Planning board approves special-use permit to convert historic Circular Street carriage house to second residence

The Saratoga Planning Board unanimously approved a special-use permit for 129 Circular Street on the applicant’s representation that the conversion will preserve the building’s historic character and not increase neighborhood impacts. Mike Tuck of Balzer Tuck Architecture, representing owners Pete and Leslie, told the board the carriage house dates to about 1832, sits inside the East Side Historic District and was identified by the Preservation Foundation as a contributing structure. He said the Design Review Board had already approved minor exterior changes and that the only interior alteration was converting a planned powder room into a full bathroom.

“The structure exists. It’s not gonna change any density of the neighborhood,” Tuck said, adding that vehicular access is via a private driveway off Circular Street and the applicants do not expect additional traffic, stormwater or utility impacts.

Board members asked only brief clarifying questions about driveway organization and parcel identification. After confirming the file included a site plan showing two parking spaces for the main house and one for the carriage house, Chair Mark Pingel asked for a motion. The board moved, seconded and voted unanimously to approve the special-use permit, with no member recorded as opposed.

Because the proposal leaves the exterior footprint and historic character unchanged and the applicant provided a DRB approval and parking plan, the board concluded the conversion met local standards for accessory/residential use in a historic district. The permit takes effect under the city’s normal administrative schedule; the applicants may proceed with building permits subject to any building‑department review and inspections.

The board did not receive public comment on this item at the meeting.