Los Angeles (Temporarily) Bans New McMansions

Last month, the Los Angeles City Council moved to restrict one kind of development loathed by urbanists and preservationists alike: McMansions. The Neighborhood Conservation Interim Control Ordinance, in effect for the next two years, sets limits on the size of new single-family homes in 15 neighborhoods. Five additional districts will endure a temporary ban on all building and demolition permits.

This isn't the first time Los Angeles rebuked the McMansion: "In 2008, the City Council passed the so-called 'mansionization ordinance,' which was intended to control the size of new homes in Los Angeles. But loopholes in the ordinance allowed larger homes to rise, prompting passage of Wednesday’s temporary law."

The ordinance will stem new McMansion construction—to the displeasure of some—at least until city planners release a new set of zoning codes in about 18 months.