Daily News, Los Angeles
RISMEDIA, July 29 – (KRT) – The City Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday to
an "anti-mansionization" ordinance for the Sunland-Tujunga area of the San Fernando
Valley, the first time it has specifically addressed restricting home size in Los Angeles.
The ordinance, scheduled for a final vote next Tuesday, would limit homes built on lots of
8,000 square feet or less to 2,400 square feet, or 40 percent of the lot size, whichever is
greater.
That means many of the 4,000-square-foot lots in the neighborhoods just below the
Angeles National Forest would be limited to more traditional bungalows and ranch-style
homes, rather than the 3,000- to 4,000-square-foot structures that have been sprouting
up.
Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who made the motion and is working with groups in Valley
Village and Valley Glen on similar regulations, said the ordinance modernizes existing
codes and balances private property rights with quality-of-life issues.
"We're finding in communities homes are being built larger than is necessary, where
quality of life is impacted and privacy issues have come up," Greuel said in an interview.
Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.,
said mansionization emerged as a phenomenon about five years ago and has gained
momentum in the last year.
Some neighborhoods have attempted to address the issue as part of broader plans for
their communities, including an "anti-mansionization" provision in the Mount
Washington/Glassell Park specific plan.
"People think they need more house," Kyser said, adding that with the increase in
consumer demand, "it's going to be interesting how the building and real estate
community react."
Terra Donlon, director of government affairs for the Los Angeles and Ventura chapters of
the Building Industry Association, said the organization generally opposes measures that
interfere with owners' property rights.
Several other council members said they would like to see similar ordinances in other
parts of the city. Greuel recommended such an extension be tailored to specific
communities' needs.
"There's not one solution to this -- it's not one-size-fits-all. It's a community-driven
process."
If passed unanimously on Tuesday, the ordinance would become effective once signed by
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. If it's passed by a simple majority, it would take effect in 30
days.
Councilman Dennis Zine said he'd like to see similar restrictions in other parts of the city,
adding that it's not uncommon to see a "monstrosity" of a house erected on a modest-size
lot in his West Valley district.
Councilman Tony Cardenas, who represents the East and Central Valley, said
communities subjected to mansionization have been left feeling "like planning isn't going
on."
Burbank and Glendale already have regulations limiting the size of new homes that
overshadow nearby ranch homes and bungalows.
Copyright © 2005, Daily News, Los Angeles
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