Building Height Limits

Building Heights and Step-Backs

What Are Height Limits?

Height limits are a critical component of almost every zoning code in the United States.

June 3, 2021 - James Brasuell

San Jose, California

Editorial: Raise Height Limits to San Jose's Proper Stature

The city of San Jose has the "least distinctive" downtown skyline of the nation's major cities, according to editorial board of The Mercury News. The City Council has a chance to change that.

March 12, 2019 - The Mercury News

San Diego Harbor

Major Parking Reform Effort Moving Forward in San Diego

Civic San Diego and San Diego planning commissioners approved new parking standards that would eliminate minimums and set maximums of one space per multifamily unit. Those reforms and more must still be approved by the City Council.

February 4, 2019 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

The Embarcadero

Trial Over San Francisco Waterfront Development Height Limits Begins

The State Lands Commission filed suit shortly after San Francisco voters approved Prop. B in June 2014, requiring waterfront developments exceeding height limits to obtain voter approval rather than go through the Planning Commission process.

January 15, 2018 - San Francisco Examiner

San Francisco Construction

Taller, Denser, but More Affordable Housing Coming to San Francisco

Following a similar ordinance signed into law by Mayor Ed Lee last July that dealt with developments that are 100 percent affordable, the new housing density ordinance apples to market-rate developments that have 30 percent affordability.

May 27, 2017 - San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco

San Francisco Planning Department Proposes Increasing Heights in Neighborhoods

The San Francisco Planning Department is proposing a trade-off to neighborhoods to comply with a state density bonus law: Modestly increase height and density limits in exchange for more affordable housing.

November 19, 2015 - Hoodline

Vancouver Considers Higher Skyline

The city of Vancouver is considering a plan to increase maximum building height restrictions in certain parts of town by 100 feet and more.

December 16, 2010 - The Vancouver Sun

Height Restrictions Mean High Prices in DC

Responding to a report by the Washington Post that office rents have now topped those in Manhattan, Matt Yglesias says the district's austere zoning is to blame.

October 20, 2010 - Think Progress

Changing Tune on Density

Back in 1971, Alvin Duskin mounted an all-out campaign to limit buildings in San Francisco to 72 feet. Today, he is one of many Bay Area activists reconsidering density.

July 15, 2009 - San Francisco Chronicle

Height Ordinance: A Broader Issue

South Walton is considering pass a height ordinance to limit the buildings to 50 feet.

June 17, 2009 - Northwest Florida Daily News

Filling a Need But Blocking the View

Plans for a new school and mixed use development in Brooklyn have neighbors excited about the project filling a need but also disappointed about the new project's height, which they say will ruin their view.

January 22, 2009 - The New York Times

Plan Approved to Un-Sprawl Tysons Corner

In an effort to recreate sprawling Tysons Corner into a dense urban environment, county supervisors have unanimously approved a plan to build higher, denser, more transit oriented and more walkable.

September 26, 2008 - The Washington Post

Property Rights vs. Height Limits

Local officials in Manasota Key, FL tried to preserve the character of their community by putting height restrictions in place, but a thwarted developer has been awarded $500k for the limitations these restrictions imposed on his property rights.

July 23, 2008 - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Paris Considers Ditching Building Height Limits

Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë has proposed abandoning the city's long-held building height restriction of 37 meters, citing the city's need to grow.

July 10, 2008 - Telegraph

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