Ever wonder why LA's skyline is so bland? Apparently it was planned that way.
Jeremy Rosenberg examines one piece of "well-meaning" text inserted into the Los Angeles Municipal Code in 1974 requiring rooftop emergency helicopter landing facilities. While the Fire Department seems unlikely to undo this key piece of code anytime soon, a new community plan for the Hollywood neighborhood includes an amendment that would exempt tall buildings in this limited area from the requirement.
According to Rosenberg, "[LA Planning Commisioner Michael K.] Woo and others I've contacted over the years about this topic all take responsible and appropriate pains to make clear that they're not opposed to fire safety, first responders, rapid building evacuations or public health. But Woo and others dare to ask a legitimate question: Is having a helipad at the peak of every tall building necessary, much less wise?"
FULL STORY: Laws That Shaped L.A.: Why is the Los Angeles Skyline So Bland?
Flat Tops No Longer Required for Los Angeles Skyscrapers
Emily Alpert Reyes reports that Los Angeles has overturned a long-standing requirement for its skyscrapers to have flat roofs to accommodate the fire department's helicopters in the event of an emergency.
A Retiring Dean Considers the Changing Responsibilities of Planners
Former L.A. City Councilmember and retiring Cal Poly College of Environmental Design Dean Michael Woo reminds readers of the visionary responsibilities of elected officials to ensure the plans of today indeed consider the needs of tomorrow.
New Tallest Building West of the Mississippi Now Open
Friday was the first day the public could walk into Los Angeles' new iconic skyscraper. The Wilshire Grand is noteworthy for more than just its height.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
Oak Park Plans Earth Month Events
Join Oak Park, Illinois, for a series of Earth Month events highlighting the importance of community engagement and education, integrating sustainability into local plans, and planning for the most vulnerable, such as birds, bees and butterflies.
Milwaukee Announces 60 Traffic Calming Projects for 2025
The city has successfully reduced traffic deaths and aims to eliminate them completely within the next decade.
OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes
The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.
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.
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