Who can hold the special use permit on a cabin?
The special use permit must be issued in the name of an individual or a married couple, or a trust with an individual or married couple listed as the trustee. In instances where more than one person share ownership in a cabin, all may be listed as co-owners on the face page of the special use permit, but one person (or a married couple) must be identified as the responsible
party. The permit will be issued in the responsible party’s name. All Forest Service correspondence will be sent to the responsible party – we are not able to send copies to coowners or other parties.
What are my responsibilities as a cabin owner?
You are responsible for keeping the cabin neat, in good repair, and in compliance with Forest Service regulations and all local, county, state, and federal codes and laws.
You are responsible for paying your annual fee each year.
You are responsible to maintain the area 30 feet around the cabin free of any dead vegetation,
including pine needles, fallen dead branches, dead grass, etc. If an entire tree is dead, please
contact your permit administrator for authorization before you remove it. Living vegetation,
including living grass, shrubs, and trees, are okay. These fire clearances are due by June 1 of
each year.
You are responsible for notifying the Forest Service if your address changes. If you miss billing
due dates or important correspondence because you failed to notify us of an address change,
we are not able to waive late fees or provide extensions.
You are responsible for obtaining a Forest Service authorization letter for any external
modifications to your cabin, including small “like in kind” projects, like repainting a cabin the
same color. If you modify your cabin without permission, you could be cited or have your permit
revoked. If you are unsure whether a specific project requires an authorization letter, please
contact your Special Uses Permit Administrator.
You are responsible for replying to Forest Service correspondence in a timely manner.
What kinds of changes can I make to my cabin?
Many changes can be made to Forest Service cabins, as long as the general historic character of
the structure is maintained. However, an authorization letter is needed before changes to the
exterior of the cabin occur. An authorization letter is needed even if you are replacing things like
shingles, siding, or decks with “like in kind” materials or repainting with the same color. Please
see your permit administrator for an authorization letter.
Exterior colors should blend in with the Forest landscape. We will approve most shades of
brown and dark green.
New siding should match or be similar to the siding original to the cabin. We may be able to
approve other kinds of siding on a case by case basis as long as it is a historic siding type was
used historically on nearby cabins.
New doors should be made of wood and have a historic appearance. New windows should be
wood framed and closely match the style of historic windows on that cabin.
Current regulations do not allow us to approve modern materials, such as trex decking, vinyl or
aluminum framed windows, cement-board or vinyl siding, or any use of plywood. This holds true
even if the materials look like wood, or are disguised so that they don’t show.
The only current approved material for new roofs is asphalt shingles. We are not able to
approve metal roofs at this time.
We can allow large-scale remodels, additions, or changes to the footprint of the cabin, as long as
the correct process is followed. This process is detailed below.
More information about what is and what is not allowed for Forest Service cabins can be found
in the R5 supplement. If you plan to submit a proposal for changes to your cabin, please review
this document to ensure your proposal meets Forest Service guidelines.
I want to make some minor changes to my cabin, like repainting, replacing windows, roofs, or decking.
How do I go about this?
Submit your plans in writing to your Special Use Permit Administrator along with a Recreation
Residence Proposal Form. Include as much detail as possible. If you plan to re-paint or replace
the roof, include a sample of the color you plan to use. If you plan to re-build your deck, submit
a set of plans including a sketch prepared by your contractor. If you plan to replace windows or
doors, include a brochure or web link showing the new door or window. Include your tract name
and cabin number, and an email address and phone number where you can be reached, in case
we find a problem with your plans and need to reach you. Your permit administrator will ensure
that your plans meet Forest Service regulations and issue an authorization letter.
I want to make some major renovations to my cabin, such as building an addition, moving a wall, or
changing the roofline. What should I do to get this process started?
Your architect must prepare the building plans using the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings. These plans must be signed off by an Architectural
Historian or a Historical Architect. Submit the plans along with the Architectural Historian or
Historical Architect’s letter and a Recreation Residence Proposal Form. Include your tract name
and cabin number, and an email address and phone number where you can be reached, in case
we find a problem with your plans and need to reach you. Your permit administrator will ensure
that your plans meet Forest Service regulations and issue an authorization letter.
What is SHPO?
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) helps communities identify, evaluate, preserve, and
revitalize their historic, archeological, and cultural resources. The Forest Service works with
SHPO to ensure that the historic nature of Forest Service cabins is preserved.
My relative passed away, and I have inherited a cabin. How do I transfer the permit into my name?
Submit a copy of the applicable pages of the will or estate settlement document showing that
you are the new owner of the cabin, along with a copy of the death certificate(s) for the former
owners, and a completed FS 2700-3a form. In the middle section, under “Holder 1” and “Holder
2”, write “Deceased – death certificate on file”.
How do I transfer my cabin to another family member or a trust?
To transfer a cabin to a family member, we need two things: a signed statement from the
permittee stating that they wish to transfer the cabin to another individual, and a completed FS
2700-3a form.
To transfer a cabin to a trust, we need three things: a signed statement from the permittee
stating that they wish to transfer the cabin to the trust, a copy of the applicable pages of the
trust (establishment page, signature page, any page mentioning the cabin or property more
generally, and any page listing successor trustees), and a completed FS 2700-3a form.
What is involved in selling my cabin to another party?
Before escrow closes, please refer the potential buyer to your permit administrator. He or she
will set up a meeting or telephone call to ensure that the buyer understands all the Forest
Service rules and regulations regarding Forest Service recreation residences. After escrow
closes, please submit a copy of the bill of sale and a completed FS 2700-3a form, including
signatures from both the seller and the buyer.
The Cabin Fee Act includes a provision that the Forest Service assess a $1200 transfer fee when a cabin changes hands.
What triggers the transfer fee?
A new permit is requested. A change of cabin ownership has taken place.
What requires the issue of a new permit?
Change in cabin ownership which generates change in permittee. Change in permittee. Transfer to a trust where a new permit must be obtained.
How do I apply for a new permit?
Submit a FS-2700-3a form and associated documentation to the Forest Service
What is the difference between “Special Use Permit holder” and “cabin owner”?
Each cabin has a Special Use Permit. While several people may own a cabin, there is only one permit holder–one individual, a married couple or a trust. The special use permit names those individuals who are responsible for the cabin, and who we assume to have legal authority to ensure all terms and conditions are met. We also assume that those individuals identified on the special use permit have ownership interest in the improvements. Ownership of the cabin as personal property is tracked by the El Dorado County Assessor’s Office. You can find out how the ownership of your cabin is listed by going to the website, www.edcgov.us/assessor, selecting Property Information, and entering the parcel number found on your tax invoice. A cabin can have multiple owners, but only one permit holder.
How can I change the ownership of a cabin other than through a sale?
If you wish to change ownership, add an owner, change ownership to a trust, etc., you must work with the county. It may be advisable to enlist assistance from an attorney.
