ZBA grants DeGraff hot‑tub and fence variance with 90‑day covenant requirement

The City of Long Beach Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant Matt and Stephanie DeGraff a variance allowing a seven‑by‑seven hot tub and to maintain a six‑foot privacy fence at 125 National Boulevard, a corner property.

Applicant Stephanie DeGraff told the board the hot tub is the smallest size available and that electrical work passed inspection. The applicants’ attorney said the hot tub was professionally installed and that the applicants were unaware a separate permit was required before installation.

Commissioner Markowitz moved to grant the application with conditions and Chairman Morelli seconded. The board’s recorded roll call supported the motion; the motion passed with the conditions stated on the record. The conditions include: limiting the six‑foot portion of the fence to its present location and recording a restrictive covenant within 90 days that notifies subsequent owners that they may not extend the fence to the corner at six feet.

What's next: The applicants must record the covenant within 90 days and file proof with the zoning office. If the covenant is not filed, the board’s conditions will be revisited at a subsequent meeting.