The Los Angeles City Council moved to curb the process of “mansionization” in some L.A. neighborhoods Tuesday, following numerous complaints from residents.
Officials voted 15-0 to approve temporary building restrictions in 14 Southland neighborhoods, limiting the size and scope of the dwellings which may be built. The rules are aimed at halting the construction of so-called “McMansions”—oversized luxury homes built to replace smaller, older structures in otherwise middle or working-class neighborhoods.
Council Member Paul Koretz pushed for the new restrictions after the phenomenon exploded in his district. Koretz’s district includes areas like Encino, Beverlywood and Carthay Square.
“Neighborhoods are being overrun by spectators and developers with these mansions,” Koretz said.
“You drop one of these giant houses in, and it just changes the entire character of the neighborhood,” remarked Tony Braswell, President of the Valley Village neighborhood council.
It will take approximately two months for the new rules to go into effect. In the meantime, the council is working on separate restrictions that would apply citywide.
Read more about Tuesday’s vote here