Alhambra is a city inhabited by a majority of Asian and their descendants in America, followed in percentages by Chicano population. In residential areas, the Zoning Code allows to build a lot coverage of 50%, with a FAR of 38%. Supposedly, for a bigger lot, a bigger house could be built.
Legally, for any new house or addition, given the project complies with the Zoning regulations, the final decision of the house square footage will be taken by Planning Commission. The problem here is the criteria and methodology to take this decision.

myriammahiques.blogspot.com/2009/09/urban-restrictions-in-city-of-alhambra.html