Lakewood Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Summary - May 21, 2026

The Lakewood Board of Zoning Appeals met on May 21, 2026, to hear three variance requests and conduct routine business. The board approved all three variances unanimously and appointed a chair pro tem for the next meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Absence Excused: A motion to excuse member Gillian Bellino passed unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 19, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. (The agenda inaccurately listed April; corrected during meeting.)

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were received for any of the docket items.

Discussion Items

Docket 05-06-27: 17516 Dale View Avenue – Garage Variance

• Applicant: Dan Marguluz (designer) and Bob Odet (owner). Proposal to replace a failing garage with a new two-story garage. Requested variances: height of 16'4" (1'4" above 15' maximum) and side yard setback of 1.5' (18").
• Applicant Position: The taller garage provides a buffer between the residence and adjacent C1 commercial district (apartment buildings). The second floor will serve as a home office for the owner, who works remotely. Height reduction was considered but would compromise usable space.
• Board Discussion: Members noted the property abuts commercial zoning, which has a 120' height limit. Past precedent allows more leniency near commercial. The height request was considered modest at 1'4". The side yard setback clarification: 1.5' = 18", not 1'5".
• Administrative Comments (Ms. Nocta): Reviewed nearby garages – at least 2 of 13 were taller gable style. Presented chart comparing residential vs. C1 requirements. No public opposition.
• Motion: To approve as proposed. Passed 4-0 (Piggett, Santiago, Markling, Hare all yes).

Docket 05-07-26: 1194 Cook Avenue – Garage Expansion Variance

• Applicant: David Linden, owner-occupant of a duplex. Request to expand garage from 480 sq ft to 560 sq ft (80 sq ft increase, roughly size of a small shed) to allow wider garage doors for easier vehicle access.
• Applicant Position: Existing garage is narrow; previous tenants struggled. The wider doors will improve maneuverability for the left unit. Height is compliant. A neighbor provided a letter of support.
• Board Discussion: Members considered the request modest and practical. The pre-review clarified that the increase is smaller than it appears.
• Administrative Comments (Ms. Nocta): Reviewed 15 properties on Cook; 7 had >25% rear lot coverage. Not the largest garage on the street. No public comment.
• Motion: To approve as proposed. Passed 4-0.

Docket 05-08-26: 1044 Roy Drive – Rear Patio Roof Variance

• Applicant: Mike Allen (contractor) for Michelle Hubble. Request to demolish and replace a failing covered patio roof, extending it 4 feet further into the rear yard (from 16'6" to 12'6" from rear property line). Area increases from 112 sq ft to 192 sq ft.
• Applicant Position: The existing structure was built without permits; owner wants a safe, attractive patio. The property is a corner lot with two front yard setbacks (30' on Edgewater, 20' on Roy), reducing buildable area. The rear yard is defined as behind the Roy-facing front.
• Board Discussion: Clarified that if the house were addressed on Edgewater, this would be a side yard and compliant. The request is modest. Chair noted no practical difficulty beyond lot constraints.
• Administrative Comments (Ms. Nocta): The home is 26.5' from rear line; proposed patio roof extends to 12.5'. No public comment.
• Motion: To approve as proposed. Passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• All three variances were granted unanimously (4-0).
• Anthony Santiago was appointed as chair pro tem for the next meeting.
• Meeting adjourned after concluding business.