Lakewood Board of Building Standards, Architectural Board of Review, and Sign Review Meeting - October 10, 2024

This meeting of the Board of Building Standards, Architectural Board of Review, and Sign Review was held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Auditorium and via Zoom. The board approved minutes, heard public comments, deliberated on multiple dockets, and took votes on approvals, deferrals, and a tabling.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 12, 2024 regular meeting and the September 25, 2024 special meeting via two separate motions.
• Summary Approvals (Sign Review): Four sign dockets were approved under summary review:
  • Docket 10-86-24 (D's Accessories, 13622 Detroit Ave.): Approved with condition requiring ABR approval for any window signage before installation.
  • Docket 10-88-24 (Bluestone FHS, 17409 Detroit Ave.): Approved as meeting all code requirements.
  • Docket 10-89-24 (Trinity Block, 16400 Detroit Ave.): Approved as a comprehensive sign package with updated conditions regarding planting.
  • Docket 10-90-24 (Sacred Hour Wellness Spa, 17514 Detroit Ave.): Approved with condition that any window signage must return to the board before installation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Downtown Development (Docket 09-80-24): Two residents spoke. Linda Barbero (2249 Olive) asked about the phasing of the Curtis Block renovation (whether it would be first in phase one due to fragility) and about maintenance of the vine system on the garage. Billy Fronimo (1434 Clarence) inquired about possible plaza amenities like a band platform or splash pad. A written comment from Jean McKay (unable to attend) expressed appreciation for public art and raised questions about plant toxicity and the color of siding on Building 4 dormers. The applicant responded that the plaza is intentionally flexible for events, that vines are held off the building for easier maintenance, and that color concerns were addressed by physical material samples.
• Other Public Comments: No additional public comments were made on other dockets except for Linda Barbero also spoke positively on the 1345 Edgewater project (Docket 10-97-24), praising its thoughtful design and corner treatment.

Discussion Items

• Old Business:
  • Docket 09-80-24 – Downtown Development (14501-14519 Detroit Ave.): Applicant Paul Glowacki (Dimmitt Architects) presented revised plans addressing previous board comments. Changes included: redesigned garage door layout on the Curtis Block; removal of planned foliage breaks on Building 2; added landscaping details with seasonal views; column capital and base details; and extensive lighting renderings including up-down lights, bollards, catenary lighting, and low-level seating lighting. Photometrics were reviewed. The board discussed lighting on the parking garage (pole fixtures with cutoff), the revised path width near Building 4 (minimum 11 feet), and crosswalk placement on the new street. The development team committed to meeting with a neighbor about fence design. The board also noted that Building 3 units will have resident-controlled lighting.
  • Docket 02-05-24 (R) – 1428 Grace Ave. (Modifications): Applicant Nathaniel Don presented a resubmission with changes including revised driveway pavers (brick herringbone instead of cobblestone), removal of a rear patio, addition of a man door to the garage, and revised dormer layout on the tower (two dormers instead of one). The board approved without further change.
• New Business – Sign Review:
  • Docket 10-87-24 – VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital (14587 Madison Ave.): Applicant was absent; the item was tabled to a future meeting.
• Appeal to Board of Building Standards:
  • Docket 10-91-24 (R) – 1030 Roy Dr.: Building Commissioner presented. The applicant proposes replacing a Federal Pacific electrical panel in a closet that does not meet code clearances (2'6" depth, 2'8" width vs. required 3'x3'x6'). The board found the proposal met the spirit of the code, especially with removal of a shelf and rod to improve access. Approved.
• New Business – Architectural Board of Review:
  • Docket 10-92-24 (R) – 15415 Clifton Blvd.: Applicant Walt Gamula proposed an addition to address structural sag and improve living space. The board commended the design and approved after noting that materials match existing.
  • Docket 10-93-24 (R) – 2206 Bunts Rd.: Applicant Jonathan (interpreter for homeowner) proposed porch modifications to address a prior violation. The board approved with condition to remove the slanted back of the seating to meet porch railing standards.
  • Docket 10-94-24 (C) – 11811 Lake Ave. (The Envoy Apartments): Applicant Anthony Zaatar proposed a fence and dumpster enclosure. The board approved.
  • Docket 10-95-24 (R) – 1332 Sloane Ave.: Applicant Scott Dimmett presented a renovation and addition to a 1915 home, preserving historic character with a contemporary rear addition. The board praised the design and approved.
  • Docket 10-96-24 (R) – 892 Beach Rd. (Rear): Applicant Steve Schill proposed a new residence on a large lot. The board expressed concerns about excessive complexity (multiple roof forms, fussy details) and lack of clear relationship to the existing house or neighborhood context. The item was deferred for simplification and a clearer design narrative.
  • Docket 10-97-24 (R) – 1345 Edgewater Dr.: Applicant Dave Maddox proposed a renovation including a corner porch, rebuilt sunroom, and new garage matching existing roof pitch. The board strongly commended the clean, modern yet appropriate design. Approved with condition to submit future light fixtures for administrative review.
  • Docket 10-98-24 (C) – Irene & Donald Ave. (Thoreau & Donald Development): Applicant requested deferral; motion carried.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (with conditions or as noted): Dockets 09-80-24, 02-05-24, 10-86-24, 10-88-24, 10-89-24, 10-90-24, 10-91-24, 10-92-24, 10-93-24, 10-94-24, 10-95-24, 10-97-24.
• Deferred: Docket 10-96-24 (892 Beach Rd.) – to be revised and resubmitted with simplified design and clearer context justification.
• Tabled: Docket 10-87-24 (VCA Animal Hospital) – applicant absent; future meeting.
• Deferred by request: Docket 10-98-24 (Irene & Donald Ave. development) – will return in a later month.
• Next Steps: Applicants for approved items to submit final lighting fixture selections (where conditioned) and coordinate with building department for permits. Deferred items to appear on a future agenda with updated materials.