ZBA Staff Notes (Allen & King) 8.25.21 Town of Queensbury Zoning Board of Appeals
Community Development Department Staff Notes
Area Variance No.: 61-2021
Project Applicant: Merl Allen & Holly King
Project Location: 505 Ridge Road
Parcel History: RC 173-2021; RC 713-2020
SEQR Type: Type II
Meeting Date: August 25, 2021
Description of Proposed Project:
Applicant proposes to complete converting an existing 3-unit home into a two-unit duplex. The project site is
1.10 ac with a home built in the 1800's. The existing building is 3,556 sq. ft. with an attached garage. A portion
of the home is 2-story. Alterations include interior and some doors/window replacements. Relief requested for
lot size for duplex.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests relief for lot size to maintain a duplex under construction in the Moderate Resdential
zone, MDR.
Section 179-3-040 dimensional, Section 179-5-100 multi-family
The applicant had started interior renovations and was issued a stop work order. The project was to convert the
existing home to a duplex. There was a site visit and it was discovered 3 units in the building and the applicant
proposes two units for a 1.10 ac parcel where 4 acres is required.
Criteria for considering an Area Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the neighborhood or a detriment
to nearby properties will be created by the granting of this area variance. Minor to no impacts to the
neighborhood character may be anticipated.
2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method, feasible for the
applicant to pursue, other than an area variance. Feasible alternatives may be considered limited as the
existing building had been converted to a 3 unit building by a prior owner illegally and the applicant
proposes a 2 unit building. The project is subject to variance due to lot size for a proposed duplex.
3. Whether the requested area variance is substantial. The relief requested may be considered substantial
relevant to the code. Relief requested is 2.9 acres.
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical or
environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. Minor to no impact to the physical or
environmental conditions in the neighborhood may be anticipated.
S. Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created. The difficulty may be considered self-created.
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes to continue work on an existing home to convert from 3 units to 2 units. The applicant
has shown the interior two unit proposal where some of the interior work has already been started. The plans
show the location home on the existing parcel.