LA's Planning Commission Listens To Public's Complaints Over 'McMansions'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles' Planning Commission is tackling the issue of  "McMansions."

Some want limits to the size of new homes being built across the city, while others think bigger is better.

Susan Gordon has lived in a Westside house for nearly 30 years, and she says her life has changed due to the recent building projects of these "McMansions."

"We are just completely walled-in now. It's just a vertical experience in my back yard," Gordon said.

On Thursday, the city's Planning Commission listened to public comment on whether new restrictions should be put into place that would limit the size and height of homes in city neighborhoods.

Among the items under consideration: Should the square footage of a home be less than half of the total square footage of the lot? And should special considerations for environmentally friendly homes be lifted?

The Planning Commission will provide its recommendations to the City Council, and the process will start all over again with more public comment before the council makes its decision.

Sharon Hanassab disagrees with Gordon and doesn't understand why neighbors are upset over her new home.

"It's just going to give more space for living and more quality of life for whoever lives in that area," Hanassab said.