Because of that regulation, there are no skyscrapers in LA, or buildings with tall spires or antennas. However, as a result, LA is the city with the most helipads: over 75!
The reason for it seems to be that most fire truck ladders only reach heights of about 80 feet. Anything taller, and the only viable rescue option is a helicopter.
The code was adopted in 1974 and has made a dramatic visual of the city. There are no post-modern pyramid-topped buildings, no neo-Gothic or Modern spires, topped by an antenna mast.
All major buildings in LA built after 1974 have flat tops, to accommodate the required 50 x 50 foot touchdown pad, surrounded by an obstruction-free Peripheral Area of 25 feet.
Do these helipads help save lives? Maybe, but thankfully there haven’t been any situations that would prove it. What do you think? Is this regulation a good or bad idea?