Taiwan skyscraper faces demolition for exceeding flight height limits

A nearly completed skyscraper in Taiwan's Taoyuan High-Speed Rail district, the "Landmark Plaza Taoyuan B District," may have its top "chopped off" for exceeding aircraft height limits. Cathay Life Insurance, the developer, insists it followed all regulations and obtained permits legally. However, the architect responsible for the project tragically died by suicide last week, adding a somber layer to the unfolding situation.

The controversy stems from differing interpretations of height regulations. A 2014 Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) letter indicated that buildings over 60 meters required specific documentation. The architect, commissioned in 2016, designed the building to 59 meters, believing it fell below the threshold. This interpretation led to the building permit being approved by local authorities, who rely on administrative reviews, while technical aspects are outsourced.

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We are following all regulations and have constructed the building according to the approved plans.

However, a recent on-site measurement by Taoyuan International Airport Corporation revealed the building surpasses the allowed height within the airport's "conical surface" zone. The airport's own elevation of 32.92 meters means the actual permissible building height from the ground is lower than surface-level figures suggest. Local authorities stated they had noted the height restriction during the permit review in 2020 but issued the permit based on the architect's submitted height being under 60 meters.

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The building is located within the 'conical surface' of the Taoyuan Airport, and its height exceeds the limit.

Now, Cathay Life is exploring options, including potentially adding aviation warning lights. If the CAA does not approve this, a new architect must be hired, and a new environmental impact assessment and urban design review will be required. The situation could necessitate the demolition of the upper floors if the building is ultimately deemed non-compliant. The developer is also seeking clarity on whether new or old regulations apply, as recent amendments to height management rules were made in February, partly to accommodate a planned third runway at Taoyuan Airport.

This incident exposes flaws in Taiwan's multi-agency building approval system. Local construction authorities perform only a preliminary administrative review, aviation bodies set height limits, and airport companies conduct actual measurements only near completion. The lack of digital, cross-agency real-time communication has exposed the developer and architect to significant systemic risks.

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We will clarify the applicable regulations.