Petitioner Mike Moore seeks setback variance to rebuild elevated deck at 2202 Lake Shore Drive

The Town of Long Beach Board of Zoning Appeals on May 13 heard a preliminary petition from homeowner Mike Moore seeking two variances under Section 154.052(A) to reconstruct an elevated deck at 2202 Lake Shore Drive within 6.5 feet of the side setback. Attorney Brad Adamsky presented the petition and explained that poles previously constructed at the site had been removed and that the original deck was torn down prior to the current proposal. Contractor and Trail Creek building inspector Steve Thomas attended and was identified in the record.

Why it matters: Setback variances change how a property may be used within a neighborhood and can affect adjacent property owners’ access, sightlines and drainage. The Board must determine whether the petition demonstrates the legal criteria for relief under the town’s development standards.

Adamsky told the Board that he had submitted a blow-up survey and distributed satellite views of the property to Board members, and he outlined the deck plan that is now being requested. The presentation covered the stairway and a concrete slab that remain on the property, the timing of construction versus permitting, and issues of nonconformance with the current zoning code. Town attorney Chris Willoughby and Chair Bob Lemay explained that, with three of five Board members present at the hearing, a petition that does not receive approval at this meeting would be continued to the next meeting.

Board member Charlie Goodall moved to set the petition for a public hearing; Fred Woods seconded. According to the minutes, the motion carried with all in favor.

Next steps: The petition will proceed to the public hearing phase and the Board will consider the evidence and any public comment at that hearing before making a final decision.