Pasadena Adopts Rules Against ‘Mansionization’

Despite opposition from architects and realtors, Pasadena city directors on Tuesday adopted strict rules against “mansionization.”

Pasadena now joins other cities, including Arcadia, San Gabriel, San Marino and South Pasadena, where regulations have been passed after residents in smaller homes complained of neighbors building huge mansions next door to them.

Height and square footage limits and side setback requirements on new home construction and expansion in flat areas of the city are expected to go into effect in about two months. Hillside regulations are still being drawn by city staff members.

The new rules come after months of work by city Planning Department staff members. Since April, a moratorium has blocked construction of multistory homes. The moratorium will not be lifted until the rules are formally adopted as law.