Council approves major site plan amendment for Lot 611 to add covered outdoor patio

The Saratoga Springs City Council on an unanimous vote approved a major site plan amendment for Lot 611 in the Saratoga Springs Commercial Development to add a covered outdoor patio and later enclose it as a second phase.

The amendment, presented to the council by city planning staff, covers two phases: an initial covered patio and a subsequent enclosure. Staff said a parking analysis showed the development exceeds the city's parking requirement even after adding outdoor seating; the applicant provided 34 additional stalls tied to tenant improvements for Einstein's Bagels and an adjacent tenant. The planning commission reviewed the site plan in a public meeting and staff recommended approval.

During council discussion, members asked whether the extra parking tied to the patio would count toward future buildings on adjacent lots; planning staff replied that the parking credit applied to the current tenant and would not be counted toward the future buildings on Lot 612. Staff explained the layout: landscape islands at the east side of Lot 611, a row of parking abutting Lot 612's building, and shared entrances with an additional access from the east (Lake Drive).

Councilmember Willdan moved to approve the site plan amendment “including any staff findings and conditions,” and Councilmember Barton seconded. The motion passed unanimously with recorded “aye” votes during roll call.

The council did not attach additional conditions beyond the staff findings as stated on the agenda. Staff said the approval allows the applicant to proceed with the two-phase patio work under the approved site plan and applicable building permits.