Lakewood Board of Building Standards/Architectural Board of Review/Sign Review Board Meeting - March 13, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio. The board addressed old business, new sign review, and architectural review items. A total of six dockets were considered: one communication item, two sign applications, and three architectural review applications. Votes and decisions are noted below.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the February 13, 2025 meeting.
• Docket No. 03-18-25 (12900 Madison Ave., Lakewood Community Services Center): Summary approval of a non-illuminated projecting sign.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Winterhurst Ice Arena (Docket 02-17-25): Barbara McCann (2272 Emily) and Carrie Howcroft (Delaware Avenue) raised concerns about lack of outdoor workout space for youth leading to dangerous parking lot use, garbage accumulation, and construction vehicles parked too close to residential fences. McCann also noted unfulfilled promises of landscaping and trash cans after a previous fence project.
• 15431 Edgewater Dr. (Docket 03-21-25): Amelia Leonard (1056 Cliffdale) opposed the proposed addition, stating it would block her lake view, impact water drainage, and that the design was too modern for the neighborhood. She also noted potential non-conforming setbacks.
• 1374 W. 117th St. (Docket 03-23-25): Dan Shepherd (flower child, 1360 W. 117th) supported the garage door and ramp improvements, arguing they would improve building functionality and appearance. He suggested adding a lighted signal for pedestrian safety.

Discussion Items

• Old Business – Winterhurst Ice Arena (Docket 02-17-25): David Baas, Assistant Director of Planning and Development, presented an alternate elevation for the exterior addition (14740 Lakewood Heights Blvd.), featuring a Kingspan insulated metal panel system with sandstone and shadow-line profiles, and a York rust split-face masonry base. Board members offered suggestions on panel joint alignment, roof condition transitions, and window coordination. The application was a communication item; no vote was taken, but staff directed to incorporate feedback into final plans.
• New Business – Sign Review:
  • Docket No. 03-19-25 (17114 Detroit Ave., Dayz & Nite): Shadi Almikdad proposed replacing an existing sign with an illuminated LED channel letter sign with a red face and white trim cap. Board requested updated drawings showing dimensions within the sign band border and removal of existing window signage. The motion to approve carried with conditions.
  • Docket No. 03-20-25 (14239 Detroit Ave., Pure Puff Smoke Shop): Shadi Almikdad proposed three illuminated signs with digital graphics in existing cabinets. Board requested flat elevation drawings of each sign and noted square footage exceeded limits. The application was deferred for additional information.
• New Business – Architectural Board of Review:
  • Docket No. 03-21-25 (15431 Edgewater Dr.): Mark Reinhold (Mark Reinhold Architect) proposed a family room, kitchen, and porch addition on the west elevation of a bungalow, with vinyl siding, stone chimney, and black metal roof. Board discussed scale, material samples, and required lot consolidation at Planning Commission. Approval was conditioned on submission of exterior lighting fixtures for administrative staff review.
  • Docket No. 03-22-25 (12650 Detroit Ave., City Hall Service Garage): Luke Kraft (LVK Design) and Mark Papke (City Engineer) proposed a pre-engineered metal storage building to replace a deteriorated pole barn. The building is 317 ft by 35-37 ft, 20-25 ft high, with a light stone color siding and bronze roof. Open sides face south. Board approved as presented.
  • Docket No. 03-23-25 (1374 W. 117th St., Norton Industries): Robert Wells (Ground Works Land Design) proposed a garage door resize/install and ramp repair. The garage door would create a new curb cut on W. 117th St., conflicting with the city's commercial design guidelines. Board members opposed the vehicular door but supported the ramp. After an initial motion to deny the entire application was made and seconded, the motion was superseded. A new motion to approve only the ramp alterations was approved; the garage door portion was denied.

Key Outcomes

• Docket 02-17-25 (Winterhurst Ice Arena): Communication filed; architect to address board suggestions (panel joint alignment, roof transition, window coordination).
• Docket 03-19-25 (Dayz & Nite): Approved with conditions: applicant must submit updated dimensioned drawing showing sign fits within sign band border (confirming border depth); all existing window signage must be removed; any future window signage requires separate approval. (Vote: all in favor.)
• Docket 03-20-25 (Pure Puff Smoke Shop): Deferred; applicant to provide flat elevation drawings of each sign, revise to comply with square footage limits, and address potential window graphics. (Vote: all in favor.)
• Docket 03-21-25 (15431 Edgewater Dr.): Approved with condition: exterior lighting fixtures must be submitted to staff for administrative approval. Approval is contingent on other board approvals (Planning Commission lot consolidation, BZA variances as needed). (Vote: all in favor.)
• Docket 03-22-25 (12650 Detroit Ave., City Hall Service Garage): Approved as presented. (Vote: all in favor.)
• Docket 03-23-25 (1374 W. 117th St.): The garage door portion was denied; the ramp repair and associated alterations were approved. (Vote on ramp-only approval: all in favor.)

Meeting adjourned.