HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220502 UDO Amendments DRC Advisory Opinion
Tamie Ehinger,
C ITY OF S ARATOGA S PRINGS
Rob DuBoff,
Chris Bennett
D ESIGN R EVIEW B OARD
Leslie DiCarlo
Jeff Gritsavage
Tad Roemer
City Hall - 474 Broadway
Ellen Sheehan
Karen Cavotta,
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Patty Morrison,
Tel: 518-587-3550 x.2515 fax: 518-580-9480
www.saratoga-springs.org
July 22, 2022
To: Ron Kim, Mayor
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts
Jason Golub, Commissioner of DPW
Joseph Montagnino, Commissioner of DPS
RE: Advisory Opinion to the City Council Proposed Amendments #1 and #2 to the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO)
Dear Mayor and Commissioners,
Pursuant to City Council action on May 24, 2022 requesting an advisory opinion from the Design Review Board,
, heard from the public, and
discussed at its June 8 and July 6 meetings.
The Design Review Board
goals and purpose of the document in order to encourage positive development in the City of Saratoga Springs.
The Design Review Board finds the proposed amendments to be consistent with the 2015 Comprehensive Plan
and on July 6, 2022 made a motion to pass a favorable advisory opinion with the following considerations:
Amendment 1: Remove inappropriate uses from the Greenbelt
The Design Review Board would not typically comment on uses, however, form in terms of mass, scale, and height,
and siting are important considerations under the B The DRB would defer to the expertise of the
Planning Board for determining appropriate uses in each district, while focusing on the review of the design of such
projects in order to appropriately reflect the design guidelines set forth in the Unified Development Ordinance.
Amendment 2: Establish clear criteria and requirements for land use boards to maintain rural
character in the Greenbelt
The Design Review Board finds that the Unified Development Ordinance as it is written, is sufficient in providing
checks and balances and ensuring that all projects that come in front of the Board are held to the same standards.
It is common and best practice for the Board to provide written explanations regarding any exemptions from
standards and guidelines and the DRB does not feel it is necessary to make the changes as proposed in Amendment
2.
Additionally, the Design Review Board would like to take the opportunity to reinforce the need for several
additional amendments:
Page 1 of 2
Proposed Amendments to Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Design Review Board Advisory Opinion
1. Table 13-B Required Notice: The DRB recommends that on-site property noticing for all approvals by the
Design Review Board be required, in both the Historic and Architectural Review districts. This helps to make
people aware of the process and indicate that approvals have been given.
2. Table 13-B Required Notice: The DRB recommends that on-site property noticing should be initiated when
a Design Review Board application is going through design review. We feel that this is an educational opportunity
to inform the community of proposed projects.
3. Section 13.9.F.2. Architectural Review Applicability: Any proposed structure for a vacant lot within the
inner district will be subject to a one time review by the Design Review Board for architectural compatibility.
Any future alterations to the structures will not be subject to Design Review Board review.
4. Section 13.9.H. Demolition: The DRB notes that there are many historic properties and structures that
should be protected that are outside of the Historic and Architectural Review Districts. In order to help protect
these important pieces of Saratoga Springs history, the DRB
removal of 25% or more of an existing principal or accessory structure either listed or eligible to be listed on
the National Register located within the inner district of the City of Saratoga Springs will be subject to Design
5. Review of City Projects: The Design Review Board appreciates that the current City Council has been doing
the event that this is not always the
situation, the DRB proposes to mandate an advisory opinion from the necessary land use boards for all City
projects, not just City Landmarks. This offers some protection for our new and Historic buildings, in the event
of uncertainty with future City Councils.
On behalf of the Design Review Board, I welcome any questions or requests you may have concerning this issue.
Thank you for allowing the Design Review Board your time and attention in making this important
recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Tamie Ehinger
DRB Chair
cc: Accounts Dept.
Amanda Tucker, Senior Planner
Page 2 of 2