The Mansionization Of California

The practice of creating 'mansion' homes on small footprints adjacent to traditional smaller homes is causing an "architectural identity crisis."

1 minute read

July 21, 2003, 6:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


From SUVs to fast food, Americans love to go big. And homes are no exception. Lack of inventory and a shortage of raw land in many areas have owners and developers tearing down older homes to accommodate the preference for more square footage... From beachside villages to tonier towns, teardowns are a welcome source of increased property tax revenues."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Sunday, July 20, 2003 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 18, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Two people walking away from camera through pedestrian plaza in street in Richmond, Virginia with purple and white city bus moving in background.

Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA

The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.

June 17, 2025 - WRIC

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

June 16, 2025 - Governing

Close-up on white sign with green "Reserved Parking" letters and blue accessibility symbol.

Raleigh Pilots App-Based Feedback Program for Accessible Parking

The city is using the program to collect real-time information about accessibility issues and correct them quickly.

45 minutes ago - GovTech

Low view of row of red, grey, and black Tesla electric cars.

Texas Safety Advocates Raise Alarm in Advance of Tesla Robotaxi Launch

The company plans to deploy self-driving taxis in Austin with no oversight from state or local transportation agencies.

June 23 - Streetsblog USA

San Francisco Muni bus on street, line 14 with MISSION - Ferry Plaza" on front marquee.

How to Fund SF’s Muni Without Cutting Service

Three solutions for bridging the San Francisco transit agency’s budget gap without reducing service for transit-dependent riders.

June 23 - San Francisco Chronicle