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.
  • 351 Broadway (1-5 Washington Street)
  • 353-355 Broadway
  • 362 Broadway (2-18 Phila Street)
  • 378-382 Broadway
  • 421-423 Broadway
  • 425-429 Broadway
  • 430-436 Broadway (2-6 Caroline Street)
  • 437-443Broadway
  • 438-444 Broadway (1-5 Caroline Street)
  • 448-454 Broadway
  • 456 Broadway
  • 458 Broadway
  • 460-462 Broadway
  • 461-463 Broadway (2-6 Lake Avenue)
  • 464-468 Broadway
  • 470-472 Broadway
  • 478-498 Broadway
  • 495 Broadway
  • 497 Broadway (2-6 Walton Street)
  • 506-518 Broadway
  • 509 Broadway
  • 22-26 Division Street (70-72 Franklin Street)
  • 55 Division Street (Clinton Street)
  • 87 Division Street
  • 44 Franklin Street
  • 52 Franklin Street
  • 66 Franklin Street
  • 153 Regent Street