Los Angeles reversed course last month on a regulation that had barred skyscrapers from having slanted roofs or spires. Most high-rises in the city have flat-topped roofs due to a decades-old rule meant to boost fire safety by requiring helicopter landing pads atop tall buildings.
The rule was unique among large cities in the U.S., according to city officials. New technology and design techniques have removed the need for such a rule, city officials say.
Architects had decried the old rule, saying it restricted creative building tops and prevented L.A. from having a distinctive skyline.
Under the new rule, builders will be able to construct high-rises that don’t have a helicopter pad on the roof if they include other safety features such as a fire service elevator or another set of exit stairs, automatic sprinklers, and a video surveillance system.
“Anyone who’s been to New York or cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and even San Francisco can see how the tops of building can help to define the identity of a city,” former City Councilman Mike Woo told the Los Angeles Times. “But for Los Angeles, for years, we have limited ourselves.”
(http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-skyscraper-flat-top-fire-rule-spires-20140929-story.html)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2018
Cape Town, South Africa’s dire water supply crisis raises concerns in the U.S.
Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Miami among cities at risk for water shortages.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2018
Report shows how LEED certification supports net zero energy
Whole-building energy simulation, ASHRAE compliance requirement are key factors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2018
Energy efficiency measures contributing to flat demand for power
Utilities having difficulty adjusting to new business environment.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2018
New parking lighting technology is paying off, Energy Dept. says
Newer products can cut energy costs by as much as 70%.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2018
OSHA delays enforcement of beryllium exposure rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) voted to delay new beryllium exposure rules until May 11.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2018
L.A. mayor proposes mandatory seismic retrofits for steel buildings, daycare centers, private schools
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has proposed a seismic retrofit requirement for vulnerable steel buildings built before the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2018
Net zero commercial building trend shows strong momentum
Almost 50% more zero energy commercial buildings under construction in 2017.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2018
Dept. of Energy says 2016 ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 would save 8.2% of energy costs
Favorable comparison to 2013 standard for commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2018
Well Living Lab launches extensive study on how indoor environments affect people’s lives
Factors that impact health, performance, stress and resiliency, sleep, and comfort to be scrutinized.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2018
New guide helps planners assess innovation districts
The document is designed to aid in targeting resources toward innovative and inclusive economic development based on an area’s unique strengths and challenges.
