The clock is ticking for homeowners to submit development plans before a new, temporary ordinance intending to slash the size of new houses hits the books. The City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to approve the interim ordinance, which will be valid for 60 days starting March 16 and then will need to be extended by the City Council. Homeowners have until Feb. 24 to submit plans governed by the old rules.

The new ordinance is geared to address the “mansionization” of Santa Monica by targeting new construction in neighborhoods zoned for single-family homes (R1). The rules restrict the height of new homes to 28 feet, the maximum parcel coverage to 50 percent on a sliding scale with a maximum of 20 percent on the second floor and limits the square footage of second floor decks and balconies. In an effort to encourage more housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are exempt from the parcel coverage restrictions.

Read More: http://smdp.com/homeowners-rush-to-file-plans-before-anti-mansion-ordinance-limits-new-construction/164124