No to mansions

The Los Angeles anning Commission adopted a "mansionization" ordinance Thursday that limits the size of prospective "McMansions" and mini-palaces in most communities. Kerry Cavanaugh in the Daily News.

While some residents complained that the rule would still allow new houses to tower over their bungalow and ranch neighbors, planning commissioners said the law would balance the demand for big homes with the need to preserve neighborhood character.

"Los Angeles has an excellent, diverse heritage, socioeconomically, culturally and ethnically," said commission President Jane Usher. "We are all looking to this ordinance to help us preserve that richness."

The proposed ordinance now goes to the City Council for review.

Called the Baseline Mansionization Ordinance, the new rule would limit house size based on the lot size and zoning. For example, on a typical 5,000-square-foot lot, a property owner can now build a 7,000-square-foot house. The proposed ordinance would allow a house on that lot size to range from 2,500 to 3,000 square feet.