Construction of Huge Mansion Gets Green Light

Council members in Palos Verdes Estates have given the go-ahead for businessman Tei-Fu Chen to build a controversial 28,000-square-foot mansion high in the city’s hills on Via Visalia. The house, by far the largest in the community, has been criticized by some residents who say it is simply too big.

The council, in a 4-1 vote, said it could not turn down the proposal because it meets conditions of the city’s 2-year-old neighborhood compatibility ordinance. The ordinance, which some city officials have admitted is vaguely worded and open to wide interpretation, requires new or remodeled structures to be compatible with existing homes in terms of square footage and design.

“I don’t think it’s incompatible,” said Councilman James Nyman. “It’s a huge house on a huge lot.” But Mayor Ruth Gralow, who cast the lone opposition vote, said: “If this project goes, the message is ‘Go for the gross.’ ”