Proposed Zoning & UDO Changes

What’s Next for the Proposed
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

Thank you to everyone who attended the May 5 and May 11 Community Conversations on the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Across both events, more than 200 residents came together to learn, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of Saratoga Springs.

As one key takeaway from these conversations made clear:

“The UDO community conversations made one thing very clear: Saratogians have a long history of caring deeply about preserving the historic character of our city. If amendments are needed, residents expect — and will accept nothing less than — an inclusive and transparent process moving forward. Community participation at upcoming public hearings will be critical.”

Staying informed and engaged will help residents understand what’s being proposed and share informed, timely feedback as decisions move forward.

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The proposed UDO changes would:

● Remove historic preservation standards 
● Allow demolitions without professional design review 
● Shift appeals to a non-specialized board 
● Permanently alter the character of Saratoga Springs 

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What’s Next?!

This page will continue to be updated as new information becomes available, including:

• Proposed UDO amendments

• Public hearing schedules

• Opportunities for public input

Our goal is to help residents stay informed and ensure community voices are heard at the right time.

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Plain-Language Summary
(Coming Soon)

The very next step is a plain-language summary document that will explain:

• What the proposed UDO changes mean

• Which changes may have long-term impacts

• How those changes could affect historic preservation, neighborhood character, and the city’s economic well-being

This summary is currently being developed by land-use professionals and will not be available for at least one week (likely by the end of May). Once published, it will help residents understand the proposals and provide clear talking points for communicating with City leadership.

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Public Hearing Dates
(Important!)

The Mayor has not yet announced public hearing dates, but two public hearings will be heldbefore the City Council vote.

Attendance at these hearings will be just as important — if not more important — than the community conversations. This is the time to voice your opinion directly to the full City Council. Public hearings are recorded and become part of the official public record.

Dates and details will be posted here as soon as they are available.

• • •

Ways To Stay Involved

There are several meaningful ways to participate in the public process:

• Attend City Council meetings and speak during public comment (typically a 3-minute time limit)

• Attend public hearings and speak (typically ~5-minute time limit)

• Important: Public comment and public hearings are different — speaking at both is important

• Postcards to City Hall — if you’re interested, let us know and we’ll provide postcards with pre-printed messages

• Email the Mayor, City Council members, and their deputies with your concerns

• Submit Letters to the Editor

• Help spread the word within your networks

IMPORTANT: If you cannot attend in person, emailing the *Mayor and City Council with your concerns is equally important. We need their inboxes FULL.

TIP: For public comment and hearings, consider preparing your remarks, in advance, so you can read them aloud and then provide a printed copy to the City Council secretary. This reinforces your message by leaving a written record.

• • •

HOW TO REACH CITY COUNCIL & LAND USE BOARDS:
City Council & Land Use Board Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes

HOW TO REACH CITY COUNCIL & DEPUTIES

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Petitioning

We may also need to engage in petitioning efforts, so please stay tuned — your help may be needed.

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Stay Connected

To receive updates directly, email us your email address and we’ll add you to the distribution list:

• PatriciaMarieMorrison@gmail.com

Questions?

• Call or text: 518-859-7347

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City-Provided Updates

The Mayor’s office will post proposed UDO drafts and City Council actions here:

City of Saratoga Springs – Proposed UDO Amendments

Please note:
These documents include multiple versions and may change in response to feedback from land-use boards. The forthcoming plain-language summary will help residents navigate these changes once the proposals are better understood.

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CHECK BACK HERE for updates!