The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety recently launched the Fast-Track Office Tenant Improvements Program.
The effort is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting market demand “to reconfigure, retrofit, and/or reprogram existing workplaces, retail sites, and commercial office buildings for healthy, safer, and more equitable interior spaces,” according to a news release. The department offers its E-Plan portal to help fast-track the permitting and approval process for tenant improvement projects.
The department developed the plan after gathering input from local architects and building owners and managers. “This program serves residents, visitors, and those whose livelihoods depend on safe and rapid re-opening of commercial spaces,” said Wade Killefer, FAIA, president, AIA Los Angeles. “Fast-tracking these improvements means important and necessary adjustments can be benefited from more rapidly.”
The program is available to all licensed architects and engineers who wish to participate. Projects are limited in scope to basic tenant improvements or office fit-outs only.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2020
USGBC offers new pilot credit to address green cleaning and COVID-19
Provides guidance on cleaning and disinfecting buildings using green cleaning best practices.
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2020
AIA issues tools for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission in buildings
Tailored strategies offered for offices, retailers, schools, and senior living facilities.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
OSHA construction safety inspections fall 84% during COVID-19 pandemic
Agency focuses on preventing disease transmission in healthcare industry.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 8, 2020
Frank Lloyd Wright sites set to reopen and construction jobs rise by 464,000.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
Reopened offices raise liability risk for businesses and owners
Risks may not be covered by property insurance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2020
American Wood Council updates report on fire resistance of wood members and assemblies
Provides new examples and background on mass timber calculations.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2020
Virginia makes GCs liable for subs employee wages
New law allows workers to sue GCs for wages in class action.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2020
Designers, owners reinventing restaurants to cope with COVID-19
Options include rearranged seating, mobile ordering, designated flow spaces.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2020
How owners should comply with OSHA roofing safety guidelines
Buildings should have fall protection and restraint provisions for those who go on roofs.
Codes and Standards | May 29, 2020
AIA releases new, updated sustainable project documents
Streamlined sustainable design and construction process included.
