Housing & Zoning Terms#
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)#
A smaller, secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence — such as a basement apartment, garage conversion, or backyard cottage.
Why it matters: Lakewood’s dense, narrow-lot housing stock presents both challenges and opportunities for ADUs. As the city undertakes its 2024 zoning code update, ADU policy could expand housing options without changing neighborhood character.
Learn more: HUD ADU Case Study | MRSC ADU Overview
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)#
A city board that hears requests for variances from zoning requirements and appeals of administrative zoning decisions.
Why it matters: The BZA is where property owners seek permission to deviate from zoning rules — such as building closer to a property line than normally allowed. Agendas are posted publicly.
Learn more: Lakewood BZA
Community Reinvestment Area (CRA)#
A state-authorized tax incentive program that provides property tax abatements for new construction or renovation in designated areas, encouraging private investment.
Why it matters: The Lakewood Common redevelopment site was designated a CRA, allowing up to 15 years of property tax abatement on structures to make the $119 million project financially viable.
See also: Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Learn more: Ohio CRA Program (ORC §3735.65) | CRA Program Procedures (PDF)
Conditional Use Permit#
Permission granted by the Planning Commission to use a property in a way that is allowed under the zoning code only with special approval and conditions.
Why it matters: In Lakewood, conditional use permits are reviewed by the Planning Commission, which may attach conditions to protect neighboring properties. These hearings are public and open to comment.
Learn more: Lakewood Planning & Zoning
Historic Preservation District (HPD)#
A zoning overlay that protects the architectural character of a designated area by requiring review of exterior changes to buildings.
Why it matters: Lakewood has designated HPD zones and individual Historic Properties (HP) under its zoning code. The Birdtown neighborhood was designated a National Register Historic District in 2006. Exterior modifications in these areas go through the Architectural Board of Review.
See also: Architectural Board of Review
Learn more: Lakewood Planning & Zoning | National Register of Historic Places
Housing Forward#
A City of Lakewood initiative that uses comprehensive surveys and data on the city’s 12,700 one- and two-family homes to guide housing policy, code enforcement, and investment.
Why it matters: Housing Forward gives the city detailed data on housing conditions, helping target resources where they’re most needed and informing the zoning code update.
Learn more: Lakewood Housing
Mixed-Use Development#
A building or project that combines residential units with commercial space (typically retail or office on the ground floor with apartments above).
Why it matters: Mixed-use is the historic norm in Lakewood — Detroit and Madison Avenues have a 100-year history of apartments over retail. The Lakewood Common project continues this pattern with 25,000 sq ft of retail below 305 residential units.
Learn more: Lakewood Commercial Development
Variance#
Permission from the Board of Zoning Appeals to deviate from a specific zoning requirement (such as setbacks, height limits, or lot coverage) when strict compliance would cause practical difficulty.
Why it matters: Because Lakewood was built out before the current zoning code, many existing properties are already nonconforming. Variances are common when owners renovate or expand.
Learn more: Lakewood BZA
Zoning Code#
The set of regulations that governs how land can be used, what can be built, and development standards (setbacks, height, density, parking) for each zoning district.
Why it matters: Lakewood’s zoning code was last comprehensively updated in 1996. The city launched a major update process in 2024 to align the code with the Community Vision and modern best practices for a dense, historic community.
See also: Community Vision
Learn more: Lakewood Zoning Update 2024 | Codified Ordinances
Last updated: February 2026