Flat Tops No Longer Required for Los Angeles Skyscrapers

Emily Alpert Reyes reports that Los Angeles has overturned a long-standing requirement for its skyscrapers to have flat roofs to accommodate the fire department's helicopters in the event of an emergency.

1 minute read

October 1, 2014, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

According to Emily Alper Reyes, "builders [in Los Angeles] will be able to craft skyscrapers that don’t have a helicopter pad on the roof if they include other safety features, such as a fire service elevator for firefighters to swiftly reach a blaze or another set of exit stairs, automatic sprinklers and a video surveillance system."

Mayor Eric Garcetti called the former ban "one more stupid rule in Los Angeles" when he announced the change earlier this week.

As for how the rule change would influence the shape of the city, "[architects] had bemoaned the old rule, saying it stifled creativity and prevented L.A. builders from crafting a distinctive skyline," explains Alpert Reyes.

FULL STORY: L.A. to allow spires on skyscrapers, easing 40-year-old flat-roof rule

Monday, September 29, 2014 in Los Angeles Times

Architecture Urban Development California Los Angeles Skyline Rooftop Helipad Los Angeles Municipal Code Fire Safety Fire Department Helicopters Skylines View More

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