City council approves variance for two-family residence at 35 Ash Street

The Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on area variances for residential properties.

The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding an existing garage at 35 Ash Street, which is undergoing conversion into a principal structure. The board confirmed that no additional construction would occur within the setback area, leading to a unanimous vote in favor of the variance, passing 6-0.

Following this, Patrick Hedderman, the owner and builder of the proposed two-family residence at the same address, presented his case for an area variance. He provided a detailed analysis of the neighborhood, highlighting that most homes are situated directly on property lines, with minimal setbacks. Hedderman noted that he had canvassed 59 homes in the vicinity, revealing that only one two-family lot met the required size but not the setbacks, while most single-family homes also failed to meet setback requirements.

Hedderman emphasized that his proposed lot size of 6,272 square feet exceeds the average two-family lot size of 5,000 square feet, and he is compliant with all setback requirements except for one side of the garage. He illustrated his points with maps and photographs, demonstrating the proximity of neighboring structures to property lines.

During the discussion, board members considered the implications of the average setback rule, noting that many neighboring properties are positioned close to the street. Hedderman explained that the design of his residence necessitated a setback further back from the road to accommodate a walkout basement apartment.

The board deliberated on the variance request, ultimately recognizing the unique characteristics of the neighborhood and the applicant's compliance with most zoning requirements. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further evaluation of the proposed structure's alignment with existing properties.

Overall, the ZBA meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to balance residential development with adherence to zoning regulations, reflecting the community's evolving landscape in Saratoga Springs. Further discussions and decisions regarding the variance for 35 Ash Street are anticipated in future meetings.