08/10/2026
⛱️ Summertime Updates from
Part 2 from Mayor John Safford. In addition to work on the city charter, the Mayor is seeking to update and clarify another city document: the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) especially as it relates to preserving the city’s historic character.
“Another major initiative undertaken during my second term has been the continued modernization and clarification of the City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), particularly as it relates to preserving the unique historic character that defines Saratoga Springs.
Two foundational documents guide land use and development within the City. The first is the Comprehensive Plan, a long-range planning document that establishes a community vision for growth, infrastructure, housing, transportation, economic development, and neighborhood preservation over the next ten to twenty years. It expresses the goals and values of the community and serves as the policy framework for future decisions.
The second document is the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). While the Comprehensive Plan answers the question, "Where do we want to go?", the UDO answers, "How do we get there?" It translates broad planning goals into enforceable zoning regulations, design standards, development requirements, and review procedures that provide guidance to applicants, property owners, the Planning Department, and review boards.
Saratoga Springs has long recognized that its historic architecture and distinctive streetscapes are among its greatest assets. To protect those assets, the City established a local Historic District and, separately, an Architectural District along many of the principal gateways into the City. While Historic District regulations are intended to preserve historically significant structures and architectural features, the Architectural District was created to ensure that new construction and redevelopment complement the City's traditional character while allowing for greater flexibility in the use of contemporary materials and design techniques.
Over time, however, the practical distinctions between these two districts have become less clear. Property owners, architects, and developers have increasingly expressed concerns that decisions by the Design Review Board (DRB) have sometimes relied on subjective interpretations rather than objective and consistently applied standards. As a result, many residents have questioned whether certain decisions have been predictable, equitable, or fully supported by the governing ordinances.
These concerns have prompted a review of DRB procedures and the approval standards for the Historic Districts and the Architectural District. The goal is not to weaken preservation efforts, but rather to strengthen them by establishing clear, understandable, and separate district standards based on best practices. We believe this supports the DRB’s review process and improves expectations for homeowners, businesses, developers and the City alike.
This remains an ongoing and collaborative process. Residents, preservation organizations, architects, business owners, neighborhood groups, and elected officials have all been invited to provide input. My office is committed to carefully considering that feedback while ensuring that the final ordinance preserves Saratoga Springs' historic identity, protects private property rights, and creates a transparent review process with distinct and consistently applied standards for both the Historic District and the Architectural District.”
👉 Find the complete UDO here: https://www.saratogaspringsny.gov/2077/Unified-Development-Ordinance-UDO and Comprehensive Plan: https://www.saratogaspringsny.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/278
And stay tuned for more updates on what our endorsed candidates are doing now that they are in office!
The Unified Development Ordinance is the “rule book” for land development in Saratoga Springs. A Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, combines the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, and Stormwater Management Regulations into a single ordinance. The major components of the Unif...
