Have You Heard About The McMansion Controversy In La Jolla?

Did you read the article in the La Jolla Light about La Jolla McMansions and the committee formed to address the issue? Read about it here: Committee forms to address La Jolla ‘McMansion’ issue

You may be asking yourself what is a McMansion?!? Or perhaps you had no idea this was an issue?!?

We learned about it a few months ago through our new listing in Bird Rock. The first week we held it open we were shocked to hear the neighbor's opinions about who they wished would move in. There were some angry people that talked about how a SPECIFIC company was buying smaller homes and turning them into huge monstrosities of McMansions....leaving them feeling disappointed that the face of the neighborhood they've lived in for so long was changing!

Whether you perceive it as greedy builders and REALTORS (yes I said it!) that are only concerned with their bottom line and getting the most bang for their buck. Or perhaps it's just a shift in demographic..as older homes are getting the renovations they need to be more desirable for the current home buyer while bringing value to your neighborhood.

Either way being the research freak that I am...I immediately started Googling McMansions and here's what I found;

• Coined early in the 1980s the term McMansion means: type of large, new luxury house which is judged to be over sized for its parcel, or incongruous and out of place for its neighborhood.*
• McMansion term is meant as a play on McDonald's fast food restaurants, as these homes also represent the pervasiveness and excessive consumption that critics often associate with McDonald's.**
• McMansion concept was intended to fill the gap between the suburban tract home and the upscale custom homes found in gated, waterfront or golf course communities..most times in empty lots or as replacements for "tear-down" structures
• Economically from the perspective of a home-builder/investor luxury homes of 3,000 sq ft or more are more profitable than smaller homes
• Widespread disapproval for the McMansion stems from perceptions that these houses look and feel inappropriate for the neighborhood

“Some developers are making a business out of this and really damaging the unique character of the neighborhoods,” Wampler said.

The community of Bird Rock is so concerned that they are forming a committee to help them suggest revisions to the city's land development code. They are taking the same approach as Los Angeles in suggesting the city halts permits for home flippers and investors until these codes are revised and there is oversight to manage such a development. Looking for change they are recommending:

• Exclude investors and home flippers from utilizing the 50 percent rule
• Require larger setbacks from property lines
• Include garages and carports in the FAR calculations
• Ensure development is compatible with homes in the immediate area

SOUND OFF | MY OPINION

It is difficult to say whether or not the LJCPA will be successful in efforts to halt investors and flippers from buying older homes and making them into McMansions. However, they do have some good points...the homes that have been built to 50 percent rule can seem extremely close to the neighboring home...and as a homeowner next to a McMansion I would have my doubts. Cookie cutter designs, small yards and the clashing of architectural styles with existing properties have resulted in angry neighbors and zoning boards fighting back.

However....it reminds me of a quote my volleyball coach once said to me when I disagreed with the call of my double handed set..."Teresa, worry about the things you can control and forget the rest." It comes down to mindset. You can see the upgrades of the community as a positive or a negative, but is it something that you can "CONTROL"?!?!? Maybe....over time...

The recent sale of 5625 Beaumont Ave (McMansion) sold and closed in 17 days for $2,400,000 CASH! This helps the value of homes in Bird Rock and it helps homeowners who are looking to sell. Inventory is low in Bird Rock and it is a known fact that home buyers are looking for "newer, upgraded, even energy efficient" homes.

McMansions specialize in interior space where the rooms are big, the ceilings are high and the "WOW" factor mesmerizes home buyers. Spacious foyers, gourmet kitchens, walk-in closets, media rooms, homes offices, over-sized garages and large decks are common must have features.

If history offers any indication of the future, beautiful homes in ideal locations are always going to attract buyers. Not to mention if you are looking to downsize...your big house is likely to put a big check in your pocket. 

Regardless...each is entitled to their own opinion, whether you love it or hate it...now is the time to make your move...restrictions on building could come into play over the next few years. Homes built now would get through the red tape of the future.

Need help buying or selling your home in La Jolla? We are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a time to sit and talk about what is best for you and your real estate goals.

Check out this video of new construction and homes that will soon be available in Bird Rock.

Sources:
* McMansion Definition
**McMansion/McDonald's 

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