Friday, NOVEMBER 14, 2025 |

Photo – First page of variance application – Courtesy Town of Saratoga

A Saratoga resident asked the governing body to intervene after the Planning Commission denied his variance request.

Last year, Saratoga resident Paul Newman sought a variance for his property at 208 West Saratoga Avenue. A variance is permission from the local government that allows a property owner to bypass specific zoning regulations.

Newman purchased a parcel of land that was divided into one and a half lots containing a single mobile home. The property owner asked the Planning Commission to split the parcel into two smaller lots so he could place another mobile home on the property. The commission denied the request, stating that “lot lines should be changed to create conforming lots only.”

Newman raised the issue again during the November 5th Saratoga Town Council meeting. If his variance were approved, Newman said the property would be used for two long‑term rentals. With only one home, however, the plan is to host short‑term rentals. Newman asked the governing body to weigh in on the matter.

Newman said the town’s existing zoning ordinances only permit multiple trailer homes on a single lot if the property is designated as a mobile home park. With a lot and a half, Newman said his situation doesn’t fit that rule.

Mayor Chuck Davis instructed Newman to bring the matter back to the Planning Commission. The property owner said he didn’t want to prolong the process, adding that he believed the Town Council decides if a variance should be granted. Mayor Davis said the governing body can reject the Planning Commission’s recommendation but has not done so to this point.

Council members Jerry Fluty and Mike Cooley noted that Newman’s property has utility hookups for two trailers and has had two homes in the past.

Newman said Public Works Director Emery Penner suggested seeking a variance to divide the lots into two smaller parcels. However, the property owner reported that he was no longer satisfied with that solution.

Newman said he expected concerns about the spread of short‑term rentals to generate support for his plan to add two long‑term units. Mayor Davis agreed there is a need for traditional rentals in Saratoga. Newman added that if his variance is not approved, he will return to his original plan of offering short‑term rentals in his single trailer home.

Mayor Davis again recommended sending the issue to the Planning Commission. Newman noted the commission has already denied his variance request. The mayor said this time the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing. If the variance is denied again, the Town Council will make the final decision.

Mayor Davis said the governing body would not and should not vote until the Planning Commission reviewed the issue again. Newman said he had hoped the Council’s interest in additional long‑term rentals would expedite a decision. Since that did not occur, the property owner said he will do as the mayor asked.

The post Resident Seeks Property Variance After Commission Denies Request first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.