Evening star., 1895-08-17
Building Regulations and the Health
of the Public.
ECONOMY IN THE Size OF Let's
Opening Of the Rental Season and
the indications.
SOME IMPROV VEMENT rs

Public attention has been called during
the past week to the building regulation
which requires that there should be a space
of at least ten feet square in the rear of
residences 1t was not generally known
that there was such provision limiting
the right of property owners to the use of
their own land, and, In fact, it has only
been quite recently that such a rule was
adopted by the District Commissioners In
the opinion of great many people, es-
pecially those who believe IN Intelligent
health regulations, this change in the build
ing laws is a wise one, and Is likely to cor
rect an evil which was Just beginning to
make its appearance in this city.
The increasing value of land has led to
economy in its use. Lots have gradually
been reduced in width and in length antil
now a limit in both directions is fixed by
the building regulations. 1. is evident to
any one who has given the matter any con-
slderaton that economy, rather than the
health and comfort of the householder. has
controlled in the minimizing of building
lots. 1t is possible to live i'll comparative
comfort and with some regard to the laws
of hygiene in house that only has a mar
row frontage, but it is quite different
matter when there Is no space left in the
rear of houses for light and air.
Injurious to Health.
been purchased and houses built on the
long line and extending back to the build
ing line. If the adjoining lots are not built
up, the occupants of the houses get the light
and air which come from over their neigh
bors' property. AS soon. however. as i'm
provements are made, the rear windows of
the houses occupying the corner lot come
within a short sDace Of the blank wall of
the house on the abutting lot instead, and
are thus deprived of the nealthful atmos-
phere from the broad sweep of space. The
unfortunate houSeholdarS compelled to
admit into their houses the air which comes
from a narrow and lamp areaway.
In the lower stories there is practically
no light even in broad daylight. and in this
way two essential conditions Of healthful
living are lacking. 1t IS believed that
regulation which protects such conditions
will in the end result In benefit to the city
and in enhancing the value of property
Demand for Houses.
Two weeks from today will mark the be-
ginning of the first month of the fall sea-
son. This period has considerable signif-
cance to owners of property, as well as to
real estate dealers, as 1t marks, well as
any arbitrary date can. the opening of the
rental season. Already dealers can see
evidences that people are beginning to
think about their homes for the winter.
Inquiries are being made for houses, and
the keys which adorn the racks In the real
estate offices are now in more or less act
i've circulation. Those who are early IN
the field, it is said, are apt to get the cream
of the market, and perhaps this accounts
for the interest which is being manifested
just now in the subject.
1t is believed by real estate dealers that
the demand for houses this fall is going to
be greater than was the case last year.
1t is said that rents remain about the
same as .ast year, and the only change in
the situation, it is thought. will be the in
crease in the number Of people who want
houses. AS a result of the building opera
tions during the present season, num-
ber of new houses will be added to those
already in the market.
Even with these additions, it is not be-
lieved that the number of vacant houses is
as large at the present time as during the
corresponding period of last year. 1t is the
expectation that at the close of the COM
ing rental season the number of unoccu-
pied houses in this city will be consider
ably reduced. All this, it is believed. will
be preliminary to the operations of next
spring, when, in the opinion of men Of good
judgment, there is likely to be great ac-
tivity in all branches Of the real estate
business.
EncOurnpiuc- Indications.