OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Board of Building Standards/Architectural Board of Review/Sign Review Meeting – November 14, 2024

Boards and Commissions — Thursday, November 14, 2024
BodyLakewood, Ohio
SessionBoards and Commissions
DateThursday, November 14, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:56:48

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

All right, hello everyone.

0:03

Welcome to the Board of Building Standards Architectural Board of Review Sign Review Meeting for the City of Lakewood on November 14th, 2024.

0:15

May I get a roll call?

0:18

Mr.

0:18

Minet.

0:19

Here.

0:19

Ms.

0:20

Cohen Plessner.

0:21

Here.

0:21

Mr.

0:22

Agarberry.

0:22

Yep.

0:23

Mr.

0:23

Smith.

0:24

Here.

0:24

Mr.

0:25

Slaughterbeck.

0:26

Present.

0:28

All right.

0:29

Thank you.

0:30

First item on the agenda.

0:32

Everyone have a chance to review the meeting minutes from the October 10th meeting.

0:37

Any comments, notes?

0:39

Okay.

0:42

I will make a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the October 10th, 2024 meeting.

0:47

Can I get a second?

0:48

Second.

0:49

All in favor?

0:51

Aye.

0:52

Meetings minutes are approved.

0:54

May we get this evening's opening remarks.

0:58

Welcome to the Board of Building Standards Architectural Board of Review Sign Review Board.

1:02

The purpose of the architectural board of review is to protect the value appearance and use of property when buildings and homes are constructed or altered.

1:08

In approving building plans, the board will take into consideration development of adjacent buildings and properties.

1:13

All applicants as well as those members of the public who have come to offer comment.

1:16

When asked to come to the podium, please print and sign your name on the oath sheet and then clearly state your name and address into the microphone for the record.

1:23

Please stay close to the microphone so we can capture an accurate record of all discussion.

1:27

For those members of the public who have come to speak on a given proposal, we ask that you please keep your comments within five minutes to allow everyone an opportunity to comment.

1:35

Questions and comments should be directed to the chair who will compile them and provide them to the applicant for discussion after everyone has had the chance to speak.

1:42

We will now begin with the regular business of the Board of Building Standards Architectural Board of Review Sign Review Board.

1:48

Thank you.

1:49

All right.

1:50

Starting off of the agenda, we have a few signs that were summary approved from the pre-meeting.

1:56

First is docket number 119924 for potbelly sandwich.

2:06

And seeing as there is no notes, uh, I'm going to make a motion to approve docket number one one nine nine two four with condition that any window signage would come before us in the future.

2:15

Can I get a second?

2:17

All in favor?

2:20

Next is docket number one one hundred two four for help foundation.

2:30

Same notes.

2:31

Um that uh I'm gonna make a motion to approve.

2:35

11 124 uh with condition that any window signage would come before us.

2:41

Uh can I get a second?

2:43

Second.

2:44

Favor?

2:44

Aye.

2:52

Uh docket number one one zero one two four for AB and Flow Pilates Studio.

2:59

Uh make a motion to approve.

3:02

Can I get a second?

3:03

Second.

3:04

All in favor?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Residential Design Guidelines█████████████████████21%
Signage██████████████████18%
Building Codes██████████████████18%
Fence Regulations████████████12%
Zoning Code██████████10%
Procedural████████8%
Historic Preservation█████5%
Tree Preservation███3%
Public Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Board of Building Standards/Architectural Board of Review/Sign Review Meeting – November 14, 2024

The City of Lakewood held a joint meeting of the Board of Building Standards, Architectural Board of Review, and Sign Review Board on November 14, 2024, at 5:30 PM. The meeting began with roll call, approval of the October 10, 2024 meeting minutes, and opening remarks. The board considered 14 dockets covering sign permits, architectural design approvals, and one appeal to the Board of Building Standards.

Consent Calendar

  • Minute Approval: The minutes from October 10, 2024 were approved unanimously.
  • Summary Approvals (Sign Review): The following sign dockets were approved summarily with the condition that any future window signage would come before the board:
    • Docket No. 11-99-24 (Potbelly Sandwich Works, 15020 Detroit Ave.) – internally illuminated blade signs, wall sign, and updated awnings.
    • Docket No. 11-100-24 (HELP Foundation, 18228 Sloane Ave.) – wall sign.
    • Docket No. 11-101-24 (Ab & Flow Pilates Studio, 18215 Detroit Ave.) – non-illuminated wall sign and vinyl window graphics.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital (Docket 10-87-24): Kathy Clark (representative) stated that the applicant aims to reduce existing signage square footage but was unaware of the square footage exceedance. The board recommended removing awning signage to reduce square footage. The docket was deferred.
  • 892 Beach Rd. Rear (Docket 10-96-24): Kathy Weiss, a Clifton Lagoon trustee and neighbor, expressed support for the demolition and reconstruction project, noting it would improve home values. No other public comments.
  • Irene & Donald Ave. Development (Docket 10-98-24): No public speakers, but the board noted prior letters of concern regarding the northern landscape buffer. Planning commission had addressed most issues.
  • Screw Factory (Docket 11-102-24): No public comments.
  • 1425 Elmwood Ave. Appeal (Docket 11-103-24): RaeLynn Kirk Laboy (appellant) opposed the adjoining property permit, citing personal safety concerns and past incidents. Kevin Green (applicant) stated maintenance is necessary every 2–3 years and he had followed proper procedures. Neighbor Lynn (aunt) supported the appellant. The board heard both sides and engaged in discussion.
  • Other dockets: No public comments were offered for other items.

Discussion Items

  • VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital (Sign Review, Docket 10-87-24): The applicant proposed rebranding with new wall signs, awning, and monument sign. The board noted the total square footage exceeded the allowed limit by more than double. Options discussed included removing the awning signage or omitting one of the wall signs. Due to incomplete information, the board deferred the application, encouraging the applicant to attend the pre-review meeting next month.
  • 892 Beach Rd. Rear (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 10-96-24): The applicant presented simplified designs for a new residence within the existing footprint, using materials (stone, stucco) and roof forms (gables, mansards) inspired by the lagoon neighborhood. A letter of support from the adjacent neighbor was submitted. The board commended the changes and approved the project.
  • Irene & Donald Ave. Development (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 10-98-24): Final approval for a planned development of 10 townhouse units and one single-family house. The applicant addressed prior comments: widened the public sidewalk, increased the northern landscape buffer to 5 feet with a 6-foot privacy fence and evergreen plantings, and added unit variation (bay windows, Juliet balconies, trim). The board discussed foundation materials and required a brick-textured finish (not smooth concrete). A condition was included for an updated site plan approved administratively.
  • Screw Factory Comprehensive Sign Package (Sign Review, Docket 11-102-24): The applicant proposed wayfinding signage, unified branding, and removal of outdated signs. The total square footage exceeded the code, but the board found it appropriate given the building's scale and complexity. The design uses channel letters with 3-inch aluminum returns, white LED lighting, and black trim. Approved unanimously.
  • 1425 Elmwood Ave. Appeal (Board of Building Standards, Docket 11-103-24): Appeal of a permit issued to the neighbor (1429 Elmwood) to enter the appellant’s property to apply water sealant to a shared fence. The appellant cited threats and a prior damage incident. The applicant stated he followed procedures and cannot access the other side. The board, after hearing both parties and public comment, voted 3–2 to deny the appeal, thereby allowing the permit to stand. The board noted personal safety concerns but found the permit valid and recommended mediation.
  • 16422 Madison Ave. Coffee Shop (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 11-104-24): Proposal to remove panels to reveal existing clear story windows and level the interior floor. The board approved the restoration, noting it improves light and activates the street. Future signage will require separate review.
  • 15320 Detroit Ave. Tapster Shade System (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 11-105-24): Applicant proposed a metal frame on existing fence posts with adjustable sun shades and a weatherproof TV mount. The shades would be beige, frame black. Approved.
  • 2248 Emily Ave. Front Deck (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 11-106-24): Simplified application for a replacement wood stoop (with lattice and prefab railings) matching the existing footprint. The board approved with a condition to submit updated drawings to the building department.
  • 17866 Lake Rd. Front Porch Modification (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 11-107-24): Proposal to replace a sinking porch and move the front door to the side. The board expressed concerns about loss of symmetry, under-scaled columns, and lack of entry prominence. They deferred the application, recommending further refinement and attendance at pre-review.
  • 12984 Lake Ave. Gate/Fence and Repairs (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 11-108-24): Proposal for a 6-foot wrought iron driveway gate, 4-foot perimeter fence, porch repairs, and tree removal. The board appreciated the delicate approach, discussed aligning the fence with existing stone walls, and approved the project.
  • 1557 Waterbury Rd. Porch Steps (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 11-109-24): Proposal to relocate side steps to the front and add columns, roof, and planter boxes as railings. The board approved with conditions: submit a detailed drawing of the column capital/roof connection and the design/dimensions of the planter boxes for administrative review.
  • 1616 Grace Ave. Porch Railing (Docket No. 11-110-24): Application withdrawn; applicant will comply with standard front porch guidelines.
  • 17892 Clifton Park Ln. Addition and Renovation (Architectural Board of Review, Docket 11-111-24): Second-floor addition over garage with front porch refinements. The board approved, noting the design breaks up the linear façade.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved (summary): Potbelly Sandwich Works sign, HELP Foundation sign, Ab & Flow Pilates Studio sign.
  • Approved (with conditions): 892 Beach Rd. rear residence; Irene & Donald Ave. final development (brick-textured foundation, updated site plan); Screw Factory comprehensive sign package; 16422 Madison Ave. coffee shop; Tapster shade system; 2248 Emily Ave. stoop (updated drawing); 12984 Lake Ave. gate/fence and repairs; 1557 Waterbury Rd. porch (column detail and planter box drawings); 17892 Clifton Park Ln. addition.
  • Deferred: VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital sign (Docket 10-87-24); 17866 Lake Rd. front porch modification (Docket 11-107-24).
  • Appeal denied (3-2): Docket 11-103-24 (1425 Elmwood Ave. adjoining property permit). The permit allowing entry for fence maintenance is upheld.
  • Withdrawn: 1616 Grace Ave. porch railing (Docket 11-110-24).
  • Meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after the final agenda item.

Meeting Transcript

All right, hello everyone. Welcome to the Board of Building Standards Architectural Board of Review Sign Review Meeting for the City of Lakewood on November 14th, 2024. May I get a roll call? Mr. Minet. Here. Ms. Cohen Plessner. Here. Mr. Agarberry. Yep. Mr. Smith. Here. Mr. Slaughterbeck. Present. All right. Thank you. First item on the agenda. Everyone have a chance to review the meeting minutes from the October 10th meeting. Any comments, notes? Okay. I will make a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the October 10th, 2024 meeting. Can I get a second? Second. All in favor? Aye. Meetings minutes are approved. May we get this evening's opening remarks. Welcome to the Board of Building Standards Architectural Board of Review Sign Review Board. The purpose of the architectural board of review is to protect the value appearance and use of property when buildings and homes are constructed or altered. In approving building plans, the board will take into consideration development of adjacent buildings and properties. All applicants as well as those members of the public who have come to offer comment. When asked to come to the podium, please print and sign your name on the oath sheet and then clearly state your name and address into the microphone for the record. Please stay close to the microphone so we can capture an accurate record of all discussion. For those members of the public who have come to speak on a given proposal, we ask that you please keep your comments within five minutes to allow everyone an opportunity to comment. Questions and comments should be directed to the chair who will compile them and provide them to the applicant for discussion after everyone has had the chance to speak. We will now begin with the regular business of the Board of Building Standards Architectural Board of Review Sign Review Board. Thank you. All right. Starting off of the agenda, we have a few signs that were summary approved from the pre-meeting. First is docket number 119924 for potbelly sandwich. And seeing as there is no notes, uh, I'm going to make a motion to approve docket number one one nine nine two four with condition that any window signage would come before us in the future. Can I get a second? All in favor? Next is docket number one one hundred two four for help foundation. Same notes. Um that uh I'm gonna make a motion to approve.

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