HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201800012 Staff Report Special Use Permit 2018-11-13STAFF: Bart Svoboda
PUBLIC HEARING: November 13, 2018
STAFF REPORT: SP2018-00012 Pantops Shopping Center Pylon Sign/Electric
Message Sign
PETITION: Pantops Shopping Center (Applicant) is petitioning the Board of Zoning
Appeals for a special use permit for an electric message sign at the Pantops Shopping
Center along Richmond Road (Rt. 250), in accordance with Section 4.15.7(d) of the
Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance.
APPLICANT'S PROPOSAL: The Applicant proposes to erect an electronic message
sign approximately 5.5 x 3.4 ft. in size (approximately 18.7 square feet of electric
message signage) which will replace an existing changeable message type sign. (See
Attachment A) The proposed sign will comply with the sign regulations in terms of size,
height, and setback. No additional signs would be authorized on this parcel as a result
of this special use permit than could otherwise be erected without it.
LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY: The subject property (Parcel
07800-00-00-017D6) is located at 260 Pantops Center about 350 feet west of the
intersection of Richmond Road (Rt. 250) and Riverbend Drive. The proposed sign will
be installed at the location of the existing freestanding sign between MedExpress and
Verizon. The property is zoned Planned Development Shopping Center and is also
located in an Entrance Corridor Overlay. (See Zoning Map and Entrance Corridor
Overlay in Attachment D.)
CHARACTER OF THE AREA: The subject property is not owned by the applicant;
however, the applicant does own the adjacent parcel to the south (Pantops Shopping
Center) which is zoned Planned Development Shopping Center. The properties
surrounding the subject property are zoned Commercial 1 (Cl), Highway Commercial
(HC), and Planned Development Shopping Center (PDSC). This property is located
within the Neighborhood 3-Pantops Comprehensive Plan Area and the Pantops Urban
Development Area.
REASON FOR REVIEW: County Code §18-4.15.7 permits electric message signs
(EMS) only by special use permit. County Code §18-4.15.3 gives the following
definition:
Electric message sign. The term "electric message sign" means a sign on which the
copy can be changed or altered by electric, electro-mechanical, or electronic means,
but does not include an electric message sign to display fuel prices and having copy
that does not change more than once per day at an establishment at which gasoline or
diesel fuel is dispensed. (Amended 3-14-12)
The basis for this special use permit requirement is as follows:
a) an EMS can be distracting to the traveling public and may not be appropriate in all
locations, and/or
b) an EMS may be most appropriate when conditions are applied to the use. As an
example of location considerations, an EMS at a major intersection, where traffic
N
may be stopped by a signal, might be less distracting than on a high-speed, high
volume stretch of road without a signal stopping traffic. Without conditions, an EMS
could potentially have flashing multi -color display or could even be a video. Either of
these displays could cause saturation and confusion in the field of vision and impact
general public safety.
County Code §18-4.15.1 explains the purpose and intent of the County's sign ordinance
generally:
Therefore, the purpose of this section 4.15 is to establish reasonable regulations
pertaining to the time, place, and manner in which outdoor signs and window signs may
be erected and maintained in order to:
1. Preserve the rights of free speech and expression;
2. Promote the general health, safety and welfare, including the creation of an attractive
and harmonious environment;
3. Protect the public investment in the creation, maintenance, safety, and appearance
of its streets, highways, and other areas open to the public;
4. Improve vehicular and pedestrian safety by avoiding saturation and confusion in the
field of vision and by directing and controlling vehicular traffic and pedestrians;
5. Protect and enhance the county's attractiveness to tourists and other visitors as
sources of economic development; and
6. Protect property values.
Because there is not more specific legislative guidance for reviews of EMS special use
permits, staff is sharing this legislative intent and will also use the general guidelines for
review of a special use permit. EMS special permit criteria may be addressed in a
future zoning text amendment to provide additional clarity and predictability.
PLANNING AND ZONING HISTORY: The existing freestanding sign is a non-
conforming sign that predates the establishment of the Entrance Corridor. The
proposed sign reuses some of the existing structure and reduces the height from 25
feet-10 inches to 19 feet-3 inches and reduces the sign area from 107.75 square feet to
68.72 square feet. (The Zoning Administrator may authorize a nonconforming sign to
be structurally altered if the sign area and height are reduced by at least 25%, which is
included in this proposal.)
The ARB provided a preliminary conditional approval of the application (ARB 2018-36)
on May 9, 2018. See the following comments and attachment E.
ARB REVIEW:
This property is located on Richmond Road/Route 250, which is an entrance corridor
(EC). Because the proposed sign would be visible from the road, it is subject to ARB
approval of a certificate of appropriateness. The ARB, by a vote 12, approved the
Certificate of Appropriateness (ARB 2018-36) on May 7, 2018.
The ARB preliminary conditional approval criteria (Attachment E) addresses such
3
factors as movement/message change, text size, graphics, color and brightness.
These design criteria support the purposes of the sign regulations in terms of general
welfare, appearance of streets and enhancement of the County's attractiveness for
economic development. Many of these criteria also contribute to public safety by
limiting the distraction and confusion that an EMS can create.
STAFF COMMENT:
Under County Code § 18-33.40.B, the general criteria for review of a special use permit
are as follows (underline emphasis added):
B. Factors to be considered. In acting on a special use permit, the Board shall consider
the following factors, provided that the Board is not required to make specific findings in
support of its action:
1. No substantial detriment. Whether the proposed special use will be a substantial
detriment to adjacent parcels.
The proposed sign would be perpendicular to the road as is the current
freestanding sign. With the sign as proposed and subject to the applicable ARB
design criteria, staff believes that there will be no substantial detriment to
adjacent roadways, mix of commercial developments, or the purpose and intent
of the Entrance Corridor overlay district.
2. Character of the nearby area is unchan ec�d. Whether the character of the
adjacent parcels and the nearby area will be changed by the proposed special
use.
With the sign as proposed and subject to the applicable ARB design criteria, staff
believes that there will be no change to the character of the district.
3. Harmony. Whether the proposed special use will be in harmony with the purpose
and intent of this chapter, with the uses permitted by right in the district, with the
regulations provided in Section 5 as applicable, and with the public health,
safety, and general welfare.
As previously noted, this proposal is in harmony with applicable Zoning
Ordinance regulations.
4. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan Whether the proposed special use
will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The subject property is within the Neighborhood 3-Pantops Comprehensive Plan
Area and the Pantops Urban Development Area. The Comprehensive Plan does
not directly address uses such as this. However, if the sign meets the ARB
design criteria, it would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. (See
Attachment F for the Comprehensive Plan Map.)
Staff believes that this proposal satisfies the goals of the sign regulations and the
criteria for issuance of a special use permit subject to the proposed conditions. Though
staff does not typically attach conditions of approval that are already requirements of
Ld
the Zoning Ordinance, absent specific EMS criteria, compliance with the current or
future ARB design criteria is critical to this sign satisfying the criteria for issuance of a
special use permit. Therefore, staff has included a condition referring to the certificate
of appropriateness, in order to incorporate the ARB's design criteria.
SUMMARY: Staff recommends approval of this request, with the following conditions:
1. This permit is limited to one (1) EMS freestanding sign no more than 68.72
square feet in area.
2. The sign shall comply with approval of the certificate of appropriateness as
approved by the ARB.
Attachment A
— Existing -Proposed Sign Comparison
Attachment B
— Proposed Sign Design
Attachment C
— Sign Location Aerial Photo
Attachment D
— Zoning Map and Entrance Corridor Overlay
Attachment E —
ARB preliminary conditional approval criteria
Attachment F —
Comprehensive Plan Map
Existing
-- -
D
v
3
m
I
11 Z
Proposed
Sign
New Sq. Footage = 68.72 sq feet
Total Height =19'3"
Customer Name:Great Eastern Management Co Layout Version: Reface Layout
Pantops Shopping Center Sign Special Instructions:
Date: 3-20-2018
LO
Lid
O
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72.00 in
8.00
I
PANTOPS
i
SHOPPING CENTER,
I
ROSES� � I
I
FOOD LION
I �
:D:O:L:L:AR TREE
I ITUESDAY MORNING
CD TACO BELL LLEFTOVER
LUXUR/ES
I I �
AARON'S LAZY PARROT
I I
ANIMAL
MEDICAL
New Plantings
(4) 3gal 'Crown Jewel' Gardenia
(2) 3gal Red Yucca
(6) 1gal 'Ponytails"Feathergrass
(4) 1gal 'Phenomenal'Lavender
66.00 in
Existing 6'x6"posts
�to be covered with 8.00 it
.00 in
8'x8" aluminum sleeves F
Opaque Aluminum Cabi4
I with Ciear Push Through
Letters, with Opaque Faces.
Hato Lighting at Night
I
I
I
I
I
r
I
I i
I
I
I
I
I
i
I
i
--- Aluminum Cabinet
JUNO@
I Round Architectura
Linear LED
I Up Lighting
60" wide
For additional lighting
I on tenant panels
40.75"x66"
LED Electronic
Message Board
See Attachment
jfor Specs
I
I -
Pantone Colors
PMS 532
I
I PMS 577
PMS 625
Sign Base Color
Sherwin Williams
Dover White
LSW6385
96.00 in 16.00in
�—Attachment B
y This document is confidential and for proof approval only. Artwork provided is
the property of Frontrunner Sign Studios until it has been legally purchased.
✓~- - ca"l'= 1304 East Market St., Suite O, Charlottesville, VA 22902 sales@frontrunnersigns.com
434-293-SIGN 434-293-4393 Fax
Customer Name:GEMC - Pantops Shopping
Center
Sign Dimensions:
RE
ZY
D
(D
D
N
Layout Version: Location of Existing Sign Date:3-8-2018
Special Instructions:
This document is confi--
dential and for proof approval only. Artwork provided is the property of Frontrunner Sign Studios
until it has been legally purchased✓ .
1304 East Market St., Suite 0, Charlottesville, VA 22902 434-293-SIGN 434-293-4393 Fax sales@frontrunnersigns.com
Zoning Map / Entrance Corridor Overlay
Charlottesville City
Uawy the tatewty toot
k alside the City to MkOch the C1ty`3 Gts ;
Attachment D
VA018 -/ Z.
"5va e6owoo,ws
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax (434) 9724126
May 9, 2018
Ed Brown
Frontrunner Sign Studios
1304 E. Market Street, Suite O
Charlottesville, VA 22902
RE: ARB-2018-36: Pantops Shopping Center Freestanding Sign with Electronic Message Board
Dear Mr. Brown,
The Albemarle County Architectural Review Board, at its meeting on May 7, 2018, completed a preliminary
review of the above -noted request. The Board took the following actions.
The Board by a vote of 4:1, forwarded the following recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals:
The ARB has no objection to the electronic message sign as proposed.
The Board, by a vote of 3:2, approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for the above noted request
subject to the following conditions.
I . Individual tenant panels shall require separate sign permits.
2. Each external light fixture shall emit less than 3,000 lumens.
3. A sample of the Poly -Armor material in the proposed color is required for review.
The sample listed in condition #3 and an approved Special Use Permit are required prior to final ARB approval.
If you have any questions concerning any of the above, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Al
Margaret Mal iszewski
Chief of Planning/Resource Management
cc: Woodard, Keith O Trustee Ponderosa band Trust
224 14th St., NW
Charlottesville VA 22911
File
Attachment E
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT
Project #/Name
ARB-2018-36: Pantops Shopping Center Freestanding Sign with Electronic Message Board
Certificate of Appropriateness for a Sign
Review Type
Parcel Identification
078000000017D6
260 Pantops Center, at the location of the existing freestanding sign on the south side of Rt. 250, 28' from the right-of-
way, in the grass island between MedExpress and Verizon.
Planned Development Shopping Center (PDSC)/Entrance Corridor (EC)
Keith O Woodard, Trustee Ponderosa Land Trust/Frontrunner Signs (Ed Brown)
Location
Zoned
Owner/Applicant
Magisterial District
Rivanna
To renovate an existing freestanding pylon sign to replace tenant panels and add an electronic message sign.
The surrounding area contains a mix of commercial development. A tall, pole -mounted Burger King sign stands a few
feet south of the existing Pantops Shopping Center si .
The sign is easily visible from the Rt. 250 Entrance Corridor.
May 7, 2018
Margaret Maliszewski
Proposal
Context
Visibility
ARB Meeting Date
Staff Contact
PROJECT HISTORY
Following a request from the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) for an electronic message sign in 2014, the ARB studied the issue and drafted
electronic message sign criteria, finalizing a draft of the criteria in February 2015. At that time, it was anticipated that the draft criteria would be
incorporated into the Entrance Corridor Sign Guidelines, following the standard process for guidelines updates, after a test period to further refine them.
The CVFD sign was approved on May 31, 2016 and has been installed. Although the Entrance Corridor sign guidelines do not include criteria to address
the intended purpose of signs, the CVFD claimed a public benefit for their sign, as its primary purpose would be the display of emergency messages.
The existing freestanding pylon sign is a non -conforming sign that predates the establishment of the Entrance Corridor. The proposed design reuses the
existing posts and reduces the height from 25'-10" to 19'-3" and reduces the sign area from 107.75 sf to 68.72 sf. (The zoning Administrator may
authorize a nonconforming sign to be structurally altered if the sign area and sign height are reduced by at least 25%. §4.15.20) Standard maximum
freestanding sign height in this zoning district is 16'; standard maximum sign area is 32 sf (plus 1 bonus tenant panel per 50,000 sf of shopping center
gross floor area, up to 4 panels at a maximum of 8 sf each).
Electronic message signs require Special Use Permits. The Board of Zoning Appeals is responsible for the review/approval of this type of Special Use
Permit. Zoning review of the proposal will consider, among other things, whether or not it is appropriate to add electronic message sign components to a
non -conforming sign. The ARB's recommendation on the proposal will be forwarded to the BZA for its consideration.
PROPOSAL
Type Freestanding sign with tenan
Location Same location as existing si
Structure Reuse existing6" x 6" sts,
TOP CABINET
Materials
Size
Cabinet
Letter hei
Illumination
Graphics
Colors
Back our
Letters
Frame
Graphics
EMS
ANAYLSIS
t
panels and electronic message sign; overall size 19' 2.55" h x 8' w x 1' 4" d
n, at the northeast corner of the parcel, 28' from the Rt. 250 ri t-of-wa .
cover with 8" x 8" aluminum sleeves painted Sherwin Williams Dover White SW6385
TENANT PANELS ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BASE
CABINET
Aluminum with clear push through letters Metal
Poly Armor expanded polystyrene
"faux brick" to match "Farmington"
from Skyline Brick
32.18" h x 72" w
10" h x 72" w
40.75" h x 66" w
„
42 h x 96" w
7.19" and 3 .2"
5.19"
Not to exceed 8"
Internal LED
None
None
Internal LED
Internal and external LED
Mountain outline
None illustrated
None proposed
None
Painted Sherwin. Williams Dover White SW6385 Black
Ereen
s": Dark blue Pantone Tenant names: Dark blue White, light green Pantone 577, n aar�
hopping Center": dark Pantone 532 dark green Pantone 625
antone 625
Painted Sherwin Williams Dover White SW6385 Glossy black
Light green Pantone 577 n/a
None illustrated n/a
n/a
The proposed electronic message sign is a Polaris model IOmm 96x160 using Sign Command software.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNS DESIGN CRITERIA final draft 2-17-2015
REF GUIDELINE ISSUE
1 Size The electronic message sign area shall not exceed The EMS consists of approximately 25%
40% of the size of the overall sign face. of the overall sign face.
2a Integration The electronic message sign that constitutes part of a The EMS is positioned below the static
freestanding sign shall be located below the static part part of the sign.
of the sign so as to appear subordinate to the static
2
RECOMMENDATION
None.
None.
b The electronic message sign cabinet and the static The consistent widths of the various signs, None.
sign cabinet shall be designed to look like an integral the general proportion of the EMS, and the
unit. The electronic message cabinet shall not appear sign posts that contain all the panels help
to float in/above the static cabinet or the sign support establish the EMS as an integral unit in the
structure. overall sign,
c The structure of a monument sign shall not The sign posts do not overwheliW-the overwhelm the sign. The structure and the sign that it The faux brick base s not overscaled,sbut Poly Armor mate of the
supports must be in proportion to each other. al for
it has a disjointed appearance. review. An alternate
Existin guideline 8c
materia
d Materials used in both the sign and support structure A faux brick base is proposed for the sign. that has la more for the sign base
should be complementary. They should also support Brick is used in nearby buildings, so the coordinated appearance
the aesthetics of the building and/or complex being use of brick in the sign could establish a with the rest of the sign
served by the sign, although a direct duplication is not minimal level of compatibility. However, may be needed.
necessary. It is preferred that the base material match it is unclear how much like real brick the
one of the primary building materials unless the
design of the sign represents itself as a freestanding Poly -Armor coating will appear.
element complementing the building. (Existing
guideline 8b
e Ground cover, shrubs and/or trees must be used to Plants are proposed at the base of the sign,
integrate freestanding signs into the overall landscape which will somewhat limit the view of the
development of the site. (Existing guidelines 4c and base. Plants include gardenia, red yucca,
8d feather ass and lavender.
3a Text size and Lettering should be in proportion to the sign for visual The EMS is capable of letter sizes ranging None.
appearance clarity and overall balance. Proportion of lettering from 2.8» to 37.8». The sample text
includes font (size) and typeface (style). The use of 3 illustration suggests that letters over 8" tall
typefaces or fewer is more appropriate for signs in the look overscaled in the EMS cabinet. The
ECs. Additional typefaces may be approved if they applicant's spec sheet states that letters in
contribute to a balanced, legible, unified sign design. the EMS will not exceed 8".
(Existing guideline 4d)
Four typefaces are proposed: Arial, Calibri,
Myriad Pro, and Raleway. Myriad Pro is
the typeface used in the static part of the
sign. Given that a single typeface is
proposed in the static part of the sign, 4
b efaces appear appropriate in the EMS.
Electronic message text height shall not exceed the Software allows for letter heights of 2.8», None.
height of the text in the static part of the sign. 3.5 , 3.9 , 5.1> , 7.6> , 9.4 , 12.6 , 18.9 ,
and 37.8». The tallest letters in the static
d
4a
0
c
5a
III
Part of the sign are 7.19 -tall. The
applicant's specs state that letter height will
The pixilated, "electronic", appearance of the text in
an electronic message sign shall be eliminated. Letters
not exceed 8".
Pixel pitch is proposed at 10 mm, which is
None.
shall have the appearance of solid lines. Pixel pitch
a higher resolution than 12 mm.
shall be 12 mm or any higher resolution.
All pixels must be actual, not virtual, and must be
physically present on the sign. Drawings
The applicant has indicated that the
None.
submitted
with the sign permit application shall include
manufacturer of the proposed EMS only
documentation of this condition.
offers actual pixels.
Movement
and message
The sign message shall not change more than 4 times
per hour. Each message must display for a
The applicant's specs state these criteria,
None.
change
minimum
of 15 minutes. (The message includes both text and
noting that these items will be set with the
Sign Command Software.
ra hics)
Content may not blink, flash, scroll vertically or
horizontally, or display animation
The applicant's specs state these criteria.
None.
or movement of
an kind. Content includes both text and graphics.)
Sign content shall change only through an immediate
transition that does not have the
The applicant's specs state these criteria.
None.
appearance of ng text or images.
movi
Colors
The electronic message sign display shall have a solid
black background. The black background
The EMS panels are black.
None.
of the
electronic message sign shall not be counted as a
color.
The use of three colors or fewer is more appropriate
for signs in the Entrance Corridor. Additional
Proposed text colors for the EMS display
None.
colors
may be approved if they contribute to a balanced and
unified
are white, Pantone 577 light green, and
Pantone 625 dark green. The background
sign design.
is
black.
Gradients of color are not appropriate in the Entrance
Corridors.
The applicant's specs note this
None.
Colors used for the electronic message sign must be
harmonious with each other and
requirement.
The applicant's specs note this
None.
with the colors of the
overall sign. Colors must not clash with other
requirement.
elements on the site, both when viewed in daylight
and at night, whether the signs are externally or
internally lit. Overly intense color, such as but not
limited to dayglo or fluorescent colors, are nrohihiti-d
(Existing guideline 4e) Applicants must propose
specific colors and submit color samples for review.
e
Each graphic in the electronic message sign have
up to 3 colors plus black, if all
N'NO graphics are proposed for the 'EmS. one.
other guidelines can
an
still be met.
The owner plans to use text only to
6a
Graphics
Prototypical designs for text and the placement and
promote events, sales, and other tenants in
the shopping center.
size of graphics relative to the text shall be submitted
for review. For a graphic or series of graphics to be
considered for use on the electronic message portion
of a sign, the graphic(s) must be accurately illustrated
on the sign prototype with size, shape, form, and
b
colors clearly identified.
The ARB may require that the color and scale of
standard templates for trademarks, service marks,
corporate logos and graphics be modified. When used,
trademarks, service marks, corporate logos and/or
graphics shall be incorporated as an integral part of
the overall sign. (Existing guideline 4
c
Illuminated borders are not appropriate in electronic
The applicant's specs note this
d
message signs.
A graphic approved for the static part of the sign can
be used, as approved, on the electronic
None.
requirement.
The only graphic shown in the static part None.
message
Porn n of the sign.
of the sign is the mountain profile.
e
All guidelines regarding blinking and movement that
apply to the overall electronic
The applicant's specs note this None.
message sign also apply
to the ra hic(s).
requirement.
f
Graphics cannot be used on an electronic message
sign without text. A graphic cannot
The applicant's specs note this None.
occupy the entire
face of the electronic messa a panel.
requirement.
g
Graphic images may not include an illuminated
back ound.
The applicant's specs note this None.
7a
Illumination
The background portion of the electronic message
The applicant's specs note this
sin panel shall not be illuminated.
None.
b
Illumination of electronic message signs shall not
requirement.
The applicant's specs note this
exceed a maximum luminance level of 300 cd/mz
(Nits) during nighttime hours.
None.
requirement.
Illumination of electronic message signs shall not
exceed a maximum luminance level of 5,000
The applicant's specs note this None.
ed/m2
renuiremi-nt
d
(Nits) during daylight hours.
If an electronic message sign is used, the static part of
the sign shall also be illuminated. External
Both internal and external illumination are
None,
illumination is preferred to internal illumination for
the
proposed for the static part of the sign.
Numerous signs with internal illumination
8a
Automatic
static part of the sign. (Existing guideline 8e)
Drawings submitted with the sign
are present nearby.
controls
permit application.
shall include documentation that the sign shall be
Manufacturer's information states that an
integrated
None.
equipped with photocell technology to control and
vary the intensity
light meter will adjust the
display brightness automatically to
of lighting depending on the amount
of ambient light that is present. The sign have
ambient light conditions. The EMS spec
shall a
photocell interface for the display that operates
sheet has an added note stating that a photo
at all
times the display is lit and that dims the display
cell is included. The applicant's specs also
note this requirement.
brightness to be below the maximum brightness
settings when ambient conditions do not require the
b
maximum allowable brightness.
Drawings submitted with the sign permit application
shall include documentation that the sign be
The applicant's specs include this
None.
shall
equipped with an integrated system that operates
requirement.
independently of the photocell and manages the
identification of daytime and nighttime so that they
are automatically determined by the actual time of
sunrise and sunset at the sign location.
c
Drawings submitted with the sign permit application
shall include documentation that brightness
The applicant's specs include this
None.
and
message change intervals shall be locked down by the
requirement.
manufacturer/installer at the time of electronic
d
message sign installation.
Drawings submitted with the sign permit application
shall include documentation that the sign have
The applicant's specs include this
None.
shall a
"fail to black" mode such that in the event of a failure
requirement.
of the sign controller/system that would otherwise
result in random messages, flashing or other visually
distracting operations, the display shall
automatically
black out.
9.
Sign type
Wall mounted electronic message signs are not
appEopriate for
The proposed sign is a freestanding sign.
the Entrance Corridors.
None.
II General Si n Guidelines
REF GUIDELINE
4b Scale and Size: Signs located within the Entrance Corridor may
not exceed the size, height and setback requirements as outlined
in Section 4.15 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance
unless the sip has received a variance).
4c Materials: Materials used in both the sign and support
structures should complement the building and/or multiple
business center (see page 14) being served by the sign.
4d Lettering and Typeface: *Lettering should be in proportion to
the sign and the building for visual clarity and overall balance.
Proportion of lettering includes font (size) and typeface (style).
The use of three typefaces or fewer is more appropriate for
signs in the Entrance Corridor. Additional typefaces may be
approved only if they contribute to a balanced, legible, unified
sign design.
4e Color: Colors must be harmonious with each other. Colors must
not clash with other elements on the site, both when viewed in
daylight and at night, whether the signs are externally or
internally lit. Overly intense color, such as but not limited to
dayglo or fluorescent colors, are prohibited.
The use of three colors or fewer is more appropriate for signs in
the Entrance Corridor. Black and white are counted as colors.
Additional colors may be approved if they contribute to a
balanced and unified sign design.
For raceway -mounted channel letters, raceways shall match the
wall color.
4f Trademarks, corporate logos and graphics: The ARB may
require that the color and scale of standard templates for
trademarks, service marks, corporate logos and graphics be
modified. When used, trademarks, service marks, corporate
logos and/or graphics should be incorporated as an integral part
of the overall sim.
8a I Monument signs are preferred to
ISSUE
The existing sign is non -conforming. The
proposed sign meets the size reduction
requirements for altering the structure of a non-
conforming sign.
Aluminum is the primary material of the
proposed sign and is typical of signs in the area.
RECOMMENDATION
None.
None.
As illustrated in the sign drawing, the text does Note that individual
not appear overscaled relative to the individual tenant panels will require
sign panels, or the overall sign. Note that separate sign
individual tenant panels will require separate P Permits.
sign permits.
The proposed colors are an off-white (SW 6385 None.
Dover White) for the aluminum components;
Pantone 532, which is a very dark blue, for the
"Pantops" letters and the tenant names; Pantone
577, a light green, for the mountain profile; and
Pantone 625, a medium -dark green, for the
"shopping center" letters. These colors are
harmonious and not overly intense. The amount
of green used is minimal, so the use of 4 colors
in the static part of the sign does not have an
inappropriate appearance.
As illustrated, the only graphic on the static part None.
of the sign is the mountain profile, which
appears integral with the sign design, as the
shape of the top panel mimics the profile.
The proposal is a renovation of a non- None.
because they are often of a smaller scale and can be more
fully integrated into the overall development. Pole
conforming sign composed of panels supported
signs
may be considered for approval if existing site conditions
by two poles. The proposed design covers the
posts with new aluminum sleeves that
rule out the ability to use a monument sign, and only
when the is in
are
expected to appear more integrated with new
8b
pole proportion to the sian cabinet or nanel.
Materials used in both the sign and support
sign panels.
structures
should be complementary. They should also support the
The primary
is typical of signs Inthelareaal is aluminum, which
Provide a sample
aesthetics of the building and /or complex being served by
Poly -Armor materof
ialathe
l for
the sign, although a direct duplication is not necessary. It
A faux brick base is proposed for the
An alternate
is preferred that the base material match one of the
sign.
Brick is used in nearby buildings, so this could
materiareview.
that has la mofor sign base
primary building materials unless the design of the sign
establish a minimal level of compatibility. But
re
coordinated appearance
represents itself as a freestanding element complementing
the building.
it is unclear how much like real brick the Poly-
Armor coating will appear.
with the rest of the sign
8c
The structure of a monument sign shall not overwhelm the
may be needed.
sign. The structure and the sign that it supports must be in
ro ortion to each other.
8d
Landscaping: Use ground cover, shrubs and/or trees to
integrate freestanding
Plants are proposed at the base of the sign,
None.
signs into the overall landscape
development of the site. Refer to the Albemarle County
which will somewhat limit the view of the faux
brick. Plants include
Recommended Plants List, which is included in the
gardenia, red yucca,
feathergrass and lavender. These types of plants
Albemarle County Architectural Review Board Design
aren't included in the various lists.
Guidelines and is available on-line at www.albemarle.org.
8e
Lighting
i. External illumination is preferred for freestanding signs.
Both external and internal illumination
are
proposed. Internal illumination of signs is
None.
ii. External Illumination: Landscaping for monument and
pole signs should be designed to shield mounted
typical in the surrounding area.
No ground -mounted fixtures are proposed. The
Each external light
ground
lighting so that it is not visible from any adjacent property
proposed external fixture would be located
above the EMS and would project about 1'
fixture shall emit less
or right-of-way.
from the sign face. Consequently, the fixture
than 3000 lumens.
would be visible, but the linear proportions of
the fixture are compatible with the sign design.
A note on the cut sheet states that with LED
standard output, the fixture will deliver
ill. Internal illumination: Channel letters with translucent
The letters in the static part of the
0
sign are push-
None.
faces shall be constructed such that no light spills outward
from the top, bottom, sides back.
through letters with opaque faces and halo
or If back -lit (halo -lit),
the faces and returns of channel letters shall be opaque.
lighting. The panel faces are opaque. No
outlines are
iv. Cabinet signs shall have a non -illuminated
proposed.
background, or an opaque (zero light transmission)
background. Cabinet signs shall be constructed such that
no light spills outward from the top, bottom, sides or back.
If outlines of letters are proposed, the width of the outline
must be in proportion to the width of the letter. An
outline width of 1/8" has been found to be an appropriate
dimension for signs in the Entrance Corridors.
II
Purpose of Sin Guidelines for Entrance Corridors
The sign guidelines in this document are part of the Albemarle
County Architectural Review Board Design Guidelines. Theconseration,
Taking the general purpose of the si n
g
Although the proposed
provide direction to maintain the unique character and quality
this proosali as
both favorable and unfavorable fa
is exected to
improved have
of the County's Entrance Corridors. These sign guidelines
tors In s
favor:
algreatly
balance the recognized need for business identification with the
Comprehensive Plan goal of protecting and enhancingtheexisting
I . The electronic message portion of the
appearance over the
sign, staff is
visual qualities of the County. They seek to establish a visual
balance between commercial needs and the
sign, as proposed, meets the draft
criteria outlined by the ARB for this
concerned that the
approval of this sign will
aesthetic priorities
of our community, harmony between what we build and the
e of si
2. type
overall sign would be
similar
s and
natural beauty of this place. The purposes of these Sign
Guidelines are to:
reduced in
height and area.
proposalprompt
the
3. The static portion of the proposed
greatervisual
impacthat could result
1
Create a consistent and unified design approach along the
Entrance Corridors. The
design has a much more coordinated
and consistent appearance than the
pp
from multiple electronic
message signs in
placement, size, illumination and
colors of signs can create unity along the corridor, or they can
create disjointed,
existing sign.
4. The EMS would replace a changeable
the
ECs.
a visually competitive environment.
Consistent and unified sign design allows the businesses
message sign that has an illuminated
located along the Corridor to have equal standing in visibility.11
It
white background. Some the panels
of the existing sign have illuminated
also provides a pattern of sign placement that makes the
business locations and entrances more Basil recognizable
reco
backgrounds. This condition would be
y g to
both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
eliminated with the renovated sign.
Factors unfavorable include:
2.
Establish simplicity and reserve as preferred characteristics for
5. The EMS would be added to a non -
sign design in these areas. This reflects the historic character of
woulconforming sign; anon -conformity
the area and enhances the aesthetic qualities of the Corridor. To
6. The ov erall sin a(pole-mounted) is
this end, the overall design of a sign will be evaluated
concurrently with that of the building on which it will be
installed. The design of a building's walls, window locations,
parapets and other architectural features will influence the
Board's evaluation of appropriate signage. Likewise, a
freestanding sign is evaluated in the context of the overall
development in which it will be placed. Because each site is
composed of a variety of elements that work together to create
a unique character and appearance, ARB review of each sign
proposal is guided by these sign guidelines within the context
of the specific site for which the proposal is made.
3. Encourage creative design. The County encourages imaginative
and innovative signs consistent with the purposes expressed
above and in conformance with the regulations of the
Albemarle County Code.
10
not the preferred freestanding sign type.
The appropriateness of the material for
the base of the sign is questionable.
The changeable nature of electronic
message signs does not enhance unity
or support simplicity or reserve along
the corridor; rather it increases visual
competitiveness, which contradicts the
purpose of sign guidelines in the ECs.
The installation of an EMS may prompt
additional requests for electronic
message signs. Although an EMS in
this location may consolidate and
improve the appearance of a non-
conforming sign, a proliferation of
electronic message signs in the ECs
would contribute to visual clutter
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the following as primary points of discussion:
I . The general character and appearance of the overall sign.
2. The appropriateness of the faux brick base.
3. The general character and appearance of electronic message signs in the ECS; the stated purpose of simplicity and reserve as desired
characteristics of signs in the ECs; the issue of visual clutter.
4. The aggregate impact of multiple electronic message signs in the ECs.
Summary of review:
Staff expects the overall proposed sign to have an improved appearance over the existing sign, and has found that the proposed electronic
message sign meets the draft criteria previously outlined by the ARB for such signs. Staff is concerned that approval of this sign could prompt
additional similar proposals, and staff remains concerned about the potential cumulative impact of such signs on the Entrance Corridors.
Nevertheless, staff relies on the substantial limits set on the size, color, illumination, and motion of the EMS to ensure an appropriate appearance
in the EC.
Staff recommends:
1. That the ARB forward the following recommendation to the BZA:
The ARB has no objection to the electronic message sign as proposed.
2. Approval of the proposed sign, subject to the following conditions:
1. Individual tenant panels shall require separate sign permits.
2. Each external light fixture shall emit less than 30001umens.
3. A sample of the Poly -Armor material is required for review. The ARB may require an alternate base material and/or design to establish a
more coordinated appearance with the rest of the sign.
Chariot
Usinq r,
tick inside the City tr
Upper Rivanna
watetshed
215 it
t
Comprehensive Plan Areas
Attachment F
Albemarle County Ordinance References
4.15.20 NONCONFORMING SIGNS
A nonconforming sign may continue, subject to the provisions, conditions, and prohibitions set forth
herein:
a. Alteration of copy. The copy of a nonconforming sign may be altered by refacing the sign.
b. Alteration of sign structure. A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally altered; provided
that the zoning administrator may authorize a nonconforming sign to be structurally altered so that it is
less nonconforming and further provided that each time the nonconforming sign is structurally altered,
the sign area and sign height shall be reduced by at least twenty-five (25) percent of its current area and
height until the sign area and the sign height are conforming.
4.15.11 MAXIMUM SIGN NUMBER, AREA, AND HEIGHT, AND MINIMUM SIGN SETBACK IN THE C-1, CO,
HC, PD-SC, PD-MC, HI, LI, AND PD-IP ZONING DISTRICTS
The maximum number of signs permitted, sign area, and sign height, and the minimum sign setback are
as follows for each sign for each sign within the Commercial (C-1), Commercial Office (CO), Highway
Commercial (HC), Planned Development -Shopping Center (PD-SC) and Planned Development -Mixed
Commercial (PD-MC) Heavy Industry (HI), Light Industry (LI) and Planned Development -Industrial Park
(PD-IP) districts:
1 per street frontage, ur
2 per entrance, per lot
4vith 100 or more feet
Of continuous street
square feet, plus bonus tenant
In the �.-1 and I'{C
113
Freestanding
frontage plus I per lot if
panels;
panels; Ifinore that] I sign at in
districts, 12 feet;
S feet
the lot is Greater than 4
entrance, no single sign shall
16 tact In all other
acres and has more than
exceed 16 square feet
districts
I approved entrance on
its fronta,
3. Freestanding signs; bundle signs; electric message signs. The freestanding signage permitted may include one
off -site bundle sign allowed by special use permit under section 4.15.7(b) and one electric message sign allowed by
special use permit under section 4.15.7(d). An off -site bundle sign shall count as a freestanding sign on the lot on
which the sign is located.
4.15.7 SIGNS AUTHORIZED BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT; OFF -SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS, OFF -SITE BUNDLE
SIGNS, SIGNS IN A PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY, ELECTRIC MESSAGE SIGNS
The following signs are authorized by a special use permit granted by the board of zoning appeals under
section 34.5, provided that a sign permit required by section 4.15.5 is also obtained for the sign, the sign
complies with all applicable requirements of this section 4.15, and the following:
d. Electric message signs. A proposed electric message sign shall comply with all applicable
requirements of section 4.15 and Virginia Code §§ 33.2-1216 and 33.2-1217.
Attachment G