HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260091 Lexington Rd & Bemis Heights Rd Subdivision Modification SSFD Review Letter 06.08.2026Saratoga Springs Fire Department
Office of the Fire Chief
60 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: 518 587 3599
Joseph J. Dolan, Chief
Aaron Dyer, Asst. Chief
June 8, 2026
Susan Barden
Administrator of OPED
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Re: Proposed Bemis Point Subdivision
Dear Susan:
I am writing to you in connection with the Planning Board’s ongoing review of the above
referenced project. It has come to my attention that the Planning Board is seeking a further explanation
of the conclusion reached by the SSFD that the most recent project plans are compliant with the provisions
of the 2025 Fire Code of New York State (Fire Code). Specifically, I understand that the Board requires
an explanation as to why Fire Code Section D107.1 does not apply to this project.
Section D107.1 states as follows: “Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the
number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus
access roads.” The project before the Planning Board proposes 13 homes and has a fire apparatus access
road that has two turnarounds which meet with the requirements of the Fire Code. The SSFD has
concluded that because the development being proposed does not exceed 30 single family homes, that the
requirements of Section D107.1 do not apply. I reached this conclusion with the understanding that this
project is considered a modification of an existing subdivision under local zoning law, specifically Phase
3 of the Independence Square subdivision which currently contains 39 building lots. I am also aware that
the first two phases of the subdivision have been constructed for some time and contain 68 single -family
homes which are serviced by a single fire apparatus access road.
It has been suggested to me that the word “development,” which is not defined in the 2025 Fire
Code, should be taken to mean the existing 68 homes on Lexington Road, Concord Drive, Bunker Hill
Drive, Champlain Drive and Bemis Heights Drive along with the 13 proposed homes. It is suggested that
under such a reading of Section D107.1, the applicant, who is proposing to reduce the number of approved
building lots from 39 to 13, should be required to construct a second fire apparatus road to serve 81 homes.
The SSFD does not read the Fire Code to require as much. This conclusion has been reached following
my consultation with the Building Inspector and the New York State Department of State Division of
Building Standards and Codes specifically relating to this issue.
I hope that the above clarifies the SSFD’s position regarding this matter.
[Type here]
Thank you
Aaron Dyer
Assistant Chief
Saratoga Springs Fire Dept.
60 Lake Ave
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
aadyer@ssfdny.org
(O) 518-587-3599 x3023
(C) 518-925-0609
Cc: File