Applicant says connecting garage will ‘improve’ rear setback at 134 Crescent St.; public hearing left open

At its June 23 meeting the Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals opened public comment and took testimony on an application at 134 Crescent St. that would connect an existing detached garage to the primary single-family residence and retain living space above the garage.

Jeff Anthony of Studio A (landscape architecture and engineering) and architect Andy Lisonbee of HAA Architecture explained the project. According to Anthony, the current rear-yard setback measures approximately 18.4 feet because exterior stairs encroach at the back of the building. "By removing the stairs from the back of the building, it will increase the setback from the rear yard to 23.4 feet. So we're actually improving the situation from the rear yard and making it a little bit better," Anthony said.

The proposal would physically connect the garage to the house to satisfy UR-2 zoning requirements for an attached accessory structure. Anthony also told the board that electrical and gas were planned to be removed from the accessory space, while a sink would remain. Board members asked clarifying questions about existing kitchen elements and plan revisions in the packet.

The board opened the public hearing and left it open to accept further materials and comment. No final zoning decision was made; the applicant was told the file would continue to be considered at the next meeting.

Why this matters: The project proposes to change the status of a detached accessory structure into a connected portion of the primary dwelling while retaining living space above it; the board will evaluate whether that conversion complies with UR-2 zoning restrictions on accessory dwelling facilities.

Next steps: The public hearing remains open; the applicant may provide revised plans and city staff will continue review.