Saratoga Springs ZBA approves extensions and variances for several properties; design review follow‑ups ordered

The Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 2 approved a slate of area‑variance applications, extending a previously granted variance for 17 Alger Street and granting relief for several other properties while asking applicants to pursue required design‑review steps or additional submittals.

The board approved an extension for the previously granted area variance at 17 Alger Street, moving the expiration to Oct. 11, 2026. The applicant, identified in the record as Lucy White, told the board she had “a hard time finding a contractor,” and requested more time; the board’s draft resolution recommended an 18‑month extension. The board read and adopted the resolution after brief discussion about ordinance wording and a roll‑call point of order.

The board also approved an area variance for a front‑porch enlargement at 7 Dags Lane. Applicant Peter Foland described the proposal as a modest nine‑foot porch extension that would increase the house’s porch to about 6 by 20 feet and argued the addition is consistent with other porches in the subdivision. Board members asked about alternatives (moving the porch adjacent to the garage, reducing garage size or removing an exterior basement stair) and noted the project will need design‑review clearance; Foland said he would pursue those follow‑ups.

At 538 Union Avenue the board granted variances to allow a rebuilt garage connected to the main house by a covered breezeway; the board treated the rebuilt portion as new construction for setback measurement and recorded the motion as carried 7–0 in the record. Stephanie Ferradino, representing the applicants, told the board the lot is a preexisting, undersized parcel and that site topography and lot shape limit alternatives.

The board also approved a sign‑height variance for 24 Congress Street (Wendy’s). The applicant’s representative said the request would return to a preexisting 36‑inch wall‑lettering height on a renovated facade; the board conditioned approval on the sign remaining non‑illuminated.

At 45 Stockholm Avenue the board approved a package of variances to permit two small bedroom bump‑outs and to regularize a preexisting deck on a compact lakeside lot; the board noted DEC had been consulted and that the additions use pile supports to minimize ground disturbance.

What happens next The board frequently required design‑review advisory input or additional materials before issuing final building permits. The board also flagged conditions it expects to appear on permits (for example, non‑illuminated signage or design‑review approval) and instructed applicants to follow up with staff for precise permit language and any necessary surveys.

Quotes from the meeting “I had a hard time finding a contractor, so I couldn't start in this time period. So I'll be starting next summer,” said the applicant identified in the record as Lucy White when asked by the board about delays to the project at 17 Alger Street.

“We've actually gone from a Bilco door to a set of stairs so you can actually walk down into the basement… I don't believe it will” materially reduce coverage, said Bob Flynn, the presenter on 81 Fila, describing earlier design choices and tradeoffs the board discussed.

The board recorded explicit vote tallies where given in the record (for example, the motion on 538 Union was entered as 7–0); when a tally was not read aloud the record shows the board moved and seconded the draft resolutions and members verbally indicated approval.