HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260462 11 Excelsior Ave Courtyard Marriott Area Variance ApplicationCITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Cufy HaU. - 474 Broad w"
Saran go,SprL*tgy, Nero-York.9-2866
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Te,L:. 518-587-3550 X2-533
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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 1 original and 1 d ver. 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"
XrCompleted SEQR Environmental Assessment Form — short or long form as required by action.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/permits_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.).
❑ 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
**HAN'DWRITTEN APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED**
[FOR OFFICE USEI
CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS
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ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
CITY HALL - 474 BROADWAY
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK 12866-2296
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TEL: 518-587-3550 X2533
`c0RPORATO
www.saratoga-springs.org
APPLICATION FOR:
INTERPRETATION, USE VARIANCE,
AREA VARIANCE AND/OR VARIANCE EXTENSION
Name
(Application #)
(Date received)
(Project Title)
Check if PH Required
Staff Review
APPLICANT(S) * OWNERS) (/fnot appllcant) ATrORNEY/AGENT
Courtyard Marriott Spa Hotel 2 LLC AJ Signs
11 Excelsior Ave
Address
Saratoga Springs NY 12866
Phone •.
Email
302 Washington Ave Ext
Albany NY 12203
i
842 Saratoga Rd
Burnt Hills NY 12027
5183999291
Kristen@ajsigns.
Contact Person: Applicant []Owner QAttorney/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: ❑ Owner m Lessee ❑ Under option to lease or purchase
PROPERTY INFORMATION
11 Excelsior Ave
1. Property Address/Location:
166 29 2 8
Tax Parcel No.:
(for example. /6.FS2 — 4 — 37)
2. Date acquired by current owner: 3. Zoning District when purchased:
Hotel NC
4. Present use of property: 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: Installation of 2 sets of Channel letters at max height of 24" to be placed on the North
and South elevations on the 7th floor
9. Is there an active written violation for this parcel? ❑ Yes It 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) ® AREA VARIANCE (pp. 6-7)
Revised 0112021
ZONING BOARD APPEAL APPL/CAT/ON INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE 2
PUBLIC HEARING ADVERTISEMENT
The Zoning Board of Appeals is required to hold a public hearing on each submitted application within ninety (90)
days from when it is determined to be properly complete by City staff.
City staff will prepare a legal notice for the public hearing and arrange to have the public hearing
announcement printed in the legal notice section of a local publication at least 5 days before the hearing.
PROPERTY OWNER NOTIFICATION
Applicants are required to mail a copy of the public hearing legal notice to all property owners within the following
distances from the boundaries of the land in question:
Type of variance Distance for property owner notification
Use variance 250 feet
Area variance & Interpretation 100 feet
This notice must be sent at least 7 days but not more than 20 days before the date of the public hearing.
City staff will email a copy of the "property owner notification letter" to the applicant. The applicant must then send
the notification letter to the nearby property owners. Applicants may not include any other materials in this mailing.
The mailing must be certified by the U.S. Post Office. Prior to the public hearing, applicants must present the Post
Office "certificates of mailing" to the ZBA. If "certificates of mailing" are not presented prior to the hearing, the
hearing will be cancelled.
Revised 01/2021
Zomlvc BOARD OFAPPE4tsAPPVc4TIoN FORM
AREA VARIANCE — PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING (add additional information as necessary):
The applicant requests relief from the following Zoning Ordinance article(s)
Dimensional Requirements
Max Letter height
Max height from Grade
Channel lit letters
Other:
District Requirement Requested
18" 24"
2nd Floor 6th Floor
Halo Lighting
PAGE 6
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.
To ensure maximum visibility and effective wayfinding for inotorists traveling on Route 50 and Excelsior
Avenue, the proposed signage must be installed at a height exceeding the second floor, should be taller than 18
inches and internally lit. When motorist are navigating from Route 50 to the parking lot on Excelsior Avenue is
particularly challenging due to limited sightlines, changes in elevation, and the absence of a direct'entry point
from Route 50. These conditions would be significantly reduce the visibility 18" letters mounted to the 2nd
floor and halo lit. Given these constraints, increased sign height from grade and scale are essential to provide
adequate advance notice and safe navigation for drivers. Enhanced visibility will improve traffic flow, reduce
confusion, and support overall safety in the area. The channel letters are the hotel brand standard style of
signage. This type of lighting will be unobtrusive at the level we propose to install them.
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 create in an undesirable change to the character of the neighborhood, nor will it
create a detriment to nearby properties. The site is located along a commercial section of Rt 50 where business
identification signage is customary and expected.
The proposed sign modifications, specifically increased elevation, letter height and lighting are necessary due to
unique site conditions, elevation changes, and indirect access from Route 50 to the hotel via Excelsior Avenue.
The design will remain consistent with other commercial signage in similar commercial settings and will not
introduce visual clutter or incompatibility with surrounding uses.
The variance will enhance wayfinding and reduce driver confusion, thereby contributing positively to the safety
and functionality of the area without altering its overall character. r
The channel letters although not an approved type of letter will not change the character of the area, as they will
not be obtrusive at the level proposed and are the official Courtyard Marriott branded type of signage.
ZONING BOARD oFAPPEALSAPF11cATION FORM PAGE 7
3. Whether the variance is substantial. The requested variance is not substantial for the following reasons:
We do not believe the requested variance should be seen as substantial. The increased elevation taller letter size
and internally lit letters are needed to address visibility challenges of the hotel site and parking areas
particularly at night. The proposal does not seek excessive or out -of -character signage but rather a modest
adjustment to ensure maximum visibility. The signs will remain in scale with the commercial corridor and will
not be out of place in this area. Overall the variance is practical and appropriate for the site.
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 variance will not have any adverse physical or environmental impact. The sign will be a passive
structure with no emissions, noise, or operational impacts. In fact, improved visibility is expected to have a
beneficial effect by reducing abrupt or unsafe driving maneuvers associated with missed or difficult -to -locate
entrances. This enhancement in wayfinding supports safer traffic patterns along Route 50 and Excelsior
Avenue, benefiting both motorists and adjacent properties.
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 additional signage could be seen as self-created however should not diminish the need for
adequate wayfinding signage. The roadway conditions is beyond the applicant's control. These include the
configuration of Route 5.% elevation changes that limit sight distance, and the lack of direct access to the
parking area from Route 50 to. the property. The need for increased sign visibility is a direct result :of these:
constraints. The requested variance represents a reasonable and necessary response to those conditions, rather
than a hardship created by the applicant.
Revised 01/2021
DISCLOSURJ.
D-m am C: nY oTfires, enyr' , .. or family tm-mtxsr thereof have a fmanclal frterest (as deGnvrl by tG6WTal Nhaa(+pal i
• .. - Na [j) r, It yrs", a statement disclosing the name, ► esidente autl natu+e a, x1 extent Of this
witty this application,
APPUCANT Ca-griCAi ION
I,'wa, the property ownegs), or purcnase4s)Aessee(s) under contract, of the land in question, hereby request an appftrarxe "! - r..
the Zoning Board of Appeals.
By t111L� signature(:) attached hereto, l/we certiry that the information provided within this application and accompanying
docutnc-ntatlon is, to the best of my/our knowledge, true and accurate. I/we further understand that intentionally providing faisa 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
associatea with this application for purposes of conducting any necessary site inspections relating to this appeal,
` 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:Date:
Owner Signature:
P*VW d GtlZP'4
Date:
Short Environmental Assessment Form
Part I - Project Information
Instructions for Completing
Part 1— 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:
Courtyard By Marriott
Project Location (describe, and attach a location map):
11 Excelsior Ave Saratoga Springs NY 12866
Brief Description of Proposed Action:
Installation of 2 sets for internally lit channel letters to be attached to the hotel
Name of Applicant or Sponsor: Telephone:
ep 5183999291
AJ Signs E-Mail:
Address:
842 Saratoga Rd
City/PO:
State:
I
Zip Code:
112027
Burnt Hills
NY
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?
If Yes, list agency(s) name and permit or approval:
NO
YES
❑
3. a. Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? 2.85 acres
b. Total acreage to be physically disturbed? o acres
c. Total acreage (project site and any contiguous properties) owned
or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? 2.85 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 0 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:
S. 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
NO
YES
❑�
❑
NO
YES
✓❑
❑
❑
Elaction?
❑✓
21
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
IT
El
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 m 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?
NO
YES
❑✓
❑
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
❑�
❑
1-9. 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
❑
I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF
MY KNOWLEDGE
Applicant/sponsor/name: � i Date:
Signature: Title:'
PRINT FORM Page 3 of 3
EAF Mapper Summary Report
Monday, March 30, 2026 2:43 PM
Disclaimer. The EAF Mapper is a screening tool intended to assist
'f11 n r g project sponsors and reviewing agencies in preparing an environmental
assessment form (EAF). Not all questions asked in the EAF are
answered by the EAF Mapper. Additional information on any EAF
r — question can be obtained by consulting the EAF Workbooks. Although
the EAF Mapper provides the most up-to-date digital data available to
DEC, you may also need to contact local or other data sources to
confirm data provided by the Mapper or to obtain data not provided by
the Mapper.
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,Part 1 / Question 7 [Critical Environmental
No
Area]_
';Part 1 / Question 12a [National or State
Yes
Register of Historic Places or State Eligible
'Sites]
'
Part 1 / Question 12b [Archeological Sites]
Yes
Part 1 / Question 13a [Wetlands or Other
j Digital mapping data are not available or are incomplete. Refer to EAF
.Regulated Waterbodies]
Workbook.
.Part 1 / Question 15 [Threatened or
No�
.Endangered Animal]
.1
.loo
d Plain]
Part /Question 16 [100 Year Flood
Digital mapping data are not available or are incomplete. Refer to EAF
Workbook.
Part 1 / Question 20 [Remediation Site]
Yes J
Short Environmental Assessment Form - EAF Mapper Summary Report I
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