Question: I've heard that Venice has a special color palette for buildings within its limits.  What's so special about it, and what are the colors?  --Robert W.

Answer: The leaders of our city decided several years ago that they wanted the historic part of Venice to look kind of like our namesake--you know, in Italy.  They created some rules and a special board to keep our buildings low and make sure they're designed in the northern Italian style.  As part of that, they designated a palette of 45 approved exterior colors.  You can get the full list in the building department at City Hall.