Planning Board reaffirms positive advisory opinion for modified 13‑lot subdivision; conservation easement ownership discussed

The Saratoga Springs Planning Board reissued a positive advisory opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a modified subdivision plan conditioned on the current layout showing 13 homes.

Board members discussed technical changes tied to lot renumbering and the need to square off two end lots (previously shown as Lot 14 in earlier materials) so each meets minimum zoning standards. The board clarified that its advisory recommendation remains positive but limited to the 13‑lot plan the applicants will present to the ZBA.

Conservation easement and ownership options came up during discussion. The applicant said they had contacted Saratoga Plan and are amenable to starting conversations about a third party taking ownership of conservation lands; board members and staff noted that even if an entity takes ownership, deed restrictions and conservation easements can remain attached to parcels and that a small portion of constrained land may remain on developed lots to satisfy setbacks.

The board also asked the applicant to prepare both preliminary and final plats as part of the subdivision review sequence and to reflect the 13‑lot configuration in any advisory materials sent to the ZBA.

Vote: The motion to reaffirm the positive advisory opinion, conditioned on a 13‑lot plan, passed unanimously. The board instructed staff to revise the advisory opinion accordingly and forward the revised recommendation to the ZBA.