Architecture Restricted By Shadow Law

The "shadow ordinance" in Fort Lauderdale, FL, prevents buildings from casting too much shadow on to the beach. Architects complain that the resulting building designs are expensive and look the same.

1 minute read

October 17, 2001, 8:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"In the interest of preventing the shade from spoiling Fort Lauderdale?s tourist trade, the city has a -- shadow ordinance-- to prevent buildings from casting too much shadow on the beach.But the law?s requirements have an unintended effect on building design. Architects say it?s virtually impossible to avoid creating buildings that look the same. Even worse, they say, the angled buildings are more costly to construct than a traditional high-rise ? which may be the reason a host of buildings have been approved, struggled for financing, but have not yet been built." [Link corrected thanks to Sheryl Stolzenberg]

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Sunday, September 30, 2001 in Sun-Sentinel

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