MONDAY, November 9, 2026|
Photo – Example of building design under current regs and proposed regs – Courtesy Town of Saratoga
Saratoga’s Planning Commission is working to establish a more consistent character throughout the downtown shopping district. Town officials say the changes will not affect existing businesses.
During the October 21st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner, who also serves as the town’s liaison to the Planning Commission, said the commission has spent several meetings discussing ways to create a specific zoning classification for the downtown shopping district. He said the goal is to create a more unified look for businesses along Bridge Avenue. Penner assured the public that the town is not considering any major changes to the area.
Ellie Dana, the town’s representative to the Carbon County Visitors Council, urged the governing body to preserve downtown’s visual identity. She said visitors expect Saratoga to present a distinct rural character.
Emery Penner said the Planning Commission is working to preserve the town’s unique character while developing ordinances to dictate the types of businesses that can operate along Bridge Avenue. He added that opinions vary on what exactly Saratoga should look like.
Visitors Council representative Ellie Dana expressed concern that the new zoning regulations will allow businesses to operate upstairs, saying older residents will be unable to access those locations. Public Works Director Emery Penner said that interpretation is not correct and that upper-floor spaces will continue to be limited to residential uses.
The matter was discussed again during the November 4th Saratoga Town Council meeting, where Penner presented two renderings illustrating how the Planning Commission envisions the downtown shopping district under the proposed zoning changes. He said the current Retail Business zone permits metal buildings with few or no windows, industrial-style doors, and plain exteriors. Under the proposed changes, Penner said new buildings would be required to better reflect the character of the other businesses along Bridge Avenue.
Penner clarified that existing business owners will not be required to comply with the new regulations unless they make substantial modifications to their buildings or construct new ones.
Penner said the Planning Commission will continue refining the proposed Downtown zoning classification and present it to the Town Council at a later date. The commission will then seek additional public input before moving forward with any formal changes.
