1. Mansionization and Neighborhood Compatibility
City Council September 8, 2014

2. Housing Trend Property values have increased in recent years
Original houses are being replaced with larger structures or remodeled with large-scale 2-story additions
Potential to create an out of scale relationship between adjoining houses and a reduction of the neighbors’ access to direct sunlight and privacy.

3. Introduction
“Mansionization” - a trend in development of replacing older homes with new construction that is larger and potentially out of scale with homes around them.

4. Existing Regulations
Development in certain areas are reviewed for neighborhood compatibility through existing regulations:
Hillside Overlay – Hillside Development Permits
Historic Designations – Certificate of Appropriateness
Lower Hastings Ranch – Development standards that are applicable only to homes in this area
Discussion could be expanded to other areas in the City

5. All Non-RS Parcels

6. RS in Hillside

7. Properties with Historic Designation

8. RS in Lower Hastings

9. All Remaining RS

10. (Outside of Hillside and Landmark Districts)
Development Trends
to 2014
(Outside of Hillside and Landmark Districts)
New single-family residences
21 final inspections
Second-story additions
38 final inspections
Additions over 500 square feet
180 final inspections
Total Building Permits
13,481 permits issued
Accounts for less than 2% of permits issued
Although a small percentage, could adversely impact the character of a neighborhood and may encourage further mansionization to occur

11. Zoning Code Updates Previously adopted Zoning Code Updates:
Ordinance 6434 (1991) – Established max. top plate height and FAR; added encroachment plane and changes to max. lot coverage
Ordinance 7057 (2006) – Required garages to be located behind the primary structure if it is the prevailing location for other garages on the block; added max. size for accessory structures
Ordinance 7179 (2009) – Added restrictions for additions to use matching nonconforming setbacks/encroachment plane; lowered the maximum height limit; increased max. lot coverage; changed FAR max. and how FAR is calculated

12. Other Cities Action Cities
Encourage “good design practices” by offering incentives.  
Los Angeles
Temple City
Create Overlay Districts such as a “Residential Floor Area District” or a “Single-story Height District”
Establish a maximum home size regardless of lot size
Manhattan Beach, Malibu and Los Angeles
Require discretionary permits for certain development rights
Rancho Palos Verdes and Malibu
Require design review
Beverly Hills, Arcadia, San Marino, and Glendale

13. Recommendation
Receive the report and direct staff to bring the issue of mansionization to the Planning Commission to develop a strategy and recommendation for potential revisions to the City’s Zoning Code.

14. Mansionization and Neighborhood Compatibility
City Council September 8, 2014

15. 747 S. Los Robles Avenue

16. 580 Madeline Drive
Adjacent Homes: