Lakewood Board of Building Standards, Architectural Board of Review, and Sign Review Board Meeting - August 13, 2026

The meeting convened at 10:30 AM on August 13, 2026, to address several dockets related to building standards, architectural review, and sign approvals. The board reviewed appeals, new business, and old business, issuing decisions on multiple applications.

Consent Calendar

• Docket 076426 (11730 Detroit Ave, signs): Approved with condition that any window signage requires prior board approval.
• Docket 087526 (12906 Madison Ave, Juan’s Pizza): Approved as presented.
• Docket 087626 (16621 Madison Ave, Illuminate Salon): Approved as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 17517 Hilliard (Docket 087826): John Bedinchek, father of the homeowner, spoke in opposition to the contractor’s appeal. He argued that the existing water-resistant barrier (WRB) behind the original wood siding is insufficient because the fanfold insulation (used as a leveling board) does not have taped seams, creating a potential for water accumulation and mold. He cited his 39 years of experience with extruded polystyrene foam insulation and building code language requiring WRB directly behind exterior cladding.
• No public comments were offered on other dockets.

Discussion Items

• Communication Docket 087126 (1318 Throw Road, Cove Park parking lot): City Engineer Mark Pepke presented plans for a 19-foot drive lane on a small parcel due to railroad right-of-way constraints. The board acknowledged the design and landscaping for screening; the item was received and filed (no vote required).
• Docket 076826 (15314 Madison, Mars Bar fencing): The architect, Cindy Stockman, provided revised fencing and planter details. The board confirmed placement and finishes; the item was approved as presented.
• Docket 087226 (13731 Madison, Campbell Roofing signs): Applicant Rob Campbell discussed a wall sign and window graphics. Dimensions of the frosted window graphics were unclear. The board approved the wall sign (within the existing sign band) but deferred the window graphics for a future meeting after clarification of measurements.
• Docket 087426 (17415 Northwood Ave, Northwood Center signs): Representative Redmond Doyle presented signage for a multi-tenant office building (former St. James School). The board expressed concern that the proposed awning graphics (vinyl lettering on three sides in two colors) appeared cluttered and detracted from the building’s appearance. After discussion, the board approved the directory, main entrance sign, and window lettering, but omitted the awning signage pending revisions. The applicant may return with a comprehensive sign plan.
• Docket 087826 (17517 Hilliard – Appeal regarding water-resistant barrier): Trident Restoration (Eric Long) appealed a building department citation for untaped fanfold insulation seams. Trident argued that the fanfold was used only as a leveling material, not as a WRB, and that the original felt WRB remains intact behind the wood siding. City inspector Justin noted that the fanfold manufacturer’s specs require taping for WRB compliance and that the existing WRB’s effectiveness is uncertain. The board heard extensive testimony from both sides. The board voted to deny the appeal, interpreting the code as requiring a continuous WRB directly behind the new cladding.
• Docket 087926 (2166 Niagara – front porch addition): Architect Paul Beegan proposed extending the gable roof over an existing enclosed porch to add second-floor space. The board noted concerns about the trim detailing making the addition read as an enclosed porch versus a coherent part of the house. The board approved conditionally, requiring a revised front elevation with adjusted trim detailing for administrative approval.
• Docket 088026 (17811 Lake Road – porch roof replacement): Applicant Mike McGatrick proposed replacing a flat porch roof with a gable-ended copper standing seam roof that mimics the attic gable and complements window masonry. The board approved as presented.
• Docket 088126 (15607 Detroit – Marriards, former Roman Fountain): Architect John from Elm with L Architects proposed new storefront windows matching a 2021 installation. The board approved as presented.

Key Outcomes

• Consent items: Three sign dockets approved (Docket 076426, 087526, 087626).
• Approved as presented (with no conditions): Docket 055026 (1464 Riverside Drive – brick column change), Docket 076826 (Mars Bar fencing), Docket 087326 (Pastime’s Cafe sign), Docket 088026 (Lake Road porch roof), Docket 088126 (Detroit storefront windows).
• Conditional approvals:
  • Docket 076426: window signage must return for approval.
  • Docket 087226: wall sign approved; window graphics deferred for clarification.
  • Docket 087426: awning signage excluded; rest approved.
  • Docket 087926: revised front elevation with trim detailing required (administrative sign-off).
• Deferred: Docket 087726 (1392 Bonnieview, Rock House barbershop) to September 2026 at applicant’s request.
• Appeal denied: Docket 087826 (17517 Hilliard) – board denied the appeal to overturn the WRB violation, siding with the building department’s citation.
• Filed without action: Communication docket 087126 (Cove Park parking lot).
• Adjourned at approximately 12:00 PM.