Planning board grants conditional final plat approval for 3-lot conservation subdivision; easement must be recorded before mylar filed

The Saratoga Springs City Planning Board conditionally approved the final plat for a three-lot conservation subdivision in the rural residential district (file referenced as No. 274), with several conditions including requirement of a fully executed, recorded conservation easement acceptable to city legal counsel before the final mylar is filed.

Background: The conservation subdivision proposes to preserve constrained lands (wetlands, steep slopes and stream corridors) while creating two new single-family lots in addition to an existing residence. Staff said the submission includes a draft conservation easement and that constrained lands and at least 50% of developable open space would be set aside as permanent open space as required by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

Conditions imposed: The board’s approval was conditional on a small set of items the planner identified during the final-plat review: - Provide a table of zoning and site statistics including maximum building coverage, maximum impervious surface and maximum building height (staff suggested using suburban-residential thresholds where appropriate); the applicant agreed to provide square-foot figures for the proposed houses (up to 3,000 sq ft), driveways and pool patios. - A fully executed, recorded conservation easement acceptable to city legal counsel must be in place prior to filing the mylar with the county; the city council may need to accept the easement if the city is named as a grantor. - Staff will confirm that required dimensional standards and the stated future vehicular connection to Riley Farm Lane are reflected on the final plat; the connection was shown on the plans and the applicant agreed to the condition.

Vote and procedural notes: A motion to approve the final plat with the listed conditions was made and seconded; the board voted to grant conditional final approval. During discussion staff clarified that the fee-in-lieu for recreational land dedication is not required for this conservation subdivision under the UDO. The applicant agreed to return figures for proposed building and driveway square footage at a later date and to coordinate recordation of the conservation easement.

What comes next: Planning staff will verify that the conditions are met at the time the mylar is submitted; if satisfied, the city will process the filing with the county. The board listed the conservation easement execution and final technical details as required steps before the plat is finalized.

Quote: "If you take action tonight and if someone makes a motion to approve, we would recommend inserting [the conservation easement condition] at that point," said planning legal counsel during the discussion to clarify the timing of the recorded easement requirement.