Design Review

A property owner, lessee or purchaser under contract of sale seeking to make any exterior changes, erect a sign, build or demolish property is required to receive Design Review Commission (DRC) approval prior to issuance of a building permit if the property is located within one of the City's historic districts, within one of the City's architectural districts, or if it is a City landmark. Failure to obtain DRC approval prior to the start of a project could result in substantial fines. The DRC has no jurisdiction over interior changes, ordinary maintenance, or paint color (except in non-residential districts).

Architectural Districts
The Architectural Districts are the main entrances to the city:

• Route 50
• South Broadway
• Church Street
• Washington Avenue
• Lake Avenue
• Union Avenue
• Ballston Avenue

Deeded Covenants
Several properties have deeded covenants which require property owners receive approval from Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) Major Properties Committee prior to DRC Approval. These properties received façade improvement assistance from the City of Saratoga Springs under the Community Development Block Grant Program or from a Federal Historic Preservation Fund Grant from the State Historic Preservation Office. Exterior changes to the properties listed below require approval from the SSPF.