Albany planning board tables conditional-use review for 84 Madison conversion
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Summary
The Albany City Planning Board tabled a conditional-use permit application to convert a 1,504-square-foot, two-unit historic townhouse at 84 Madison Avenue into a three-unit dwelling after staff highlighted missing documentation and code concerns.
The Albany City Planning Board on July 8 moved to table a conditional-use permit for 84 Madison Avenue after staff said the application lacked required design and safety documentation.
Planning staff told the board the property, a two‑story building constructed in 1815 and listed in the Pastures Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, was being proposed for conversion from two units to three. The filing describes a 1,504-square-foot building and says the proposed new unit would occupy attic space measuring about 598 square feet, but staff said submitted plans do not show required door and window locations, ceiling heights or refuse storage details.
The project presentation included discussion of new exterior egress and a rear decking and stair configuration. Staff said some exterior work and a new deck had already been installed without permits and that building‑code approvals and an engineering report are required before the conditional use can be approved. Staff also said a sprinkler system will be required in the converted unit and in shared spaces.
Planning staff noted zoning limits for townhouse conversions in the RT district and called out minimum lot area and story‑definition standards that the applicant must meet for the attic to qualify as a full habitable story. The staff report said the lot measures approximately 2,450 square feet and that the district allows up to three units — the number the applicant is seeking — but emphasized that habitability and life‑safety requirements remain unresolved.
After questions from board members, a motion to table the application until a subsequent meeting was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board did not take a final vote on the conversion; staff instructed the applicant to provide full floor plans showing doors/windows and dimensions, confirm ceiling heights and habitable‑story calculations, submit an engineering report and document refuse storage and pickup arrangements before the item returns to the board.
