HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201700069 Staff Report 2017-08-07 }
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Charlottesville,Virginia 22902-4596
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ALBEMARLE COUNTY ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
TENTATIVE Agenda for August 7, 2017
ALBEMARLE COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
1:00 PM — Room 241
NOTE: Plans and other items submitted for the regular review items listed below are available for viewing at the
County Office Building. If you are interested in viewing these documents,please contact the Department of
Community Development using.the information listed in the letterhead.
2. Call to order
3. Establish a quorum
4. Disclosures
5. Public comment
6. Work Session
7. Consent Agenda: See Below
8. Regular Review Items:
a. ARB-2017-63: Colonial Nissan Solar
Contact: Taylor Brown
b. ARB-2017-01: 5th Street Commercial
Contact: Katurah Roell
c. ARB-2017-69: North Pointe Community Sign
Contact: Jessie Calder
9. Other Business
a. ARB-2017-71: Riverside Center Amendment
b. T Mobile Window Tinting
c. Approval of Minutes:
d. Next ARB Meeting: September 5, 2017
1A Arl;nnrnmant
Consent Agenda
a. ARB-2017-64: Riverside Village Block 1
Contact: Justin'Shimp
NOTES,REGARDING PUBLIC MEETINGS
I. Each applicant is allowed to make a single presentation not exceeding 15 minutes in length.The applicant may divide,the 15-minute allotment"
among various presenters,but the total presentation time will not exceed 15 minutes.'
2. Each member of general public who wishes to speak on a matter shall be allowed one appearance not to exceed 3..minutes.
3. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Architectural Review Board-may demand'a review of the application by the Board of Supervisors.
Such demand shall be made by filing a request therefore in writing with the clerk of the Board of Supervisors within ten calendar days of the date
of such decision.For additional information see section 30.6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance.
NOTES REGARDING,ARE ACTIONS
I. Certificates of Appropriateness are valid for the,same period that the corresponding site plan is valid..If there is no site plan required for the.
proposed work,:the Certificate of Appropriateness is valid for 3 years.Applicants requesting an extension of the period of validity must do so in
writing.The letter must be received by the Director of Planning prior to the expiration date.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT
Project #/Name
ARB-2017-69: North Pointe Community Sign and Landscaping
Review Type
Conceptual Review
Parcel Identification
03200000002000
Location
On the east side of Rt. 29, across from Northside Drive
Zoned
Planned Development Mixed Commercial (PDMC)/Entrance Corridor (EC)
Owner/Applicant
CWH Properties Limited Partnership/Waterstreet Studio (Jessie Carter)
Magisterial District
Rivanna
Proposal
To install landscaping, walls, art and signage at the middle entrance to the North Pointe development.
Context
The proposed work is for the middle entrance to the North Pointe community. The surrounding area includes a mix of
wooded and cleared land, single-family residences and small commercial buildings.
Visibility
The proposed work will be readily visible from the Entrance Corridor.
ARB Meeting Date
August 7, 2017
Staff Contact
Margaret Maliszewski
PROJECT HISTORY
In 2004, the ARB completed an advisory review for the North Pointe rezoning. Since that time, the ARB has completed several reviews associated with
the Northwest Residential Area, which is located at the northern end of the development.
ANAYLSIS
REF
GUIDELINE
ISSUE
RECOMMENDATION
1
The goal of the regulation of the design of development within
Stone walls are a major element of the proposal.
Clarify on the plan the
the designated Entrance Corridors is to insure that new
Stone walls marking entrances are found at
full length of the
development within the corridors reflects the traditional
historic sites in the county. The pattern of new
proposed landscaping.
architecture of the area. Therefore, it is the purpose of ARB
landscaping proposed along the street frontage,
Clearly show the
review and of these Guidelines, that proposed development
however, does not reflect historic patterns. It
property lines.
within the designated Entrance Corridors reflect elements of
isn't entirely clear from the submittal how far the
design characteristic of the significant historical landmarks,
proposed landscaping is intended to extend along
See comments below.
buildings, and structures of the Charlottesville and Albemarle
the corridor.
area, and to promote orderly and attractive development
within these corridors. Applicants should note that replication
of historic structures is neither required nor desired.
6
Site development should be sensitive to the existing natural
In this portion of the development along the EC,
Revise the ornamental
landscape and should contribute to the creation of an
no remnant of the natural landscape will remain.
grass and ground cover
organized development plan. This may be accomplished, to
The proposed pattern of ornamental grasses and
arrangement to be more
the extent practical, by preserving the trees and rolling terrain
ground cover will accentuate the artificial
reflective of the historic
typical of the area; planting new trees along streets and
character of the designed landscape.
character of the area and
pedestrian ways and choosing species that reflect native forest
to contribute to
elements; insuring that any grading will blend into the
continuity along the
surrounding topography thereby creating a continuous
corridor.
landscape; preserving, to the extent practical, existing
significant river and stream valleys which may be located on
the site and integrating these features into the design of
surrounding development; and limiting the building mass and
height to a scale that does not overpower the natural settings
of the site, or the Entrance Corridor.
Landscaping
7
The requirements of the Guidelines regarding landscaping are
Some large shade trees are proposed, but not
Revise the ornamental
intended to reflect the landscaping characteristic of many of
sufficient to meet guideline #32. Some lawn area
grass and ground cover
the area's significant historic sites which is characterized by
is identified on the plan near the retail building,
arrangement to be more
large shade trees and lawns. Landscaping should promote
but it will not appear to be a lawn in the
reflective of the historic
visual order within the Entrance Corridor and help to integrate
traditional sense.
character of the area and
buildings into the existing environment of the corridor.
The tree and shrub planting (if it meets other
to contribute to
continuity along the
8
Continuity within the Entrance Corridor should be obtained by
planting different types of plant materials that share similar
guidelines requirements) could help promote
corridor.
characteristics. Such common elements allow for more
visual order along the EC. However, the
REF
GUIDELINE
ISSUE
RECOMMENDATION
flexibility in the design of structures because common
ornamental grass "panels" alternating with bands
See comments below.
landscape features will help to harmonize the appearance of
of groundcover differ significantly from typical
development as seen from the street upon which the Corridor
EC frontage planting. This will not contribute to
is centered.
continuity along the corridor.
32
Landscaping along the frontage of Entrance Corridor streets
The planting plan includes large trees, but they
Revise the plan to clearly
should include the following:
are shown 60' apart and 21/2" caliper at planting,
show the property lines,
a. Large shade trees should be planted parallel to the Entrance
and they begin south of the southern wall,
utilities, and easements
Corridor Street. Such trees should be at least 3'/2 inches caliper
leaving approximately 190' of frontage south of
in the project area. Show
(measured 6 inches above the ground) and should be of a plant
the entrance drive without large shade trees.
that there are no
species common to the area. Such trees should be located at
(Within the 190', a row of small flowering trees
plant/utility conflicts.
least every 35 feet on center.
is provided behind the stone wall.) The condition
b. Flowering ornamental trees of a species common to the area
north of the northern wall is not included on the
Clearly delineate on the
should be interspersed among the trees required by the preceding
plans. It isn't clear how far (in either direction)
plan the required 40'
paragraph. The ornamental trees need not alternate one for one
the planting plan is intended to extend.
landscape buffer. Revise
with the large shade trees. They may be planted among the large
the ornamental grass,
shade trees in a less regular spacing pattern.
The stone walls are aligned with the EC street.
ground cover, and
c. In situations where appropriate, a three or four board fence
meadow planting to
or low stone wall, typical of the area, should align the frontage
It isn't entirely clear from the submittal how the
provide a 40' landscape
of the Entrance Corridor street.
walls and landscaping relate to existing and
buffer that visually
d. An area of sufficient width to accommodate the foregoing
proposed utilities and easements.
buffers the development
plantings and fencing should be reserved parallel to the
from the EC.
Entrance Corridor street, and exclusive of road right-of-way
The proffers associated with the rezoning of this
and utility easements.
property require a 40' landscape buffer. It isn't
Provide large shade
clear from the drawing how the applicant is
trees, 3%2" caliper at
measuring the buffer depth. The intent of the
planting, 35' on center.
proffer was to visually buffer the development
from the EC. It is anticipated that lawn, grass
Clarify on the plan the
and ground cover areas are not substantial
full length of the
enough to meet the intent of the buffer
proposed landscaping.
requirement.
33
Landscaping along interior roads:
Sidewalks are shown on both sides of the
Provide large trees, 21/2"
a. Large trees should be planted parallel to all interior roads.
entrance drive. Trees are shown in the median of
caliper at planting, along
Such trees should be at least 2'/2 inches caliper (measured six
the entrance road, but not along the sides of the
both sides of the
inches above the ground) and should be of a plant species
road.
entrance road, 40' on
common to the area. Such trees should be located at least
center.
every 40 feet on center.
34
Landscaping along interior pedestrian ways:
REF
GUIDELINE
ISSUE
RECOMMENDATION
a. Medium trees should be planted parallel to all interior
pedestrian ways. Such trees should be at least 2V2 inches
caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should be
of a species common to the area. Such trees should be located
at least every 25 feet on center.
35
Landscaping of parking areas:
The plans show parking areas, but the proposal is
Provide consistent rows
a. Large trees should align the perimeter of parking areas,
meant to focus on the frontage condition. Trees
of evergreen shrubs at
located 40 feet on center. Trees should be planted in the
are shown close to the parking areas, but they are
the edge of parking
interior of parking areas at the rate of one tree for every 10
spaced further apart than the 40' requirement. A
areas, or show parking
parking spaces provided and should be evenly distributed
row of shrubs is shown at the perimeter of the
areas as outside the
throughout the interior of the parking area.
parking area located south of the hotel, but not at
current project area,
b. Trees required by the preceding paragraph should measure
the parking area between the hotel and the retail
leaving sufficient space
2V2 inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground);
space. Another row of shrubs is shown south of
for a row of evergreen
should be evenly spaced; and should be of a species common
the stone wall and aligned with it. The row is not
shrubs along parking
to the area. Such trees should be planted in planters or
continuous; it breaks for the tree groups.
area perimeters.
medians sufficiently large to maintain the health of the tree
and shall be protected by curbing.
Three shrub species are shown; one of them is
c. Shrubs should be provided as necessary to minimize the
deciduous.
parking area's impact on Entrance Corridor streets. Shrubs
should measure 24 inches in height.
Shrub height is identified as 24".
36
Landscaping of buildings and other structures:
a. Trees or other vegetation should be planted along the front
Three building footprints are shown on the plan.
of long buildings as necessary to soften the appearance of
These footprints and the associated building
exterior walls. The spacing, size, and type of such trees or
designs have not been previously reviewed with
vegetation should be determined by the length, height, and
a site plan and are not part of the current
blankness of such walls.
proposal. In the locations shown, there is
b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, buildings, and
insufficient space for planting along the EC side
other structures; dumpsters, accessory buildings and
of the buildings with the frontage planting
structures; "drive thru" windows; service areas; and signs.
located as shown. Based on parking lot locations,
Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height.
the development appears to be inward focused.
37
Plant species: a. Plant species required should be as approved
The plant species appear in the various lists.
None.
by the Staff based upon but not limited to the Generic
Landscape Plan Recommended Species List and Native Plants
for Virginia Landscapes (Appendix D).
38
Plant health: The following note should be added to the
The note will be needed on the landscape plan.
Add the standard plant
landscape plan: "All site plantings of trees and shrubs shall be
health note to the plan.
allowed to reach, and be maintained at, mature height; the
REF
GUIDELINE
ISSUE
RECOMMENDATION
topping of trees is prohibited. Shrubs and trees shall be
pruned minimally and only to support the overall health of the
plant."
General Sign Guidelines
1
Create a consistent and unified design approach along the
The proposed sign design is not typical of signs
Provide details on the
Entrance Corridors. The placement, size, illumination and
proposed in the County. If the details of the
mounting/installation of
colors of signs can create unity along the corridor, or they can
design and attachment are handled appropriately,
the letters on the stone
create a disjointed, visually competitive environment.
the different sign type is not expected to create a
pier. Show how these
Consistent and unified sign design allows the businesses
disjointed appearance along the corridor. The
elements will contribute
located along the Corridor to have equal standing in visibility.
placement of the sign is expected to make the
to an appropriate
It also provides a pattern of sign placement that makes the
entrance to the development more noticeable.
appearance along the
business locations and entrances more easily recognizable to
corridor.
both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
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.
2
Establish simplicity and reserve as preferred
The design concept for the sign (stacked metal
characteristics for sign design in these areas. This reflects the
letters) is relatively simple, but details on the
historic character of the area and enhances the aesthetic
design and installation have not been provided.
qualities of the Corridor.... 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.
8a
Monument signs are preferred to pole -mounted signs because
The proposed sign is not a pole -mounted sign. It
See comments below.
they are often of a smaller scale and can be more fully
consists of stacked metal letters mounted on top
integrated into the overall development....
of a stone pier. The extended stone wall and
landscaping are intended to integrate the sign
(and the artwork) into the surroundings.
8b
Materials used in both the sign and support structures should
Designs for buildings in this portion of the
Provide details on the
be complementary. They should also support the aesthetics of
development have not been submitted for
mounting/installation of
the building and /or complex being served by the sign,
review. The metal letters could appear
the letters on the stone
although a direct duplication is not necessary. It is preferred
complementary with the stone pier and wall, and
pier. Show how these
that the base material match one of the primary building
the overall design of sign, wall and landscaping
elements will contribute
REF
GUIDELINE
ISSUE
RECOMMENDATION
materials unless the design of the sign represents itself as a
will represent itself as a freestanding element in
to an appropriate
freestanding element complementing the building.
the development. However, the method by which
the sign letters would be installed is not clear,
appearance along the
corridor.
4e
Color: Colors must be harmonious with each other. Colors
must not clash with other elements on the site, both when
and the submittal does not address views of the
viewed in daylight and at night, whether the signs are
letters from the side.
Provide a side elevation
externally or internally lit. Overly intense color, such as but
of the sign. Provide a
not limited to dayglo or fluorescent colors, are prohibited.
The position of trees and sidewalks shown on the
detail drawing of the
Entrance Signage illustration (Sheet 16) differs
sign with dimensions.
The use of three colors or fewer is more appropriate for signs
from that shown on the plan.
in the Entrance Corridor. Black and white are counted as
Indicate how weathering
colors. Additional colors may be approved if they contribute
The sign letters are proposed in coreten steel,
of the metal letters will
to a balanced and unified sign design.
which typically has an orange/red/brown
be addressed.
appearance that can change over time. This color
is expected to coordinate with the natural colors
Coordinate the plan with
of field stone. However, stains from the
the elevations regarding
weathering of the metal could result in a long-
sidewalk and tree
term maintenance issue for the stone piers.
locations.
8c
The structure of a monument sign shall not overwhelm the
The letters do not appear to overwhelm the pier
Illustrate the actual
sign. The structure and the sign that it supports must be in
and walls. However, the maximum sign height is
intended sign height on
proportion to each other.
listed as 16', and the illustrated sign is drawn at
the drawings.
approximately 14.5'.
4f
Trademarks, corporate logos and graphics: The ARB may
There are no graphics associated with the sign
None.
require that the color and scale of standard templates for
letters. A steel armillary is proposed to be
trademarks, service marks, corporate logos and graphics be
installed on the southern pier. Zoning has
modified. When used, trademarks, service marks, corporate
determined that the armillary is a sculpture, not a
logos and/or graphics should be incorporated as an integral
sign.
part of the overall sign.
8d
Landscaping: Use ground cover, shrubs and/or trees to
Trees close to the sign are all located behind the
See landscaping
integrate freestanding signs into the overall landscape
stone walls. This is consistent with the design at
recommendations,
development of the site. Refer to the Albemarle County
the UVA Research Park entrance, further north
above.
Recommended Plants List, which is included in the Albemarle
on the west side of Rt. 29, but that wall is
County Architectural Review Board Design Guidelines and is
shorter. The area on the EC side of the walls is
available on-line at www.albemarle.org.
labeled as meadow. As such, its appearance
would change throughout the year.
8e
Lighting
No lighting is shown on the plans.
Provide complete details
on sign and wall
illumination for review.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion:
1. Appropriateness of a meadow planting at the entrance to the development.
2. Appropriateness of small flowering trees behind the stone walls instead of large shade trees at 40' on center along the corridor frontage.
3. Appropriateness of the planting arrangement consisting of ornamental grass panels and ground cover bands.
4. Spacing of large trees south of the south wall greater than 40' on center.
5. Appropriateness of stacked metal letters for a freestanding sign on the Entrance Corridor.
6. The desired character of the buffer planting considering the potential inward focus of the development.
Staff offers the following comments on the conceptual design:
1. Clarify on the plan the full length of the proposed landscaping. Clearly show the property lines.
2. Revise the ornamental grass and ground cover arrangement to be more reflective of the historic character of the area and to contribute to continuity
along the corridor.
3. Revise the plan to clearly show the property lines, utilities, and easements in the project area. Show that there are no plant/utility conflicts.
4. Clearly delineate on the plan the required 40' landscape buffer. Revise the ornamental grass, ground cover, and meadow planting to provide a 40'
landscape buffer that visually buffers the development from the EC.
5. Provide large shade trees, 3%2" caliper at planting, 35' on center.
6. Provide large trees, 21/2" caliper at planting, along both sides of the entrance road, 40' on center.
7. Provide a consistent rows of evergreen shrubs at the edge of parking areas, or show parking areas as outside the current project area, leaving
sufficient space for a row of evergreen shrubs along parking area perimeters.
8. Add the standard plant health note to the plan. All site plantings of trees and shrubs shall be allowed to reach, and be maintained at, mature height;
the topping of trees is prohibited. Shrubs and trees shall be pruned minimally and only to support the overall health of the plant.
9. Provide details on the mounting/installation of the letters on the stone pier. Show how these elements will contribute to an appropriate appearance
along the corridor.
10. Provide a side elevation of the sign. Provide a detail drawing of the sign with dimensions.
11. Indicate how weathering of the metal letters will be addressed.
12. Coordinate the plan with the elevations regarding sidewalk and tree locations.
13. Illustrate the actual intended sign height on the drawings.
14. Provide complete details on sign and wall illumination for review.
TABLE A
This report is based on the following submittal items:
Sheet #
Drawing Name
Drawing Date
1,2
Cover sheet
10 July 2017
3
Area of study
10 July 2017
4-5
1 Plan
10 July 2017
6-7
Grass panels
10 July 2017
8
Screening hedge
10 July 2017
9
Meadow
10 July 2017
10
Tree groupings and ground cover
10 July 2017
11
Large specimen trees
10 July 2017
12
Subcanopy trees
10 July 2017
13-15
Flowering trees
10 July 2017
16
Entrance Signage
10 July 2017
17
1 Fieldstone pillar and armillary
10 July 2017
18
Material precedents
10 July 2017
19-20
Plant schedule
10 July 2017
21
Existing view facing north
10 July 2017