LAKEWOOD – At the request of the Lakewood Zoning Board of Appeals, the board of trustees have agreed to look into updating the village’s zoning code.

In a letter from ZBA Chairman Gary Segrue, trustees have been asked to update heights of accessory structures.

“Currently, the code limits the height of an accessory structure to 12 feet. Our recommendation is to modify the maximum height to 16 feet,” the letter sates. “This change is a result of feedback from professional architects and contractors who have come before the zoning board relative to the pitch of a roof. This change in height would also still restrict the ability for a homeowner to establish living space within the accessory structure, which is the main intent of the code.”

Both Trustee Ellen Barnes and Trustee Ben Troche are in favor of an update.

“I’m not opposed to it. I think that this is a good time, though, the board’s been previously resistant to, actually going forward with a revamping, if you will, of our current zoning laws. They are outdated,” Barnes noted.

Barnes added that a consultant may be needed to be hired, like the trustees did when the short-term rental laws were updated. She said the proposed zoning law update also would have to match with the comprehensive plan that was passed about eight or nine years ago.

“It’s not going to be a complete new rewrite. Most of the laws are there, and we just need to add what’s necessary or subtract, depending on what it is for the comprehensive plan that’s never been done,” Barnes said.

Troche noted that he is in favor of amending the current zoning code.

“I’ve always been against totally throwing out our old code, and rewriting it from scratch,” Troche said.

Trustee John Shedd also echoed Troche’s and Barnes’ statements.

“I agree. I think we should use the base of what we have. It (the code) does need significant alterations, for sure,” Shedd said.

Village Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Swanson is also in support of the ZBA letter.

“I’d like to see it move forward,” Swanson said.

The board approved Village Attorney Marilyn Fiore-Lehman to draft a local law, amending Chapter 25 in the zoning code.