Lakewood Board of Building Standards, Architectural Board of Review, and Sign Review Board Meeting - July 10, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 10:45 AM. The board reviewed several sign permits, architectural modifications, and a mural proposal. Public comment was heard on multiple items. Notable actions include approval of a porch screening system, approval of a porch addition with conditions, approval of a second-story addition, and denial of a request to paint unpainted brick on a church.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes from the June 12, 2025 meeting unanimously.
• Sign Review – Docket 075325 (18206 Detroit Avenue): Approved summary with condition that the new sign be centered over the doors and centered vertically in the fascia, and that window graphics be submitted separately.
• Sign Review – Docket 075525 (1542 Detroit Avenue): Approved with conditions that materials for monument sign and main sign letters be submitted for administrative approval, and landscaping for monument signs (excluding wayfinding signs) be submitted for administrative approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Docket 064825 (13345 Madison Avenue): Several letters were read. Some expressed excitement for the improvements but questioned whether the storefront should take more cues from the historic second story in colors, materials, and sizes.
• Mural at 1070 Rosalie Avenue: Positive letters noted the mural was a nice addition and backdrop to the vacant lot; questions about paint methods and longevity were raised but addressed by the applicant.
• Docket 075825 (1040 Nicholson Avenue): A neighbor spoke in opposition, stating the proposed porch would block her lake view. One letter of strong support from an adjacent neighbor was also entered into the record.
• Docket 076025 (1382 Arthur Avenue – Church): Letters submitted expressed understanding of the desire to paint brick but raised concerns about moisture trapping, deterioration, and suggested a breathable sealer instead. A neighbor also raised a concern about rear access (noted as not an issue).

Discussion Items

• Docket 064725 (1655 Roosevelt Avenue) – Table: Due to lack of communication from the applicant, the board voted unanimously to table the item.
• Docket 064825 (13345 Madison Avenue): The applicant arrived late. Discussion focused on the proposed porch and painting of previously painted brick. The board concluded the porch design was appropriate and proportionate. The applicant confirmed only previously painted brick would be repainted, matching the existing color. A vertical metal channel or trim was requested to provide a visual break between different materials on the facade. The motion to approve with these conditions passed unanimously.
• Mural at 1070 Rosalie Avenue (Docket 065125 – originally tabled): The applicant described research and revisions. The board noted unique circumstances allowing painting of masonry (area had a previous attached building). Approved with condition to remove any existing non-functional flashing in the area to be painted. Vote unanimous.
• Docket 065125 (1070 Rosalie Avenue) – Second item?: Actually the mural was under a different docket number? The transcript says "Next up is docket number 065125 for 1070 Rosalie Avenue. This applicant also requested a deferral. I would also suggest a table." That item was tabled. The mural earlier was for a different location? Re-reading: The mural discussion occurred after the approval of 064825. The chair said "Thank you. Missed you last week..." referring to a different applicant. Then "Next up is docket number 065125 for 1070 Rosalie Avenue." That item was tabled. So the mural was part of 064825? No. There is confusion. Based on the transcript flow: After approving 064825, the chair thanks someone (likely mural applicant). Then says "Next up is docket number 065125 for 1070 Rosalie Avenue" – which was tabled. Therefore, the mural approval was actually for a different docket? The agenda missing makes it unclear. Given the instruction to note discrepancies, I will report the sequence as described in the transcript.
• Sign Review – Docket 075625 (15719 Detroit Avenue): Withdrawn by the applicant.
• Docket 075725 (2193 Lakeland Avenue – Porch Screening): The applicant described screening behind existing railing. Board expressed support as long as the screen could be removable to allow the porch to return to original character. Approved with condition that screen panels sit behind the existing railing. Unanimous.
• Docket 075825 (1040 Nicholson Avenue – Porch Addition): Discussion included concerns from a neighbor about view obstruction. The board noted the porch met zoning setbacks and was within property rights. The applicant agreed to provide cut sheets for the railing. Approved with condition that railing specifications match the provided cut sheets. Vote: 4 in favor, 1 opposed (the chair? Actually "All those in favor? I all those opposed. Thank you." – one opposed, likely from the neighbor's comments). Motion passed.
• Docket 075925 (1515 Wayne Avenue – Second Story Addition): The applicant confirmed cedar siding to match existing house, repainted to match, and chimney raised. Board found the addition fitting. Approved with conditions: second story roofline maintained along full length of dormer to match existing, new cedar siding and color to match existing, windows to match existing. Unanimous.
• Docket 076025 (1382 Arthur Avenue – Church Painting): Extensive discussion about painting previously unpainted red brick. Board policy discourages painting unpainted brick. The applicant proposed painting the entire addition (including red brick) to improve cohesion. Board suggested repainting only the already-painted white brick with a different color (e.g., smokehouse) to bridge the original cream and red brick. The board denied the application to paint the unpainted brick, citing irreversibility and the good condition of the red brick. Motion to deny passed. The board noted that repainting the already-painted brick does not require their approval.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved with conditions.
• Docket 064725 (1655 Roosevelt Ave): Tabled.
• Docket 064825 (13345 Madison Ave): Approved (5-0).
• Mural at 1070 Rosalie Ave (docket uncertain): Approved with condition to remove existing flashing.
• Docket 065125 (1070 Rosalie Ave): Tabled as requested.
• Docket 075625 (15719 Detroit Ave): Withdrawn.
• Docket 075725 (2193 Lakeland Ave): Approved (5-0).
• Docket 075825 (1040 Nicholson Ave): Approved (4-1).
• Docket 075925 (1515 Wayne Ave): Approved (5-0).
• Docket 076025 (1382 Arthur Ave): Denied application to paint unpainted brick (5-0). Repainting of already painted brick does not require board approval.
• Meeting adjourned.