Plymouth Takes a Stand Against McMansions: New Rules Approved

Plymouth Takes a Stand Against McMansions: New Rules Approved

Plymouth residents seem to have won a significant battle in their quest to maintain the neighborhood’s charm and character. The city recently passed a new zoning ordinance amendment aimed at curbing the construction of oversized homes, often dubbed as “McMansions,” which have become a contentious topic in the area. With over a hundred residents looking on, the Plymouth City Commission approved the changes this week, a move that is expected to take effect by mid-February.

What Sparked the Change?

The city commission and Mayor Dan Dwyer are excited about the new rules, indicating that this isn’t just a small group of residents wanting change. “I think it’s a victory for everybody,” Dwyer stated, emphasizing the community’s widespread support. But not everyone is celebrating. Critics like local developer Kevin O’Keefe argue that these new regulations could be disastrous for the housing market.

Understanding the New Rules

Under the previous guidelines, a 50-by-120-foot lot could house a whopping 4,200 square feet home. The new rules, however, have tightened the screws significantly, limiting that same house to just 2,400 square feet. John Buzuvis, the Plymouth community development director, explained this revision was part of the commission’s effort to direct future home constructions.

While it might seem like homeowners could build larger houses with the new formulas, overall size will still be capped. For example, on a 10,000-square-foot lot, the old rule allowed for a total house area of up to 7,000 square feet if you counted a second floor. Now, with a new .4 multiplier, that cap is limited to 4,000 square feet, preventing the massive constructions that have been a point of contention for many residents.

Community Reaction

At a time when Plymouth is experiencing a surge in new constructions—37 permits were issued last year, up from 33 in 2015—residents are feeling a mixed bag of emotions. Many have expressed gratitude that their voices have been heard, especially since an informal city survey showed nearly 70 percent of residents were in favor of taking action against larger homes.

But O’Keefe thinks otherwise. He believes these new laws could choke the market, arguing that many of the homes he is currently working on wouldn’t even meet the new requirements. “This absolutely kills the market,” he remarked, emphasizing how challenging it would now be to build homes for new families.

Tensions Rising Over Future Developments

The new restrictions don’t just apply to new constructions but also affect home additions. This limitation could disappoint current homeowners looking to expand their space. Yet, features such as porches and detached garages are excluded from the overall square footage, which may give some leeway for homeowners looking to add on.

Some commission members, like Colleen Pobur, expressed concerns that the rules were a bit too restrictive, but overall, the commission majority felt that the public’s feedback warranted a significant change.

What’s Next for Plymouth?

As Plymouth gears up for the implementation of these changes, City Manager Paul Sincock declared this amendment as a continued step to address community concerns surrounding home sizes. The city officials hope that, in the long run, the result will be more appropriately sized homes that are in line with the character of the neighborhood, fewer demolitions of older homes, and less tree removal.

Mayor Dwyer is optimistic about this move, claiming it’s part of a wider, constructive governance initiative in Plymouth. He believes that as the city redefines its building landscape, it will not only bolster the neighborhood’s aesthetics but also improve community interaction. “I thought it was good government for Plymouth,” he concluded.

Stay tuned as Plymouth embarks on this exciting new chapter in its urban development journey, balancing growth and community essence!