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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220446 1 Alger Street Area Variance Application **HANDWRITTEN APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED" [FOR OFFICEUSEI 0GA S1p CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (Application#) o f�� ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS F Z CITY HALL-474 BROADWAY (Date received) U / + SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK 12866-2296 TEL: 518-587-3550 X2533 /�CORPORATE0 19,E www.saratoga-springs.org (Project Title) APPLICATION FOR: ❑ INTERPRETATION, USE VARIANCE, Check if PH Required AREA VARIANCE AND/OR VARIANCE EXTENSION Staff Review APPLICANT(S)* OWNER(S) (lfnotapplicant) ATTORNEY/AGENT Luke&Lauren Boughton (same) Engineering America Co. Name 1 Alger St. 76 Washington St. Address Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone / / 518/587-1340 / Email volksgj@yahoo.com tonyay@nycap.rr.com Primary Contact Person: Applicant Owner Attorney/Agent An applicant must be the property owner, lessee,or one with an option to lease or purchase the property in question. Applicant's interest in the premises: 0 Owner ❑ Lessee ❑ Under option to lease or purchase PROPERTY INFORMATION 1 Alger St. 165 43 3 18 1. Property Address/Location: Tax Parcel No.: - - (for example: /65.52—4—37) December 2008 UR-3 2. Date acquired by current owner: 3. Zoning District when purchased: Single Family Residence UR-3 4. Present use of property: 5. Current Zoning District: 6. Has a previous ZBA application/appeal been filed for this property? 0 Yes(when? 4/18 16 Z13A approval For what?i at Coverage R FrOAt ) ❑ No Setback variances 7. Is property located within (check all that apply)?: ❑ Historic District ❑Architectural Review District ❑ 500'of a State Park, city boundary, or county/state highway? 8. Brief description of proposed action: Inclusion of an attached, non-conditioned screened porch at the side entry to the residence. 9. Is there an active written violation for this parcel? 16 Yes ❑ No 10. Has the work, use or occupancy to which this appeal relates already begun? 0 Yes ❑No 11. Identify the type of appeal you are requesting(checkall thatapp/y): ❑ INTERPRETATION (p. 2) ❑ VARIANCE EXTENSION (p.2) ❑ USE VARIANCE(pp. 3-6) 0 AREA VARIANCE(pp. 6-7) Revised 01/2021 ENGINEERING AMERICA CO . 76 WASHINGTON S T . SARATOGA SPRINGS , NY 1 2 8 6 6 5 1 8 / 5 8 7 - 1 3 4 0 TRANSMITTAL SHEET TO: FROM: Zoning Board of Appeals Tonya Yasenchak COMPANY: DATE: City of Saratoga Springs NLAY 4,2022 FAX NUMBER: 'TOTAL NO.OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER: 1 application& 1 app. fee check PHONE NUMBER: SENDER'S REFERENCE NUMBER: RE: YOUR REFERENCE NUMBER: Boughton Porch: 1 Alger ZBA Application for Variances ❑ URGENT Q FOR REVIEW ❑ PLEASE COMMENT ❑ PLEASE REPLY ❑AS REQUESTED To the City of Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals: Engineering America Co.,on behalf of our clients Luke&Lauren Boughton,respectfully submits the enclosed application materials for ZBA review of requested variances related to an existing/ proposed screened porch at 1 Alger St.in Saratoga Springs,NY. An oversight by the Owners resulted in the screened porch being constructed over a property-line into the City R.O.W.,for which there is now a violation.This application is intended to remedy the current situation. We respectfully request that this ZBA application be placed on the next available ZBA agenda. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Tonya Yasenchak,PE Enc. ZONING BOARD OFAPPEALS APPLICATION FORM PAGE 6 AREA VARIANCE—PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING(add additional information as necessary): Sec.2-Table3:Area&Bulk Sch The applicant requests relief from the following Zoning Ordinance article(s) Dimensional Requirements District Requirement Requested Min. Yard Setback: Front(along North Property line) 10.0' 0.3' -9.7'relief requested (97%) Max. Building Coverage Percentage 30% 56.7% -26.7% relief requested (98%) Other: To grant an area variance,the ZBA must balance the benefits to the applicant and the health,safety,and welfare of the neighborhood and community,taking into consideration the following: . Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by other feasible means. Identify what alternatives to the variance have been explored (alternative designs, attempts to purchase land,etc.)and why they are not feasible. The applicant had constructed the outdoor screened structure during the time of Covid restrictions so that their children could have friends over and be"outside" together. The structure was not permitted nor surveyed and resulted in an encroachment over the Northern property line along Alger St. The applicants did not actually attach the screened porch to the principal building (it stands alone), and as such errantly assumed that the structure would not increase the principal building coverage. The applicants now understand the code and realize the errors made. The only alternative to a variance being required is to remove the entire sh actui e. Howevei,clue to 1:1 imui,ed foi ti ie co,ist,actioi 1, 1:1 iey would like to keep a pui tioi i of ti ie poi ul i ii i tact. T1 ie- application submitted does depict a reduction in size of the screened porch by more than 2'so that the entirety of the structure is within the prppe4 b0laindaries; The red,iced size resuits on a 195 sq ft r- - . ;a on the principal building footprint and 2.7% increase in lot coverage. There is no additional land to purchase in order to increase the lot size to reduce the coverage. Reducing the porch area to 8'depth allows for a workable room area. Although the depth of the porch could be reduced more,the applicants feel that less depth would not meet their needs for outdoor usable space and drop zone as it is now used not just for gathering, but more as a mudroom. The fence will also be relocated so as to be on the property and not in the City R.O. W. 2. Whether granting the variance will produce an undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties. Granting the variance will not create a detriment to nearby properties or an undesirable change in the neighborhood character for the following reasons: Granting of the variance should not produce an undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood or detriment to nearby properties. The fence will be moved onto the project site resulting in more area within the R.O.W. The screened porch is proposed to be reduced in size and be located at 0.3'from the North property line. There are many other buildings in the immediate vicinity which have covered porches and stairs directly on or very closet to the front property lines. Opening up the screened porch to the property line (ie. the fence will not run in front of the porch), should result in more commonality with neighboring properties, reducing the dense appearance of the current structure location. A porch structure is consistent with the nature of the neighborhood. Prior tote porch being constructed,this house was one of only a few houses in the neighborhood without a transitional porch into the house. The allowance of such a porch also continues the community feel of neighborhood interaction while erjoying the outdoors. Revised 01/2021 ZONING BOARD OFAPPEALS APPLICATION FORM PAGE 7 3. Whether the variance is substantial. The requested variance is not substantial for the following reasons: The variances requested do appear substantial. However,the pre-existing/non-conforming lot size of 4,701 sq.ft. is already 1,899 sq.ft. less than the minimum lot size required in the UR-3 zoning district. The screened porch addition is proposed at only 125 sq.ft. increase in coverage (2.7% of the overall site). The resulting coverage of the entire principal building is 56.7%, which although appears substantial in comparison with the 30% max., is only 16.7%over the 40%total coverage which would be allowed with a detaehed aeeessary struetwe. The 16.7% may be viewed as non Substantial. The lot is pre-existing and non-conforming in lot width at 35.67'-36.67' instead of the 60' min. outlined in the UR-3 zone. The lot is further restricted as the site is on a corner. The minimum 4' min. side setback(with total sides of 12')is not valid and 10' FninirnuFn fFant setbaelt 09 Fequired. The 9.7'V8Fi8nee(97%) Fequested for the front setbaelt does appear substantial. I laweveF, many residences in the neighborhood have porches and stairs which extend closer than the 10' required. The location of the proposed modified porch appears to substantially align with porches on nearby homes. The substantial nature of the requested variance may be viewed as lessened when compared with it's consistency with the neighborhood porches. 4. Whether the variance will have adverse physical or environmental effects on neighborhood or district. The requested variance will not have an adverse physical or environmental effect on the neighborhood or district for the following reasons: The additional 125 sq.ft. of coverage and the location of the modified porch should not result in any physical or environmental effects on the neighborhood or district. The roof is sloped in such a way so that runoff remains on the project site. No large trees will be removed or affected by the project variances. The project site will over 25% permeable. 5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created(although this does not necessarily preclude the granting of an area variance). Explain whether the alleged difficulty was or was not self-created: The Owners acknowledge that the difficulty was self-created. The pre-existing/non-conforming lot size and location of the house on the lot is not self-created. Also,the Owners did not have a full understanding at the time of their previous construction project that there would be a need for outdoor gathering space(necessary for Covid). The desire to have a space for their children to continue to have some type of outdoor gathering space would permit them to have such an area for any future needs. Revised 01/2021 ZONING BOARD OFAPPEALSAPPL1cAT1oN FORM PAGE B DISCLOSURE Does any City officer,employee,or family member thereof have a financial interest(as defined by General Municipal Law Section 809)in this application? m No ❑Yes If"yes",a statement disclosing the name,residence and nature and extent of this interest must be filed with this application. APPLICANT CERTIFICATION I/we,the property owner(s),or purchaser(s)/lessee(s)under contract,of the land in question,hereby request an appearance before the Zoning Board of Appeals. By the signature(s)attached hereto, I/we certify that the information provided within this application and accompanying documentation is,to the best of my/our knowledge,true and accurate. I/we further understand that intentionally providing false or misleading information is grounds for immediate denial of this application. Furthermore, I/we hereby authorize the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and designated City staff to enter the property associated with this application for purposes of conducting any necessary site inspections relating to this appeal. C 5/3/22 Date: T� (applicant signature) 5/3/22 Date: (applicant signature) If applicant is not the currently the owner of the property,the current owner must also sign. Owner Signature: Date: Owner Signature: Date: Revised 01/2021 2021 LAND USE BOARD FEE WORKSHEET OPED Fees Type 2021 Fee Application to Zoning Board ofAppeals[11[21 TOTAL #VARIANCE Use Variance $1100+$50/app Area Variance-Residential 450.00 2 $275/var+$50/app+$125 each add'I variance Area Variance-Multi-Family,Comm,Mixed-Use $660/var+$50/app+$200 each add'I variance Interpretations $550+$50/app Post-Work Appl i cation Fee Add 50%App fee+$50/app Variance extensions 50%ofAppfee+$50/app Application to Design Review Commission[1] TOTAL #STRUCTURE Demolition $385 Residential Structures Principal $55 Accessory $55 Extension $35 Modification $55 Multi-Family,Comm,Mixed-Use Structures Sketch $16S Principal $SS0 Extension $200 Modification $330 Multi-Family,Comm,Mixed-Use Accessory,Signs,Awnings Principal $140 Extension $75 Modification $140 Post-Work Appl i cation Fee Add 50%App fee Application to Planning Board[1] TOTAL #STRUCTURE Special Use Permit[2] $990+$50/app Special Use Permit-extension $330 Special UsePermit-modification[2] $450+$50/app Site Plan Review-incl.PUD: Sketch Plan $330 Residential $330+$200/unit Residential-extension $200 Residential-modification $400 Non-residential $660+$130/1000 sf Non-Residential-extension $300 Non-Residential-modification $650 Subdivision-incl.PUD: TOTAL #LOTS Sketch Plan $330 Prelimi nary Approval[2] Residential:1-5 lots $660+$S0/app Residential:6-10 lots $990+$SO/app Residential:11-20 lots $1320+$50/app Residential:21+lots $1650+50/app Residential-extension $330 Final Approval[2] Residential $1320+$175/lot+$50/app Non-Residential $2000/lot+$50/app Final Approval Modification[2] Residential $330+$50/app Non-Residential $550+$50/app Final Approval Extension Residential $135 Non-Residential $330 Other: TOTAL #LOT/ACRE Post-Work Application Fee Add 50%App fee Lot Line Adjustment $350 Letter of Credit-modification or extension $440 Letter of Credit-collection up to 1%ofLoC Recreation Fee $2000/lotorunit Land Disturbance $660+$55/acre SEQRA EIS Review(Draft&Final) TBD Legal Noticing if PB requires Public Hearing $50/app [1] Fees are based on per structure,except where noted. $450.00 TOTAL DUE [2] Legal ad required; includes City processing and publishing For Administrative Use Total Paid at Intake Revised Fee Balance Due �� Balance Paid Staffapproval 3f1N3AV 1� IAZos 1 AVM JO iHO8 NMb— aOOM .... ..... 7T. 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N o Adam McNeill ' CITY HALL-474 BROADWAY SecreM7 SARATOGA SPRINGS,NEW YORK 12866 Gary Hasbrouck PH 518-587-3550 FX)518-580-9480 George"Skip"Carlson CENTENNIA l ) James Helicke WWW.SARATOGA-SPRINGS.ORG Susan Steer IN THE MATTER OF THE APPEAL OF LUKE A. BOUGHTON 1 ALGER STREET SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866 From the determination of the Building Inspector involving the premises at I Alger Street in the City of Saratoga Springs, NY, being tax parcel number 165.43-3-18 on the Assessment Map of said City. The Applicant having applied for an area variance to construct an attached garage with a second-story master suite seeking relief from front and side yard setback and maximum principal building coverage requirements in the Urban Residential—3 District and public notice having been duly given of a hearing on said application from November 23, 2015 through April 11, 2016. In consideration of the balance between the benefit to the Applicant with detriment to the health, safety and welfare of the community, I move that the following variance for the following amount of relief: Type of Requirement District Dimensional Proposed Relief Requested Requirement Minimum Front Yard 10 feet 7.8 feet 2.2 feet(22%) Setback(Alger Street) Maximum Principal 30% 54% 24% (80%) Building Coverage As per the submitted plans or lesser dimensions, BE APPROVED for the following reasons: 1. The Applicant has demonstrated this benefit cannot be achieved by other means feasible to the Applicant. The Applicant desires to construct an attached two-car garage to be used for parking and storage along with a master suite on the second floor. Due to the existing lot size, the fact that the residence is already in nonconformance with the existing zoning requirements, and no additional land is available for purchase, construction of any type of addition would require multiple variances. The Applicant explored other options including detaching the garage, but the proposed design is the only one that would permit safe access from the garage to the house. The Board notes that the applicant has recently modified the proposed design to slightly reduce coverage from the original application, and to remove a proposed shed to reduce the size and number of the variances requested. 2. The Applicant has demonstrated that granting this variance will not produce an undesirable change in neighborhood character or detriment to the nearby properties. The neighborhood is densely constructed and most residences are located close to one another and near the roads and sidewalks. Constructing the garage at this location would be consistent with the neighboring properties. Furthermore, building coverage for several neighboring properties exceed 50% as depicted in the applicant's supporting documentation. Based on this information, while the Board finds this proposal to be at the upper end of the range in the neighborhood, it is consistent with the character of the neighborhood. The Board notes that further relief would be inconsistent with neighborhood character. 3. The request for relief for maximum building coverage is substantial, but this due to the fact that the residence is currently in nonconformance with existing zoning requirements. The residence presently covers 41.3%of the lot and the addition would increase coverage to 54%. However, if the garage was detached, the Applicant would be permitted to build an accessory building covering 10% of the property, without requiring a variance for coverage. This would result in 51.3% coverage. The Board finds the incremental coverage of 2.7%resulting from this application to be insubstantial. 4. The Applicant has demonstrated that granting this variance will not have an adverse physical or environmental effect on the neighborhood. The Applicant has stated that portions of the existing driveway will be removed and reseeded, a catch basin to the north of the property will remain to facilitate site drainage, and no large or significant trees will be removed. The lot permeability will be 28% which exceeds the zoning district's requirement of 25%. 5. The request for relief may be considered a self-created hardship due to the applicant's desire to construct this addition. However, self-creation is not necessarily fatal to the application. Conditions: No additional accessory structures. The applicant has agreed to forego the shed depicted in the plans submitted. Adopted by the following vote: AYES: 6 (B. Moore, K. Kaplan, A. McNeill, S. Carlson, G. Hasbrouck and J. Helicke) NAYES: 1 (S. Steer) Dated: April 11, 2016 This variance shall expire 18 months following the filing date of such decision unless the necessary building permit has been issued and actual construction begun as per 240-8.5.1. Date Chair I hereby certify the above to be a full, true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Saratoga Springs on the date above mentioned, seven members of the Board being present. it, c,elVE 8 z O APR 7 A�oU� 0;p^ �vr