about the permit is expected to be made this month.Tahoe Beach Retreat owns the pier and restaurant. A spokesman said the improvements are being made to ensure the public’s safety. For now, only employees are allowed on much of the pier that extends into Lake Tahoe. The restaurant will remain closed until the improvements are made.— Lake Tahoe News staff report