Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals members on Monday approved extension requests for two previously granted area variances, permitted two temporary signs for a preservation nonprofit at 128–130 Clinton Street and approved multiple variances needed to construct a single-family home at 81 Fila Street. Several other applications were continued for additional documentation.

The board approved an 18-month extension of the area variance for 138 Jefferson Avenue, allowing an existing garage to remain in its current location until June 18, 2026, unless a required building permit is issued and construction begun. Joanne Merriman, the property owner, told the board she has a building-permit application in and sought the extension because the city’s building department could not inspect the work before the original variance expired.

Why it matters: Extensions preserve previously granted relief while applicants complete permitting. Without an extension, property owners risk enforcement action if a required variance lapses before inspections or permits are obtained.

The board also extended an area variance originally granted to permit a recreation court at 64 Dyer Switch Road. Lisa Kelly, speaking for the applicant, said personal circumstances and caregiver responsibilities delayed construction; the board set a new expiration tied to the extension language in the motion (new expiration October 26, 2026) and noted no significant changes to the property since the original approval.

In a separate vote, the board granted an area variance allowing the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation to place two temporary signs at 128–130 Clinton Street before securing a building permit. Samantha Bosshardt, the foundation’s representative, told the board the group bought the properties recently, is fundraising and wants temporary signage to raise awareness and solicit donations while the project remains in the design phase. The board’s motion found the signs would be temporary, are consistent with neighborhood character, and that the organization had shown the signs would facilitate moving the project toward a building permit. The motion passed 7–0.

The board approved multiple variances for a proposed single-family home at 81 Fila Street. The approved relief included increased lot coverage and reduced setbacks and first-floor elevation relief as described in the submitted motion. The board noted a prior variance on the lot and said the proposal would transform a vacant parcel into a house more in keeping with neighboring properties; the motion passed 7–0.

What was continued: The board left the public hearing open and continued the application for a proposed detached garage at 722 North Broadway and the proposed addition at 147 Jefferson Street pending additional documentation. The applicant for 722 North Broadway was asked to provide neighborhood comparables and photos; the 147 Jefferson applicant was asked for neighborhood size comparisons and, if available, a clearer set of plans. The public hearing for 328 Caroline Street (garage and family-room addition) remained open while the applicant submits an updated survey, a revised relief summary and technical specifications for a permeable driveway surface the city must review.

Board and staff notes: Planning staff and board members repeatedly requested clear, comparable documentation (photos, addresses and measurements) when applicants argue neighborhood context. The board asked applicants to file requested materials at least a week before the next hearing so members and staff can review them in advance.

Votes at a glance
- 138 Jefferson Avenue (appeal of Joanne Merriman): Motion to extend area variance approval to June 18, 2026 — approved (motion recorded). New expiration: June 18, 2026; condition: variance expires unless necessary building permit issued and construction begun.
- 64 Dyer Switch Road (appeal of Prince Farms / applicant represented by Lisa Kelly): Motion to extend area variance approval to October 26, 2026 — approved (motion recorded); new expiration October 26, 2026; condition: variance expires unless necessary building permit issued and construction begun.
- 128–130 Clinton Street (Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation): Area variance to permit two temporary signs prior to issuance of a building permit — approved 7–0. Board found the signs temporary, consistent with neighborhood context and useful for fundraising to advance building permit work.
- 81 Fila Street (Tom and Paula DiOrazio): Multiple variances including lot coverage, front-yard setback, minimum average width and first-floor elevation — approved 7–0. Motion notes prior variance history and neighborhood context as mitigating factors.

Meeting context and next steps: The board’s next regular meeting dates were referenced by staff for continued items (February 3 and February 10 were cited depending on the matter). Applicants with continued applications were instructed to submit revised surveys, comparative photos and any technical specs (for example, permeable asphalt documentation) before the next filing deadline so staff and the board can confirm relief amounts before a future vote.