Saranac Lake, NY · Essex County
Area Variance Application
Property owners and applicants use this form to request an area variance from Saranac Lake’s Development Board for a proposed project.
What this form is
This application requests relief from Village Development Code requirements for distances and measurements, such as setbacks. It asks for project and applicant details, the exact variance sought, explanations addressing the hardship tests, and a project data table. Applicants submit the form with a signed checklist, survey map, deed, and completed environmental assessment forms for staff and Development Board review.
Who needs it
Applicants seeking relief from Village Development Code distance or measurement requirements for a property project should complete this application.
How to submit it
Email one electronic copy to [email protected] for staff review, with the $200 fee payable by check to the Village. For final review, email one copy and send one hard copy addressed to the Community Development Director at least three weeks before the scheduled meeting.
About notarization
This application is signed and dated without a notary; the form lists no sworn or notarized attachment, so the applicant and property owner sign and date it.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Area Variance Application and review the requirements before preparing a submission.
- 2
Complete And Sign The Form
Provide project and applicant information, explain the requested variance, complete the project data table, and sign and date the form.
- 3
Gather Required Attachments
Include the signed checklist, survey map, most recent deed, completed Part 1 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form, and completed Section 1 of the Waterfront Assessment Form.
- 4
Submit To The Village
Email the required copy to [email protected]. For final review, also send a hard copy addressed to the Community Development Director.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the Area Variance Application?
- No. This application is signed and dated without a notary. The form lists no sworn or notarized attachment; the applicant and property owner sign and date it.
- How do I submit the Area Variance Application?
- Email one electronic copy to [email protected]. Final review also requires one hard copy addressed to the Community Development Director, at least three weeks before the scheduled meeting.
- What materials go with the application?
- The requirements list a signed Area Variance Checklist, survey map, most recent deed in the applicant’s name, Short Environmental Assessment Form with Part 1 complete, and Waterfront Assessment Form with Section 1 complete.
- What does the application ask me to explain?
- It asks for the project description and requested variance, why the variance is necessary, and information addressing neighborhood effects, feasible alternatives, environmental effects, and whether the hardship is self-created.
Need something notarized?
This Area Variance Application doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Saranac Lake form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.