HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250308 Saratoga Quality Hardware Area Variance NOD
Gage Simpson, Chair
C ITY OF S ARATOGA
Brendan Dailey, Vice Chair
Shafer Gaston
S PRINGS
Amanda Demma
Jonah Cohen
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Otis Maxwell
Chris LaPointe
C ITY H ALL - 474 B ROADWAY
Chris Maslak (Alternate)
S ARATOGA S PRINGS, N EW Y ORK 12866
Robert West (Alternate)
518-587-3550
WWW.SARATOGA-SPRINGS.ORG
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPEAL OF
#20250308
Saratoga Quality Hardware Inc., the Applicant
110-112 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs Building Inspector has determined that certain application involving
the premises at 110-112 Excelsior Ave in the City of Saratoga Springs, New York (“City”) being tax parcel
number 166-4-2.1 (the “Zoning Denial”).
WHEREAS, the Applicant appealing such Zoning Denial, has applied for an area variance under the UDO of
the City to permit the installation of new wall signs to replace the existing signs in the NC Neighborhood Center
District (T-5) District and public notice having been duly given of a hearing on said application held between
May 12 and June 2, 2025.
WHEREAS, in consideration of the balance between benefit to the applicants with detriment to the health,
safety, and welfare of the community, the Applicant has requested the following area variance for the following
amount of relief:
Type of Requirement District Proposed Relief Requested
Requirement
Max. Sign Lettering Height 18 inches 24 inches 6 inches (33.3%)
Max. Sign Logo Height 18 inches 84 inches 68 inches (377.8%)
NOW, THEREFORE, as per the submitted plans or lesser dimensions, be APPROVED for the following
reasons:
1. Achievability by Other Means. The Applicant has demonstrated that this benefit cannot be achieved by
other means feasible to the applicant. The applicant desires signage with key words and a distinct logo
clearly visible from the main thoroughfare, which is significantly offset from the front of the structure
by the shape and layout of the property and the parking lot.
2. Undesirable Change. The Applicant has demonstrated that granting this variance would not create an
undesirable change in neighborhood character or a detriment to nearby properties. The applicant stated
that the adjacent commercial property has signage with letters measuring 24 inches that advertises
commercial product categories available.
3. Substantiality. The Board finds that the requested variances are substantial, however, this is mitigated
by the fact that the currently existing “Quality Hardware” sign has a total area of 48 square feet, whereas
the new logo will have a total area of only 38 square feet, as well as the aforementioned comparable
signage on the adjacent property.
4. Adverse Effect or Impact. The Board finds that these variances would not have a significant adverse
physical effect on the neighborhood or district. The signage does not impact coverage, drainage, or
other environmental concerns, and is unlit and therefore does not contribute to light pollution.
5. Self-Created Difficulty. The alleged difficulty is considered self-created insofar as the Applicant desires
to modify their existing signage, however, this is not necessarily fatal to the application.
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It is so moved.
Dated June 2, 2025
Passes by the following votes:
AYES: 4 (B. Dailey, J. Cohen, C. LaPointe, O. Maxwell)
NAYES: 3 (G. Simpson, S. Gaston, A. Demma)
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 the Unified Development Ordinance.
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.
SIGNATURE: 06/23/2025
CHAIR DATE RECEIVED BY
ACCOUNTS DEPT.
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