The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board on Oct. 15 approved a slate roof replacement for 165 Fila Street, granted two consent items and agreed to several exterior modification applications, including a fence replacement and steps to partially demolish and relocate a garage at 172 Caroline Street.

At the start of the meeting, the board approved two consent-agenda applications: an exterior heat-pump installation at 292 Lake Avenue and a roof replacement at 231 Lake Avenue (St. Clement’s Church). The board then approved two separate motions related to 172 Caroline Street: a limited demolition of a shed addition, exterior stairs and a side entry, and approval to relocate an existing detached two‑car garage with the condition that the receiving property submit a final relocation plan to the board before receiving a building permit.

The board also approved exterior modifications at 69 Union Avenue to replace a fence, conditioning the approval on the applicant reusing, up‑cycling or donating the original historic fence and suggested the applicant contact the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for assistance. For 165 Fila Street, the board approved a historic‑review roof replacement project in which the applicant will use genuine slate on primary roof sections and an engineered asphalt slate product on secondary roof segments as proposed. Finally, the board approved the architectural review for 60 Woodlawn Avenue with conditions that the brick remain exposed (no limewash), that the new arched walkway be set back by one course of brick, and that final walkway drawings and shutter hardware be approved administratively.

Votes at a glance

- 292 Lake Avenue (consent): Approve exterior modification for heat pump installation (UR1 district). Outcome: approved on consent.

- 231 Lake Avenue, St. Clement’s Church (consent): Approve roof replacement (Institutional/Educational district). Outcome: approved on consent.

- 172 Caroline Street (demolition motion): Approve demolition limited to the shed addition, exterior stairs and side entry. Outcome: approved; second by Chris Bennett.

- 172 Caroline Street (relocation motion): Approve relocation of detached garage with condition that the recipient property submit a final relocation plan to the Design Review Board prior to issuance of a building permit. Outcome: approved; second by Chris Bennett.

- 69 Union Avenue: Approve fence replacement with condition that existing historic fence be reused, up‑cycled, or donated and applicant connect with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Outcome: approved; motion seconded by Leslie DeCarlo.

- 165 Fila Street: Historic review — approve roof replacement. Applicant will install traditional slate on the main historic roof sections and an engineered asphalt slate product on secondary roofs; EPDM membrane will be used on flat roofs. Outcome: approved; motion seconded by Jeff Wood.

- 60 Woodlawn Avenue: Architectural review — approve exterior modifications with conditions: leave brick exposed (no limewash), set the new archway back by one course of brick (approximately the length of a brick), and submit final arch walkway drawings and shutter hardware for administrative approval. Outcome: approved; seconded by Jeff Grit Savage.

Why it matters

The board’s approvals preserve character in the city’s older neighborhoods by prioritizing genuine materials on primary elevations (notably real slate on the principal roof of 165 Fila Street) and by imposing conditions intended to protect historic fabric (requiring reuse of historic fence material at 69 Union Avenue and preserving exposed brick at 60 Woodlawn Avenue). At 172 Caroline Street the board approved a limited demolition and relocation while requiring additional review to ensure the relocated garage fits on its receiving lot.

What’s next

Applicants with conditions were told to supply follow‑up materials to planning staff for administrative review — for example, final relocation plans, samples or details of shutter hardware and the final arch‑walkway drawings — before permits can be issued or before any administrative sign‑off completes the approvals.