The Lakewood City Board of Zoning Appeals convened on September 17, 2026 at 11:45 AM. The board approved absences of two members, approved prior meeting minutes, and heard three docket items: one granted, two deferred. All votes were unanimous.
Docket 08-11-26 – 17852 Lake Road (Old Business): Applicant Megan Higgins, property owner, requested variances for a minor addition (more spacious kitchen) to the east side of the home. The previous owner had been granted a variance for a similar addition, but it lapsed. The neighbor on the east side submitted a letter stating he no longer disputes the plans. The board asked clarifying questions and then voted to grant the three variances.
Docket 09-13-26 – 1332 Sloan Avenue (New Business): Applicant John Bloomberg (with wife Laura) proposed a garden shed/gazebo on a separate parcel they own, adjacent to their residence. The parcel lacks a principal structure. The board noted that the variance request was for a side-yard setback on a lot without a primary structure, which raised concerns about proper noticing and the board's authority. The applicant was advised to consolidate the parcels or consult a real estate attorney. The board offered the option to defer; the applicant chose to defer the request.
Docket 09-14-26 – 1441 Robinwood Avenue (New Business): Chris Gibson, general contractor for Calfus Construction, proposed replacing an existing deck with a larger composite deck (adding 168 square feet). During discussion, the board realized that the rear yard coverage calculation should include existing accessory structures (such as the garage), potentially making the variance unnecessary. The applicant agreed to defer the request to provide accurate dimensions and reassess the need for a variance.
Welcome to the September 17th, 2026 meeting of the Lakewood City Board of Zoning Appeals. The first item on the agenda is the roll call. Ms. Ellis, will you please call the roll? Here. Here. And can we have a motion? Would someone like to make a motion to approve the absences of Mr. Markling and Ms. Bellino? I'll motion. I'll second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. The second item on the agenda is the approval of the minutes of the August 20th 2026 meeting. Has everyone had a chance to review those minutes? And if there are there any comments and if not, um would someone want to make a motion to approve those minutes? I will uh motion to approve the minutes of the August 20th meeting. I'll second. Uh all in favor? Aye. Aye. Uh the minutes from the August 20th, 2026 meeting are approved. Or do we need to do a roll call for the minutes, or can we do a voice vote? Okay. Uh just confirming. Uh so the third item on the agenda is opening remarks. Uh Ms. Ellis, would you like to do the opening remarks? Welcome to the Board of Zoning Appeals. For a variance to be granted, the board must get sufficient information from your presentation to determine if your property meets the practical difficulty test. All documents included with an application to the board and any addenda, statements, maps, diagrams, sketches, letters, photographs, or other materials proffered to the board by any person shall be considered by the board prior to rendering its decision on the application. No permits shall be issued unless submitted plans conformed to those approved by the board. If modifications are made to the approved plans, a successive variance request must be filed and approved to account for the modification. For the record, please sign the form on the podium and state your name and address. This serves as an oath or affirmation that you will tell the truth before the board. We will now begin with the regular business of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Thank you, Ms. Ellis. Um the first item of the old business, uh item four on the agenda is docket number 08-11-26, which is 17852 Lake Road. Uh will the applicant please step to the podium, state your name and relationship to the property, and sign in, and then you can begin your presentation. Hi, I'm Megan Higgins. I am property owner. And um so yeah, so I I I don't have a formal presentation prepared. My architect told me that he sent over everything that was needed, and I'm here to answer any questions you might have. Would you mind telling us a little bit just sort of about about the project and the variances that you're requesting and why you're requesting the variance? That's usually kind of typical, is sort of just talking about um you know the project and the variances that we're considering and why we would consider those variances or potentially grant them. Okay, sure. So um without referring to my notes on the exact um amount there, um I think it he did note it, but we are um we purchased the house on with the understanding that the previous owners actually did have a variance granted on the property.