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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVA199200005 Action Letter 1992-03-11 of AL tt ?ignip ��RGIN�P COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Zoning 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, Virginia 22901-4596 (804) 296-5875 March 11, 1992 Lea S. Schultz University of VA Health Sciences Center Box 492 Charlottesville, VA 22908 RE: Board of Zoning Appeals Action UVA Linear Accelerator VA-92-05 Tax Map 59, Parcel 23C Dear Mr. Schultz: This letter is to inform you that on March 10, 1992, during the meeting of the Albemarle County Board of Zoning Appeals, the Board approved (5: 0) your request for VA-92-05, subject to the following conditions: 1) Sign height shall be limited to eight (8) feet; 2) Sign size shall be limited to eighteen (18) square feet. This variance approval allows relief from Section 30.5.2 .2 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance to reduce the front setback from Route 250 West, a scenic highway, from 150 to 50 feet for the location of a 18 square foot freestanding sign. If you have any questions, please contact our office. Sincerely, OA& Amelia M. Patterson Zoning Administrator AMP/sp cc: UVA Real Estate Foundation S-92-17 STAFF PERSON: Amelia M. Patterson PUBLIC HEARING: March 10, 1992 STAFF REPORT - VA-92-05 OWNER/APPLICANT: UVA Real Estate Foundation (Linear Accelerator) TAX MAP/PARCEL: 59/23C ZONING: LI, Light Industry and C-1, Commercial ACREAGE: 2 .53 acres LOCATION: On the east side of Route 250 West, adjacent to the west of J. W. Sieg. REQUEST: The applicant requests relief from Section 30.5.2 . 2, Scenic Highway Overlay, of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance, which requires a setback of 150 feet for a freestanding sign. The applicant requests a reduction in setback from Route 250 West, from 150 to 50 feet for the location of a proposed 18 square foot sign. The proposed sign will comply with the scenic highway and entrance corridor size and height limitations. The sign will be painted metal, on a brick base matching the building. It will read "University of VA Health Sciences Center Moser Radiation Therapy Center. " The applicant's justification includes: 1. The building is located at a 75 foot setback, in accordance with ordinance provisions. A freestanding sign at 150 or 75 feet would not be practical or effective. 2 . In accordance with the approved site plan, which was subject to architectural review, substantial landscaping exists in front of the building. 3. The location chosen is the furthest from the road that would not be obstructed by landscaping, and would be effective in identifying the entrance. RELEVANT HISTORY: Staff recognizes that each variance is reviewed on its own merits, and is not on its face, precedent-setting. The following history is provided for information: Prior to the scenic highway overlay, the adjoining property, Kirtley Distributing Company received a variance (VA-75-21) to locate a freestanding sign with no setback. There are numerous other examples of variances for reduced sign and/or building setbacks on this segment of Route 250 West. STAFF REPORT - VA-92-05 Page 2 STAFF COMMENTS: This site plan received approval signatures on April 4, 1991. This development is based on a proffered rezoning, ZMA-90-26. Additional landscaping in front of the building was among the design requirements from the Architectural Review Board. The building location at a 75 foot setback is approved under an ordinance provision to reduce the building setback when the parking is buffered from the scenic highway. This parking is located behind the building. This property is on a developing stretch of Route 250 West. There are several business entrances in this short distance. Alternative signage, such as on the wall, would not adequately identify the entrance. Staff concurs with the applicant's justification. It is staff's opinion that the proposed location is the minimum variance, or maximum distance that will allow visibility through the landscaping along a curving portion of Route 250 West. The proposed sign will be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board. The size and height are within the existing and proposed sign regulations. Staff recommends approval for cause: 1. The applicant has provided evidence that the strict application of the ordinance would produce undue hardship; 2. The applicant has provided evidence that such hardship is not shared generally by other properties in the same zoning district and the same vicinity; 3 . The applicant has provided evidence that the authorization of such variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and that the character of the district will not be changed by the granting of the variance. Should the Board find cause for approval, staff recommends the following conditions of approval: 1. Sign height shall be limited to eight (8) feet; 2. Sign size shall be limited to 18 square feet. $- ,1xGirnP COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Zoning 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, Virginia 22901-4596 (804) 296-5875 March 3 , 1992 University of Virginia Health Science Center Box 492 Charlottesville VA 22908 ATTN: Lea Schultz Re: ARB-F(SIGN) -92-05 UVA Linear Accelerator TM 59, Parcel 23C Dear Mr. Schultz: The above noted sign was reviewed by the Albemarle County Architectural Review Board at its meeting on March 2, 1992. The Architectural Review Board unanimously approved the signage as presented to the Board as an Exhibit dated 3/2/92 initialed MJ. A Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued. If you have questions please call me. Scerely, c is- iigrrtIr cc: Tim Lindstrom