All buildings in Los Angeles taller than 75 feet are required to have a flat surface on the roof where helicopters can land, according to a fire department-mandated code. Now leaders are thinking about updating that code -- and the city's skyline.
Curbed LA Editor Dakota Smith takes a look at the debate and the actual short history of fire department helicopters aiding rescues during fires.
"[P]rodded by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Building and Safety General Manager Bud Ovrom now says his department will lead a discussion on whether the LAFD-mandated code should be changed. Given that Los Angeles is the only major city in the country with the requirement, Ovrom is wading into a politically sensitive debate with the LAFD by asking the question: 'Is it not possible to have both good design and adequate fire safety measures?'
According to Ovrom, Mayor Villaraigosa first began talking about the city's skyline back in 2006, after returning from a trip to Asia.'He came back and said, ‘Why is all the architecture in these Asian cities more exciting than ours?'' says Ovrom. ‘He said, ‘Why do our buildings look like boxes?''"
FULL STORY: You've Got Stub, LA: Should City Change Its Skyline?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.
How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.
Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions