flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Anchorage may raise building height restrictions that would block precious winter sunlight

Codes and Standards

Anchorage may raise building height restrictions that would block precious winter sunlight

Controversial measure is part of plan to spur development.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | October 16, 2015

Anchorage, Alaska, is considering the relaxation of parking and landscaping requirements and the height limits of tall buildings. Photo: Frank K./Wikimedia Commons.

Anchorage, Alaska is considering updates of land use ordinances aimed at encouraging redevelopment.

One controversial measure would raise the allowable height of residential buildings from 45 feet to 70 feet and change a rule that limits construction of tall buildings next to shorter ones. This proposal concerns some residents who fear more shadows cast by structures would block the sun, which shines just seven hours a day during the depths of winter.

Also under consideration are a relaxation of parking and landscaping requirements. Developers and architects have complained that recent code changes concerning new apartments, townhouses, and condos are too burdensome and expensive.

"It's premature to put six-story buildings in two-story residential neighborhoods," Cheryl Richardson, director of the Anchorage Citizens Coalition, told the Alaska Dispatch News.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017

OSHA suspends electronic injury, illness reporting requirement

The agency is keeping records from being publicly disclosed—for now.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017

Florida preparing to adjust to new building elevation requirements

New floodplain maps and state code changes loom.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017

Heated debate over whether Calif.’s prevailing wage requirement stymies affordable housing

There’s disagreement around how much pay regulations add to cost of projects.

Codes and Standards | May 25, 2017

Technology is influencing parking requirement codes in new developments

Uber and Lyft make it easier for urban dwellers to live without owning cars.

Codes and Standards | May 25, 2017

Better Buildings Challenge Partners on track to reduce energy usage by 20% in 10 years

More than 1,000 proven solutions are now available on DOE web site.

Codes and Standards | May 22, 2017

Amid labor shortage, industry groups urge government action to boost trades

AGC says a shortage of qualified workers is limiting the economy from adding more jobs.

Codes and Standards | May 19, 2017

Spate of sinkhole incidents points to neglected infrastructure investment

Suddenly appearing caverns cause deaths, evacuations, interruption of utility services.

Codes and Standards | May 18, 2017

AIA releases updated edition of its A201 flagship documents

These core documents are updated once a decade.

Codes and Standards | May 16, 2017

Trump’s proposed corporate tax rate changes said to stifle funding for affordable housing

Banks reluctant to commit to specific deals with tax credit status uncertain.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021