Fire Code

Aerial view of massive Los Angeles freeway interchange with dense housing and industrial areas around it.

Fire Officials Say More LA Freeway Underpasses at Fire Risk

The city’s fire department is surveying other underpasses for hazardous materials and other code violations that led to the November 11 fire that shut down a key interstate segment.

November 29, 2023 - Fox 11 Los Angeles

Close-up of fence covered with flowers, flyers, and other memorial items at site of deadly Twin Parks building fire

U.S. Fire Administration to Investigate Building Fires

New legislation gives the federal agency power to identify the causes of deadly fires and recommend improvements.

January 11, 2023 - The New York Times

Oakland fire truck

Bike Lanes Pitted Against Fire Safety in Oakland

The city’s fire department is pushing back on proposed bike lanes and narrower streets, citing concerns about emergency access.

December 9, 2022 - Oaklandside

Emergency Response

Some Fire Departments Are Supporting Change for the Sake of Safer Streets

A few pioneering fire departments are making room for safety (while demanding less space) on city streets.

May 30, 2018 - Streetsblog USA

Wood Construction

Is Mass Timber the Solution to California's Housing Crisis?

One writer argues that cost, versatility and visual appeal makes this new building material exactly what the state will need if planned regulatory changes go through.

March 14, 2018 - The Architect's Newspaper

Philadelphia

After Another Catastrophic Fire, Reexamining Fire Safety in Philadelphia

"Why does Old City keep burning?" That's the question posed by Philadelphia Inquirer architecture critic Inga Saffron.

February 24, 2018 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

California from Space

Can We Know Which Homes in California Will Burn?

As the state's worst wildfire season ever refuses to end, an analyst from UCLA considers how land use and building codes determine the location and extent of the damage.

December 11, 2017 - The Conversation

Cross-Laminated Timber

Timber Industry 'Bracing' for Soaring Demand

Building with wood is back in fashion, but lumber producers have to reckon with thorny politics and new timber-based materials that have yet to be truly defined.

November 28, 2017 - The Architect's Newspaper

Los Angeles Skyline

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.

June 24, 2017 - KPCC

Safety of 'Lightweight Wood Construction' in Question after Massive Fire

A catastrophic event in Edgewater, New Jersey, in which a 408-unit apartment complex was gutted by fire, has inspired legislators to propose a moratorium on the materials and practices of "light frame construction."

February 6, 2015 - The Record

Continuing the Fire Safety vs. Urban Design Debate

A dense network of streets creates the conditions for faster response times. Better pedestrian and automobile safety and excellent response times is a win-win. So why are fire officials undermining this network with calls for wider streets?

May 24, 2014 - Better! Cities & Towns

New Orleans Fire Truck

Does the Fire Code Have to Trump Urban Design?

Planners and urbanists are familiar with the many instances when fire and life safety codes conflict with quality urban design. The city of San Francisco is currently embroiled in policy conflict over the width of its streets.

May 21, 2014 - CityLab

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.