No more mansions?

For more than two years, Los Angeles planners have been developing a rule to outlaw oversized houses that are built to the property line and tower over neighbors. On Tuesday, the City Council will consider the new citywide mansionization ordinance.

There have been dozens of hearings but don't expect this to be a cakewalk. Builders, Realtors and some community groups have opposed the rule on the grounds that it hinders peoples' ability to buy and build their dream homes. But the measure has strong support among homeowners groups, community preservationists and neighbors wary of someone building too close for comfort.