Совет Лос-Анджелеса упростил правила зонирования для временных объектов Олимпиады-2028

Zoning LA City Council Votes to Fast-Track Some Projects Related to 2028 Games The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance late last month that could speed up construction for certain temporary projects for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games by exempting them from planning and zoning requirements. Officials say the move could save thousands of dollars in associated costs. The ordinance would “establish relief from planning and zoning review for certain projects in advance of and during [the Games] ... to successfully execute and timely deliver" them. Projects classified as “temporary” are considered to be built or implemented solely for the Games and located at approved competition venues. This could include training facilities, fan zones and security perimeters, among other projects. The waiver applies to new construction, additions, alterations or repairs. It also applies to grading, retaining fence and walls, sign permits, swimming pools, change of use and land permits. The temporary projects must be demolished, dismantled and or removed after conclusion of the Games no later than Feb. 27, 2029. The 2028 Olympic Games officially begin on July 14, 2028 end on July 30,2028 and are followed by the Paralympic Games from August 15 to August 27 that same year. The waiver does not apply to hotel development projects, large-scale cable-guided transportation projects and other aerial mobility projects. That last provision may disappoint Archer Aviation, the official Olympic manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and the official air taxi provider for LA28. Looking for quick answers on construction and engineering topics? Try Ask ENR, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ENR → Archer and its collaborator AEG recently announced development of the first downtown Los Angeles vertiport, a vertical takeoff and landing site for electric taxis, to be located within AEG’s L.A. LIVE's 4-million-sq-ft sports and entertainment district. The downtown area will be a central hub for 18 Olympic and Paralympic sports. It is unclear if the planned vertiport will be freestanding or built atop an existing building within the district. Initial feasibility studies for the overall site have been completed, according to the companies, including land use and airspace reviews, power availability and community impact. Opposing Views The council’s plan to expedite construction has detractors. One citizens group, United Neighborhoods for Los Angeles, asserts that the ordinance provides only broad categories rather than defining temporary projects. Another problem, according to the group, is that the waiver could extend to permanent construction if a designation from temporary to permanent is made by the council before or after construction. The ordinance does clear the way for the council to approve an eligible permanent project to be exempt from planning and zoning regulations if it is or was essential to successful delivery of the Games. Exemptions could be allowed if the project will benefit the community and “will have a lasting benefit beyond the Games.” The vague rules and the ability to shift from temporary to permanent status could raise building integrity and safety issues, according to one Los Angeles architect who spoke to ENR anonymously. Implications for other Olympics-related construction and future building across Los Angeles remains unclear.