We Reveal Why There Are No Skyscrapers in Washington D.C.

by Petr Novák, ? The accuracy of the information provided in this article was last verified on this date. If you spot any errors, please let us know in the comments. Thank you. :-) Updated 07/31/2024 FAQs, Fun Facts, Washington D. C.

In Washington D. C., unlike New York or Los Angeles, there are no skyscrapers. This is due to the still existing law regarding fire safety, which sets the maximum building height in the city at 90 ft to 160 ft. “The Height of Buildings Act of 1899” was passed back in 1899.

1. Table of Contents

   1. Washington D.C.’s Building Height Law Is Still in Effect
   2. There Are Security Measures in Place in the City

   Washington D.C.’s Building Height Law Is Still in Effect

   The first law limiting the height of buildings in the city was passed in 1899. It responded to the growing trend of new buildings with steel construction. It was a novelty at the time, and some city residents were concerned that the building would collapse in the future due to corrosion of the steel frame. There was also fear of a potential fire at the top of the building and the limited options available to put it out.

   A social issue with high-rise buildings in Washington D. C. became a hot topic after the opening of the 164 ft tall Cairo Hotel in 1894.

   Thus, a newly passed law prohibited the construction of new buildings that were more than five stories or taller than a specified height. The latter varied according to the type of street and the surrounding buildings.

   Residential buildings were not allowed to be taller than 90 ft, commercial buildings could be no taller than 110 ft, and buildings on streets at least 160 ft wide were allowed to be as tall as 130 ft. All buildings taller than 75 ft were now required to have fireproof construction.

   In 1910, the law was amended to add further restrictions. The maximum height of new buildings has since been set by the width of the adjacent street, to which is added 20 ft.

   Meanwhile, the maximum height allowed is 90 ft on residential streets, 130 ft on commercial streets, and 160 ft on the short stretch on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue between 1st and 15th Streets across from the Federal Triangle.

   The law has been amended several times since then. Exemptions for new buildings have been added each time. The tallest building in Washington D. C. is the Old Post Office Building, with a height of 315 ft96 m.

2. There Are Security Measures in Place in the City

   The second reason is security measures related to the function of Washington D. C. as the seat of government. The White House, the United States Capitol, and departmental buildings are located in the city.

   There is a permanent no-fly zone over some locations and other security measures that would interfere with high-rise buildings.