blog home Eminent Domain How to Respond to a Property Notice Tied to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

How to Respond to a Property Notice Tied to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

By Peterson Law Group on June 30, 2026

The 2028 Summer Olympics are expected to transform Los Angeles. Massive public infrastructure improvements are already underway to prepare the region for increased tourism, expanded transit demand, and global attention. As a result, property owners across Los Angeles may soon face serious concerns about eminent domain.

If you have received notice that your property may be taken for a public project in Los Angeles, or if your business is suffering losses due to an eminent domain project, it’s important to seek legal assistance right away.

John Peterson is a Los Angeles eminent domain attorney with decades of experience representing property owners in California. At Peterson Law Group PC, we help people resolve matters involving property rights.

The 2028 Olympics Are Driving Eminent Domain Activity

Los Angeles is accelerating numerous infrastructure projects ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Public agencies are under pressure to complete transportation upgrades on aggressive timelines, particularly in areas expected to host Olympic events or experience increased traffic congestion.

Several major initiatives may affect property owners, including:

• LA Metro rail expansions
• Transit station improvements
• Freeway interchange modifications
• Street widening projects
• Bus rapid transit corridors
• Pedestrian and roadway improvements
• Utility and infrastructure relocations

These projects will impact residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, industrial properties, and mixed-use developments throughout the region. While public agencies have broad powers under California law, property owners still maintain important constitutional protections.

What Is Eminent Domain?

Eminent domain is the legal power allowing government agencies to take private property for public use, provided the owner receives just compensation. In California, eminent domain proceedings often begin with notices, appraisals, or offers from public agencies seeking to acquire property rights.

It’s important to remember that eminent domain does not always involve taking an entire property. Some projects only require a portion of your property, or they could involve temporary construction easements or the right to access your property.

What Constitutes a Taking Under California Law?

California law recognizes different forms of property takings, including full acquisition, partial takings, and temporary easements.

Full Property Acquisition

A full acquisition occurs when a public agency takes the entire property for a public project. This often happens when:

• A building sits directly in a project path
• Rail or roadway expansions require the full parcel
• Infrastructure construction eliminates the practical use of the site

In these situations, owners may be entitled to compensation based on the property’s fair market value and potentially other recoverable losses.

Partial Takings

Partial takings are especially common in eminent domain compensation disputes arising from the LA Metro expansion. For example, a project may require a strip of frontage land, parking areas, easements, access roads, or utility corridors.

Road-widening property rights disputes frequently involve partial acquisitions. Even though the owner retains part of the property, the remaining property may lose value because of:

• Reduced parking
• Impaired visibility
• Restricted access
• Traffic pattern changes
• Reduced development potential

Temporary Easements

Some public projects require the temporary use of private property during construction. These temporary disruptions may affect business operations or property value, particularly for commercial property owners.

Examples of temporary easements include:

• Construction staging areas
• Equipment access
• Temporary utility relocation
• Sidewalk closures

Understanding Inverse Condemnation Claims

Not all property damage results from a formal eminent domain proceeding. Inverse condemnation occurs when a public project damages private property without formally acquiring it. In these cases, property owners may seek compensation for losses caused by government activity.

Examples of inverse condemnation related to Olympic infrastructure projects may include:

• Excessive vibration damaging structures
• Increased flooding or drainage problems
• Long-term access disruptions
• Loss of business visibility
• Persistent noise impacts
• Dust or debris affecting operations
• Structural damage from nearby excavation

How Just Compensation Is Calculated in California

One of the most important issues in any eminent domain case is determining the value of compensation owed to the property owner. Under California law and the US Constitution, owners are entitled to just compensation for takings under eminent domain.

Because these claims can be complex, businesses affected by the 2028 Olympics infrastructure property impact issues should seek legal guidance as early as possible. But determining fair compensation requires considering several factors.

• Fair Market Value. The starting point is typically fair market value, which reflects what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller under normal market conditions. Valuation disputes may involve comparable sales analysis, highest and best use analysis, future development potential, income-producing property value, and zoning considerations.

Public agency appraisals do not always reflect the property’s full value or long-term potential.

• Severance Damages. In partial taking cases, owners may also recover severance damages. These damages compensate owners when the remaining property loses value because of the project. Examples may include reduced parking capacity, impaired customer access, increased traffic congestion, loss of loading areas, noise, and reduced street visibility. For commercial properties, even relatively small changes in access or visibility may significantly affect long-term profitability.
• Business Losses. Some California eminent domain cases may allow recovery for certain business losses, particularly when construction or acquisition substantially interferes with operations. These damages may include loss of goodwill, reduced customer traffic, relocation costs, temporary closures, and disruptions.

Reasons to Consult an Eminent Domain Attorney Right Away

Eminent domain law involves specialized valuation, procedural, and constitutional issues. Early legal involvement often provides more opportunities to strengthen a claim before positions become entrenched.

An experienced attorney can help property owners:

• Evaluate government offers
• Identify undervaluation issues
• Coordinate with appraisers and experts
• Pursue severance damages
• Protect business interests
• Negotiate improved settlements
• Litigate disputes when necessary

Speak With an Experienced Los Angeles Eminent Domain Attorney

Peterson Law Group PC represents property owners in eminent domain, inverse condemnation, land use litigation, and complex real estate disputes throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. We understand the unique challenges property owners face when public projects threaten private property interests, and we work aggressively to pursue full compensation under California law.

If you received a notice related to a public project or believe nearby Olympic infrastructure construction is affecting your property, contact Peterson Law Group PC today to discuss your options.

John S. Peterson has decades of eminent domain experience and has been recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers through peer reviews and independent research.

Call (213) 236-9720 to learn more today.

FAQs About Property Notices Tied to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

Why are property owners receiving notices related to the 2028 Olympics?

Many Los Angeles property owners are receiving notices because public agencies are accelerating transportation and infrastructure projects ahead of the 2028 Olympics. These projects may involve LA Metro rail expansions, freeway improvements, road widening initiatives, and utility upgrades that require access to or acquisition of private property.

What does it mean if my property is part of an eminent domain project?

If your property is targeted for an eminent domain project, a government agency may seek to acquire all or part of your property for public use. This could involve full acquisition, a partial taking affecting parking or access, or temporary construction easements. Property owners have important legal rights under California law, including the right to seek just compensation for your losses.

Can I challenge the amount of compensation offered by the government?

Yes. Property owners are not required to accept the government’s initial offer. In many cases, owners may challenge valuations involving fair market value, severance damages, business losses, or long-term impacts caused by the project.

What is inverse condemnation?

Inverse condemnation occurs when a public project damages private property without formally exercising eminent domain. Examples may include excessive vibration, noise, blocked access, flooding, or loss of business visibility caused by nearby construction.