Pasadena : Building Moratorium OKd

An urgency ordinance to temporarily stop “mansionization,” the replacement of single-story homes by larger multistory homes, was introduced Tuesday by the Pasadena Board of Directors.

Under the ordinance, no building permits will be issued for single-family homes taller than 27 feet or for second-story construction that exceeds 50% of the square footage of the first floor. While the ordinance is in place, city staff members will complete a zoning study to determine how to stop the loss of smaller homes.

City Director Bill Paparian cast the sole vote against the measure, saying the approach was too broad. City Director Rick Cole abstained.

The ordinance was drafted after residents from the Madison Heights, Lower Hastings Ranch and Oakdale neighborhood associations complained that small homes were disappearing as developers tear them down to build larger residences.