HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250111 81 Phila St Construction Zoning Administrator Advisory Opinion to the Design Review BoardOutlook
FW: 81 Phila Street - FFE Calculation per 21.4 (f )
From Richard Roman <Richard.Roman@saratoga-springs.org>
Date Thu 3/13/2025 10:19 AM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>
FYI
Richard Roman
Zoning Administrator
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-3550 ext. 2517
From: Richard Roman
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 10:04 AM
To: 'Rob Flansburg' <dreamscapes.1@live.com>; Patrick Cogan <Patrick.Cogan@saratoga-springs.org>; Julia
Des no <Julia.Des no@saratoga-springs.org>
Cc: PAULA D ORAZIO <ionimac@aol.com>
Subject: RE: 81 Phila Street - FFE Calcula on per 21.4 (f)
Good morning,
A er comprehensive analysis of the survey, which included spot eleva ons conducted by Dan Wheeler
of Survey Associates, confirmed that the finished eleva on of the first-floor living area is measured from
the grade as specified in Sec on 21.4.F.a. of the UDO.
The average eleva on of the right-side interior lot is recorded at 199.81, while the average exis ng grade
at the interior side lot line of each adjacent lot is 197.65. By calcula ng the average of both the right-
side and interior lot eleva ons and subtrac ng FFE average to be 202, it was established that the
finished eleva on of the first-floor living space is 3.27 feet above the average grades.
This measurement indicates that the finished eleva on (i.e. FFE) is compliant with the district's
regula ons.
Furthermore, since the finished eleva on of the first-floor living space is below the maximum allowable
first-floor eleva on requirement of 4 feet, no variance is necessary. This compliance ensures adherence
to the established zoning regula ons.
As an advisory opinion to the Design Board Review of the applicant's proposed project, they have shown
compliance with the established lesser dimensions without requiring the variance that was previously
granted.
Respec ully,
3/13/25, 10:49 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAPDEWD8OZONMjDNC0tEJSr…1/2
Richard Roman
Zoning Administrator
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-3550 ext. 2517
From: Rob Flansburg <dreamscapes.1@live.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 1:48 PM
To: Richard Roman <Richard.Roman@saratoga-springs.org>; Patrick Cogan <Patrick.Cogan@saratoga-springs.org>;
Julia Des no <Julia.Des no@saratoga-springs.org>
Cc: PAULA D ORAZIO <ionimac@aol.com>
Subject: 81 Phila Street - FFE Calcula on per 21.4 (f)
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Hi Richard/All,
I have a ached the survey complete with spot eleva ons as surveyed by Dan Wheeler of Survey
Associates. The lot slopes from right to le (Circular Street side downhill toward Henry Street) and from
back of the lot towards the sidewalk in front. You will see that the grade near the rear setback line
slopes from the high side 200.9' to 198.4 near the low property line. On the setback line is an eleva on
of 199.5'
For the design of both the prior home designed for this lot, and the current proposed home, the grade
at the rear of the founda on was determined to be between 199.0 and 199.5. Therefore, the top of
founda on was set at an eleva on of 200.4 (approximately 1'-0" above exis ng grade)
The first floor framing was engineered to be 1'-8 1/4". This sets the first floor eleva on (FFE) to be
202.0.
The sidewalk eleva on in front of the home is 196.19 on the high side, and 195.0 on the low side.
This lot adjoins 4 other proper es, therefore the exis ng grading must largely remain unchanged.
Likewise, the sidewalk eleva ons cannot be changed.
As a result, with an FFE of 202.0, and a sidewalk eleva on of 196.19 near the entrance, this means the
first floor is approximately 5'-10" (+/-) above the sidewalk. A variance was obtained, as this exceeded
the 4'-0" maximum allowed.
If you should have any ques ons regarding this informa on please reach out.
If you would please confirm receipt, that would also be greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Bob Flansburg, P.E.
Dreamscapes Unlimited
(518)-935-3285
3/13/25, 10:49 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
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