Almas Zhanbyshy, head of Almaty's Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, explained to deputies at a maslikhat session which areas of the city are off-limits for construction, according to infohub.kz.
During the regular maslikhat session, deputy Yerkin Rakishev raised the issue of development in the foothill areas. He asked whether the adjusted general plan includes protections for popular recreation spots from residential complex construction.
"Does the adjusted general plan include a ban on residential complex construction in areas where residents relax and stroll? Are zones where construction will be completely prohibited defined? We understand the need to develop infrastructure for social and tourism facilities, but where is the line that allows preserving nature and ensuring residents' safety?" the deputy asked.
Almas Zhanbyshy, head of Almaty's Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, said that such restrictions are stipulated in urban planning documents.
According to him, height restrictions apply to the upper part of the city. This covers the area south of the boundary running along Talgar Highway, the Eastern Bypass Road, Al-Farabi Avenue, Saina Street, and Zhandosov Street (from Saina to the city limits).
"In this zone, the height of buildings must not exceed 12 meters. For healthcare, education, cultural, and religious facilities, a height of up to 25 meters is permitted. The construction of multi-story residential buildings in this part of the city is prohibited," Almas Zhanbyshy explained.
At the same time, the upper part of the metropolis is intended primarily for social and tourism facilities, taking into account the need to preserve the natural cluster.
The deputy also asked whether areas where construction is completely prohibited have been defined. Zhanbyshy replied that development is banned on plots with a slope of more than 15 degrees. In addition, construction is not allowed in water protection zones and areas prone to landslide processes.
Earlier, we reported that Almaty maslikhat deputies reviewed a draft adjustment to the city's general plan until 2040 during an extraordinary session.