Long Beach zoning board grants five variances, denies one two‑family conversion

The Long Beach Zoning Board of Appeals on March 27, 2025 voted to grant five variance applications and denied a separate request to convert a single‑family home to two apartments.

The board voted to grant variance applications for six agenda items overall; five were approved and one was denied. The actions included renewals of temporary conditional variances, approvals to maintain existing rear‑yard structures, a conditional allowance for an accessory structure, and approvals for interior renovations and terraces at a hotel property.

Why it matters: the board’s decisions affect property rights, neighborhood form and, in one case, whether a home may be used as a two‑family dwelling. Several approvals were temporary or conditional, meaning the board retained oversight.

Case summaries and vote outcomes

Case 3423 — Charles Rafnieri LLC, 545 East Olive Street: The board granted an application to demolish a two‑family dwelling, subdivide an 80‑by‑100 parcel into two 40‑by‑100 lots, and construct two single‑family dwellings. Commissioner Brooks moved to grant; Chairman Morelli seconded. Commissioner Callahan abstained. Commissioners Markowitz, Brooks, Michelle Barrado, DePasquale and Chairman Morelli voted to grant. Outcome: granted (motion carried; 5 yes, 1 abstain).

Case 3425 — Betty Tagnino Revocable Living Trust, 470 West Olive Street: The applicant sought a use variance and a two‑year conditional temporary variance to convert a single‑family house into a two‑family house. Commissioner Markowitz moved to deny; Commissioner Alvarado seconded. Commissioner Callahan abstained. Commissioners Markowitz, Brooks, Alvarado, Dave Aswale and Chairman Morelli voted to deny. Outcome: denied (motion to…