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Office of Planning & Economic Development
Duties
The Saratoga Springs Office of Planning & Economic Development provides technical assistance on development applications made to the city's Land Use Boards (the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Design Review Commission). The Planning Department staff is available to assist applicants with the development review process and to provide the general public with information about zoning issues, as well as the status and schedule of applications being reviewed.
Additionally, various capital and infrastructure projects within the City are managed by the department.
The Community Development Department also falls under the umbrella of the Office of Planning & Economic Development.
The Saratoga Springs Office of Planning & Economic Development provides technical assistance on development applications made to the city's Land Use Boards (the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Design Review Commission). The Planning Department staff is available to assist applicants with the development review process and to provide the general public with information about zoning issues, as well as the status and schedule of applications being reviewed.
Additionally, various capital and infrastructure projects within the City are managed by the department.
The Community Development Department also falls under the umbrella of the Office of Planning & Economic Development.
Regular Meetings
- 7 p.m.
- 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month (calendar) (PDF)
- City Hall
474 Broadway
City Council Chambers
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Agendas and Minutes 2012 and Older
Click HERE to view recent Planning Board decisions
Applications
Available here.
About the Board
The Saratoga Springs Planning Board is a 7 member citizen board appointed by the Mayor to 7-year staggered terms. The City Council gives the Planning Board the following independent authorities to review development activities within city boundaries:
- Floodplain Variances: property owners that need relief from Federal and State regulations governing development in an area subject to periodic flooding may apply to the Planning Board for relief.
- Site Plan Review: the Planning Board has jurisdiction over the development of most new multi-family, commercial, institutional and industrial projects. Site plan review covers such items as parking, landscaping, lighting, drainage, etc.
- Soil Erosion and Sediment Control: the disturbance or clearing of land more than 1/2 acre in most parts of the City requires a permit from the Planning Board.
- Special Use Permits: the Planning Board has approval to allow certain types of land uses to be established within existing zoning districts provided special standards and conditions are met.
- Subdivision Review: the creation of any new lot within the city requires an approval from the Planning Board.
Important Documents
Regular Meetings
- 1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month
- 7pm in the City Council Room (calendar) (PDF)
- City Hall
474 Broadway
City Council Chambers
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Agendas and Minutes 2012 and Older
Click HERE to view recent Design Review Commission decisions
Applications
Available here.
About the Commission
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission is a 7-member citizen board appointed by the Mayor to 5-year staggered terms. The City Council gives the Design Review Commission the following independent authorities to review development activities within city boundaries:
- Historic Review: the Commission has jurisdiction over signage and exterior building changes on most properties within the city's National Register Districts or historic landmark sites.
- Architectural Review: the Commission has jurisdiction over signage and exterior building changes on properties that face the major entrance roads to the city.
Important Documents
Regular Meetings
- 7 p.m.
- 2nd and 4th Monday of every month (calendar)(PDF)
- City Hall
474 Broadway
City Council Chambers
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Agendas and Minutes 2012 and Older
Click HERE to view recent Zoning Board of Appeals decisions
Applications
Available here.
About the Board
The Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a quasi-judicial 7 member citizen board appointed by the Mayor to 7-year staggered terms. State regulations require communities to have a Zoning Board of Appeals to review the following types of requests for waivers from any of the regulations in the zoning ordinance:
- Use Variances: the ZBA reviews requests for relief from existing regulation for changes in density and uses not permitted by current zoning.
- Area Variances: the ZBA reviews requests for dimensional relief from existing regulation relating to building setbacks, building heights, etc.
- Interpretations: the ZBA reviews requests for interpretation of the regulations in the zoning ordinance made by the city's Zoning Enforcement Officer.