Zoning board approves three variances and leaves two hearings open

The Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals handled multiple variance requests July 13 and recorded several final actions and continuances:

- 109 Ludlow (area variance for attached garage): Approved 6–0. Conditions include implementation of the applicant’s drainage plan, continuous gutters/subsurface drainage directing runoff away from neighboring foundations, and fire-rated north-side construction with no openings. The board recorded detailed findings addressing alternatives, neighborhood character and environmental controls.

- 9 Cleveland (rear-deck extension): Approved 6–0. The board found the applicant’s comparables and drone photos showed the proposed deck was consistent with neighborhood rear-setback patterns and approved the 10-foot relief requested.

- 431 Grand (side-yard connection/area variance): Approved 6–0. The board granted relief for a breezeway connecting an existing garage to the house, noting heavy tree screening and no change to the garage’s footprint.

- 75 Clinton (12-foot fence/wall): Public hearing remains open. Applicants presented medical and monitoring evidence and proposed faux ivy/vegetated screening; opponents raised precedent and process concerns. The board moved to request an advisory opinion from the Design Review Board on visual/material treatment; the chair recorded an inconclusive roll call and left the hearing open pending DRB advisory.

- 832 North Broadway (circular driveway exceeding 25-foot width limit): Public hearing opened and remains continued. Applicant was asked to return with Design Review Board comments and alternatives (curb options, alley access, DPW/utility constraints).

What this means: Three variances were finalized with conditions for construction and drainage; two significant items remain pending further review and advisory input.