Use of Air Space Over Freeway Systems

Freeway systems are utilizing more and more valuable urban land at the expense of lost tax revenue to the cities. In areas of very high land values ($50.00 per sq ft or higher) consideration may be given to secondary use of freeway rights-of-way. The air space above and below freeways is now being considered for development in many cities. Considerable effort has been made toward the study of air space utilization in Los Angeles including a comprehensive report by the Bureau of Engineering, City of Los Angeles, entitled Air Rights and Their Use in Los Angeles, completed in February, 1966. This paper describes examples of completed systems, enabling legislation (local, state and federal), leasing procedures and provisions which should be considered now for future development and control. Also, the paper describes needed local regulation and proposed air space utilization under consideration in Los Angeles.