South Pasadena : ‘Mini-Mansion’ Ban OKd

The City Council amended its residential zoning ordinance last week to halt the construction of so-called mini-mansions, which some residents say have spoiled the character of neighborhoods.

The measures, which take effect Aug. 1, toughen restrictions on the height, setback and maximum lot coverage of non-hillside homes. They are based on similar measures taken by Arcadia, Monrovia and La Canada Flintridge, cities that also have been battling a trend toward the replacement of older houses with larger ones.

Before the council approved the amendments, several residents complained during a public hearing that the proposed maximum lot coverage, set at 35%, was too restrictive, especially for smaller properties. But Councilman Amedee Richards Jr. called the 35% floor-to-area ratio a “very reasonable figure,” adding that it could be changed later if found to be too low.

Mayor Evelyn Fierro said the new standards are necessary to preserve the city’s open space. “Just imagine what it would be like in 50 years,” she said. “The children would be playing on the tops of roofs.”