Design Review Board allows Spirit of Halloween banner at 155 Ballston Ave. for 60 days

The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board on Sept. 10 approved a seasonal Spirit of Halloween sign at 155 Ballston Avenue but attached a condition that the sign be removed after 60 days.

Board members pulled the application from the consent agenda to clarify process: staff explained the applicant originally sought a temporary banner, which is allowed for only 30 days without a variance, but because of timing for the zoning board the applicant sought approval as a permanent sign (which would avoid the temporary-banner timing constraint). Board members asked how the city would ensure the sign comes down after the season; planning staff said code enforcement would enforce the condition.

The Chair moved to approve the sign with the 60-day removal condition; the motion was seconded by Jeff Wood and carried unanimously in voice vote. Planning staff will add the condition to the permit file and rely on code enforcement to verify removal.

Board and staff emphasized the difference between a true permanent sign application and a practical seasonal need; the condition records the board's intention that the banner be limited to Spirit of Halloween’s season.