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Home My WebLink About20260460 171 S Broadway Arrow Bank Area Variance ApplicationCITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Cihy Hat , - 474 Br&"WA%Aj �- Sara, vga. Spri,hgY, Ne w-Yorkl 12866 ' Tet/ 518-587-3550 X2533 /Hc�RPORATEO www.sara, osga-spri "k-org INSTRUCTIONS APPEAL TO THE ZONING BOARD FOR AN INTERPRETATION, USE VARIANCE, AREA VARIANCE AND/OR VARIANCE EXTENSION APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 1. ELIGIBILITY: To apply for relief from the City's Zoning Ordinance, an applicant must be the property owner(s) or lessee, or have an option to lease or purchase the property in question. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) shall not accept any application for appeal that includes a parcel which has a written violation from the Zoning and Building Inspector that is not the subject of the application. 2. COMPLETE SUBMISSIONS: Applicants are encouraged to work with City staff to ensure a complete application. The ZBA will only consider properly completed applications that contain I original and I dual version of the following: `Completed application pages I and 8, the pages relating to the requested relief (p. 2 for interpretation or extension, pp. 3-5 for use variance, pp. 6-7 for area variance), and any additional supporting materials/ documentation. "HANDWRITTEN APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED" Completed SEQR Environmental Assessment Form — short or long form as required by action. http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/perm its_ej_operations_pdf/seafpartone. pdf Detailed "to scale" drawings of the proposed project — folded and no larger than 24"x 36". Identify all existing and proposed structures, lot boundaries and dimensions, and the relationship of structures to the lot dimensions. Also, include any natural or manmade features that might affect your property (e.g., drains, ponds, easements, etc.). '0 Photographs showing the site and subject of your appeal, and its relationship to adjacent properties. 3. APPLICATION FEE NON-REFUNDABLE : Make checks payable to the "Commissioner of Finance". REFER TO THE CURRENT FEE WORKSHEET INCLUDED IN THIS DOCUMENT. Check City's website (www.saratoga-springs.org) for meeting dates. Revised 01/2021 "HANDWRITTEN APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED"* IFOR OFFICE USEI r"`;t �A CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CITY HALL - 474 BROADWAY ..•:. SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK 12866-2296 - „ TEL: 518-587-3550 X2533 1111IL4,10,a— �9www.saratoga-springs.org APPLICATION FOR: INTERPRETATION, USE VARIANCE, AREA VARIANCE AND/OR VARIANCE EXTENSION APPLICANT(S)* Arrow Bank Name PO Box 3086 Address Saratoga Springs NY 12866 Phone I Email Greg. Contact Person: Applicant OWNER(§) (lfnot applicant) (Application #) waic IVi Ivcuj (Project Title) Check if PH Required Staff Review ATTORNEWAGENT AJ Signs 842 Saratoga Rd Burnt Hills NY 12027 518-399-9291 Kristen@ajsigns.com 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: m Owner ❑ Lessee ❑ Under option to lease or purchase PROPERTY INFORMATION 171 S. Broadway 1. Property Address/Location: 2. Date acquired by current owner: Bank 4. Present use of property: — _ 178 27 1 39 Tax Parcel No.: (for example.- 16.TS2 — 4 — 37) UC 3. Zoning District when purchased: UC 5. Current Zoning District: 6. Has a previous ZBA application/appeal been filed for this property? ❑ Yes (when? For what? m No 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: I^^•^Oatonn of 34 so ft internally lit freestanding Man for Arrow hank and Uctn_ ate a9e_ry Insim;nce where only the letters will light at night. Installation of 24 sq foot pan sign that will be internally lit where only the letters will light at night. 9. Is there an active written violation for this parcel? ❑ Yes 91 No 10. Has the work, use or occupancy to which this appeal relates already begun? ❑ Yes O No 11. Identify the type of appeal you are requesting (check all that apply): ❑ INTERPRETATION (p. 2) ❑ VARIANCE EXTENSION (p. 2) ❑ USE VARIANCE (pp. 3-6) la AREA VARIANCE (pp. 6-7) Revised 01/2021 ZONING BOARD OFAPPEALSAPPLIc4TIONFORM AREA VARIANCE — PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING (add additional information as necessary): The applicant requests relief from the following Zoning Ordinance article(s) Dimensional Requirements 12 Sq ft (existing is 25 sq ft) 8' height Other: District Requirement Requested 12 33 8' 8.7' PAGE G 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: 1. 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 benefit sought cannot be achieved by any other feasible means aside from requesting an area variance. The bank is subject to corporate branding guidelines established by the recent bank merger, which require uniform signage in terms of size and height across all branch locations to ensure consistent brand recognition. The existing sign area of 25 sq ft is non conforming under the current regulations which allow for 12 sq ft. The proposed 33 sq ft sign is necessary to meet corporate standards but also to maintain visual consistency with other locations. Reducinc. the size would compromise visibility and undermine the unified branding strategy. 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: The requested variance will not produce any undesireable change in the character of the neighborhood. The proposed sign represents a modest increase in size from the existing 25 sq ft sign and will remain consistent in design placement and overall appearance with typical commercial signage in the area. The property is located in a commercial setting where signage is expected and a necessary component of commercial operations. The updated sign will feature a sleek modern design with halo lit letters that will produce a soft glow at night . This illumination avoids harsh glare that is compatible with surrounding properties. Revised 01/2021 ZONING BOARD oFAPPEALSAPPLICATION FORM PAGE 7 3. Whether the variance is substantial. The requested variance is not substantial for the following reasons: While the requested sign area of 33 sq ft exceeds the 12 square feet and the 8.7' height exceeds the allowed 8' max height, the variance should not be considered substantial in practical terms. The proposal represents only a modest increase over the existing 25 sq ft sign currently on the property which has not created any adverse impacts. The request is driven by standardized corporate branding requirements and is necessary to ensure adequate visibility and consistency with other branches. The sign will maintain a sleek modern design with halo lit lettering that produces a soft low -impact glow minimizing visual intrusion. 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 proposed sign will not have any adverse environmental effects on the neighborhood. The request is limited to an increase in sign area and does not make any changes to site layout as the new sign will be installed in the same location as the existing sign. There will be zero im��act to natural resources, drainage, traffic or noise above current levels. The internally lit sign with halo lit letters will replace an external up -lit sign. This change will minimize the glare and light spill therefore lessening the impacts to adjacent properties and the nighttime environment. 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 need for a larger sign could be seen as self created, as it arises from updated corporate branding guidelines, however this should not diminish their need for a uniform consistency between the branches and maximum visibility to the sign. The property has long functioned as a bank with signage at 25 sq ft. The new sign will be in the same location as the existing sign. The request is not a result of any action to circumvent the zoning regulations but rather to modernize and maintain the site in accordance with current operational standards. Revised 01/2021 ZONING BOARD OFAPPFALSAPPLICATIDN FORM DISCLOSURE PAGE B Does any City officer, employee, or family member thereof have a financial interest (as defined by General Municipal Law Section 809) in this application? [ o []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 purchasers)/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 thi pplication for purposes of conducting any necessary site inspections relating to this appeal. r - _ Date: (applicant signature) Date: (applicant signature) If applicant is not the currently the owner of the property, the current owner must also sign. Owner Signature: , rOo� - _ _ Date: 04-03-26 Owner Signature: _ Date:_ Revised 01/2021 Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1- Project Information Instructions for Completing Part I — Project Information. The applicant or project sponsor is responsible for the completion of Part 1. Responses become part of the application for approval or funding, are subject to public review, and may be subject to further verification. Complete Part 1 based on information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully respond to any item, please answer as thoroughly as possible based on current information. Complete all items in Part 1. You may also provide any additional information which you believe will be needed by or useful to the lead agency; attach additional pages as necessary to supplement any item. Part 1— Project and Sponsor Information Name of Action or Project: Arrow Bank freestanding sign Project Location (describe, and attach a location map): 171 South Broadway Brief Description of Proposed Action: Installation of 33 sq ft freestanding sign with an overall height of 8.6'. Installation of 24 sq ft pan sign with letters cut out to light up at night Name of Applicant or Sponsor: Telephone: 518-399-9291 E-Mail: Kristen@ajsigns.com AJ Signs Address: 842 Saratoga Rd City/PO: State: Zip Code: 112027 I Burnt Hills New York 1. Does the proposed action only involve the legislative adoption of a plan, local law, ordinance, NO YES administrative rule, or regulation? If Yes, attach a narrative description of the intent of the proposed action and the environmental resources that may be affected in the municipality and proceed to Part 2. If no, continue to question 2. ❑✓ ❑ 2. Does the proposed action require a permit, approval or funding from any other government Agency? NO YES If Yes, list agency(s) name and permit or approval: F❑✓ ❑ 3. a. Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? 52272.00 sq ft acres b. Total acreage to be physically disturbed? 64 sa ft acres c. Total acreage (project site and any contiguous properties) owned or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? 52272 sq ft acres 4. Check all land uses that occur on, are adjoining or near the proposed action: 5. ❑ Urban ❑ Rural (non -agriculture) ❑ Industrial m Commercial ❑ Residential (suburban) ❑ Forest ❑ Agriculture ❑ Aquatic ❑ Other(Specify): ❑ Parkland Page 1 of 3 5. Is the proposed action, a. A permitted use under the zoning regulations? b. Consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan? NO YES N/A ❑ ❑✓ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑✓ 6. Is the proposed action consistent with the predominant character of the existing built or natural landscape? NO YES ❑ ❑✓ 7. Is the site of the proposed action located in, or does it adjoin, a state listed Critical Environmental Area? If Yes, identify: NO YES ❑ 8. a. Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels? b. Are public transportation services available at or near the site of the proposed action? c. Are any pedestrian accommodations or bicycle routes available on or near the site of the proposed action? NO YES ❑✓ ❑ ❑✓ ❑ ❑ 9. Does the proposed action meet or exceed the state energy code requirements? If the proposed action will exceed requirements, describe design features and technologies: NO YES ❑✓ ❑ 10. Will the proposed action connect to an existing public/private water supply? If No, describe method for providing potable water: NO YES 11. Will the proposed action connect to existing wastewater utilities? If No, describe method for providing wastewater treatment: NO YES 12. a. Does the project site contain, or is it substantially contiguous to, a building, archaeological site, or district which is listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places, or that has been determined by the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places? b. Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in or adjacent to an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory? NO YES ❑ ❑ ❑✓ ❑ 13. a. Does any portion of the site of the proposed action, or lands adjoining the proposed action, contain wetlands or other waterbodies regulated by a federal, state or local agency? b. Would the proposed action physically alter, or encroach into, any existing wetland or waterbody? If Yes, identify the wetland or waterbody and extent of alterations in square feet or acres: _ NO YES ❑✓ ❑ ❑ ❑✓ Page 2 of 3 14. Identify the typical habitat types that occur on, or are likely to be found on the project site. Check all that apply: ❑Shoreline ❑ Forest ❑ Agricultural/grasslands ❑ Early mid -successional ❑ Wetland ❑ Urban ❑ Suburban 15. Does the site of the proposed action contain any species of animal, or associated habitats, listed by the State or Federal government as threatened or endangered? Frosted Elfin, Karner Blue NO YES ❑ Z 16. Is the project site located in the 100-year flood plan? NO YES ❑✓ ❑ 17. Will the proposed action create storm water discharge, either from point or non -point sources? If Yes, a. Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties? b. Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems (runoff and storm drains)? If Yes, briefly describe: NO YES ❑✓ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑✓ ❑✓ 18. Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that would result in the impoundment of water or other liquids (e.g., retention pond, waste lagoon, dam)? If Yes, explain the purpose and size of the impoundment: NO YES ❑ ❑ 19. Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the location of an active or closed solid waste management facility? If Yes, describe: NO YES 20.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the subject of remediation (ongoing or completed) for hazardous waste? If Yes, describe: NO YES N PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE I CERTIFY THAT THE INFO7Z�,Q Applicant/sponsor/name: y ,� (/CJ 1� Date: Signature: Title: PRINT FORM Page 3 of 3 EAF Mapper Summary Report Tuesday, January 21, 2025 4:28 PM Disclaimed': The EAF Mapper is a screening tool intended to assist t 65.$2 2-22 i ItDt r' 165 83 2-39 project sponsors and reviewing agencies in preparing an environmental $3-i 25 assessment form (EAF). Not all questions asked in the EAF are 165 16 51-25 23 answered by the EAF Mapper. Additional information on any EAF 165.83-i-33 16�.83-1-22 165.83-2-38 question can be obtained by consulting the EAF Workbooks. Although 16.5.83-1 29165.83-1-31165.63-1=32 r $3-i;-24 the EAF Mapper provides the most up-to-date digital data available to i 78.26 1-4i 65.83-1-34 165,04 2 -3E DEC, you may also need to contact local or other data sources in order to obtain data not provided by the Mapper. Digital data is not a 165 83-1 28178-2 7-1-46 2 165 83 1 26 1 substitute for agency determinations. 16 178.27-1-44 178.26-1-6 178.27-1-40.1 r: T8.27-141 178.2 -1-3� n 78.26-1 �7 178.27-1-45 Saratoga Springs � � 5 t tU f � iiam�mn � if fff Fin�.• 1 °" F3uttaW anfl@i { 178.27-1-9 Albany 178.27-1-8 7826-1: 48.2 Eir r1E-E ,a,... ,, ` lr'z. =E E;rC jf.Eo HEF! �:, rr{ 7�r; S Tf map, INC : r� min E7 -IMF t 1 r F^ �r•n t_•rrrL�r�a £:rr;'bail?±nd' NGC t cortiri4u�rs 3�-.-i•:;;,- i,. �.-,.-. °rr-pl�:'�f�-rr±n`..�,:-I 'jr• r. !I?e Sa1TitJ^r I `;l .,-. r if: En FIEF_ ca_r Gif1e MimA Part 1 / Question 7 [Critical Environmental No '_Area] Part 1 / Question 12a [National or State V No Register of Historic Places or State Eligible Sites] Part 1 / Question 12b [Archeological Sites] Yes . Part 1 / Question 13a [Wetlands or Other No .Regulated Waterbodies] .Part 1 / Question 15 [Threatened or Yes Endangered Animal] Part 1 / Question 15 [Threatened or Frosted Elfin, Kamer Blue Endangered Animal - Name] Part 1 / Question 16 [100 Year Flood Plain] Digital mapping data are not available or are incomplete. Refer to EAF Workbook. Part 1 / Question 20 [Remediation Site] Yes Short Environmental Assessment Form - EAF Mapper Summary Report ] t 12 J C 2D J m U C. * m r co CL • V ♦ y W m '' L. U. 3a0C pp W4 �❑ W V 6 z s Z x W a E a a 12 �06 06 0-2 a .—°a U .9 RO w Fx U LL Go �0 a5 oz z KID �(0oo R s a� .A co ta cn Z� Q m 0m 0 cco c r r 0 0 ilI I J c: ! -� != 1 ti. i