Lakewood Zoning Appeals Meeting - July 18, 2024

The Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting on July 18, 2024, at 11:45 AM UTC, presiding over two variance requests and one deferral. Four members were present; one absence was excused. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, public comment, deliberation, and votes on both variances.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to excuse the absence of Ms. Gillian Bellino was approved unanimously.
• Minutes from the June 20, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• For the first case (1655 Roosevelt Ave), an email from a neighbor across the street was received expressing full support for the construction, stating it is necessary.
• For the second case (150 Robinwood Ave), the applicant submitted a letter signed by five neighbors who reviewed the plans and approved of them.

Discussion Items

• Docket 06-11-2416 – 1655 Roosevelt Avenue (Old Business): The applicant sought to attach an existing detached garage to the primary structure via a breezeway, requiring variances for zero side-yard setback, combined side-yard setback of 3 feet (15 feet required), and primary lot coverage (40% vs. 35% permitted). The board discussed the unique corner lot situation and noted the height variance from a prior request was not under consideration. The board reviewed administrative comments about previous garage variances. No opposition was received from abutting neighbors. A motion to approve all four variances passed 4-0.
• Docket 07-14-2415 – 150 Robinwood Avenue (New Business): The applicant proposed a two-story, one-car garage (12.5 x 24 ft, 312 sq ft footprint) with a calculated mean height of 19 ft 4 in, requiring a height variance of 4 ft 4 in. Discussion centered on the substantial nature of the height variance, the unique grade differences (neighbor’s driveway is about 8-12 inches higher), and the narrow lot limiting horizontal expansion. The board weighed precedent (most prior approvals at 17 ft) versus the small footprint and neighbor support. Three members voted in favor, one opposed, resulting in approval.
• Docket 07-13-2418 – 169 Clifton Road (New Business): This item was deferred to the next meeting without a vote.

Key Outcomes

• Docket 06-11-2416 (1655 Roosevelt Ave): Approved 4-0 (Michael Alexander, Matt Markling, Jeffrey Piggett, Anthony Santiago all in favor).
• Docket 07-14-2415 (150 Robinwood Ave): Approved 3-1 (Michael Alexander, Matt Markling, Anthony Santiago in favor; Jeffrey Piggett opposed).
• Docket 07-13-2418 (169 Clifton Road): Deferred to next meeting.
• Meeting adjourned unanimously.