HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB200400011 Executive Summary 2004-05-18 Exec Summary t Page 1 of 2
o2wTeld"
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE le-e-`" �
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGENDA TITLE: AGENDA DATE: ITEM NUMBER:
Goodwill Sign Appeal May 5, 2004
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: ACTION: X INFORMATION:
Appeal of ARB decision
CONSENT AGENDA:
STAFF CONTACT(S): ACTION: INFORMATION:
Wayne Cilimberg, Margaret Maliszewski, Bob Tucker
ATTACHMENTS:
Yes
REVIEWED BY:
Background:
ARB Review of Proposal: On March 15, 2004 the Architectural Review Board reviewed an application
for a new wall sign (see Attachment A) to be installed on the southern wall of the building commonly
known as the Authorized Auto Service building on the north side of Route 250 East in the Pantops
area. The proposed sign consisted of internally illuminated channel letters with blue faces, gold trim
caps and black returns, and measured 3'6" high x 25' long. In keeping with the ARB's practice of
coordinating colors and sizes of signs with the buildings on which they are installed, the ARB voted
unanimously (3:0) to approve the wall sign with the following conditions:
1. The channel letter shall have blue faces, with bronze trim caps and returns.
2. The channel letters shall not exceed 24" in height.
The applicant is appealing both conditions of approval. (See Attachment B for the ARB minutes,
Attachment C for the ARB staff report, and Attachment D for the ARB Action Letter.)
ARB Guidelines: The original ARB design guidelines were adopted in 1990-91 and included some
specific references to signs. In 1998 the ARB updated the sign sections of the guidelines. The ARB
recently updated their sign guidelines. The updated draft is scheduled for a work session with the Board
of Supervisors in June. Reviewing this proposal against the current draft of the revised guidelines would
result in the same decision by the ARB.
Discussion: The purpose of ARB review is to ensure that new development in the Entrance Corridors
is compatible with the historic architecture of the County and to promote orderly and attractive
development. Signs can have a significant impact on the appearance of a commercial corridor.
Inappropriately designed signs can create a disorganized, cluttered, unattractive corridor. Appropriately
designed signs can enhance compatibility between signs and the sites on which they are located, the
buildings on which they are installed, and with the overall character of the corridor in which they are
situated. To achieve a balance of business identification with order and continuity throughout the EC,
the ARB reviews for compatibility in sign type, size, and color— elements that help reduce visual clutter
and distraction and that provide for coordinated appearances along the EC. The ARB imposed
conditions on the Goodwill sign proposal to maintain color coordination and to establish compatibility of
scale between the sign and the building.
Recommendation: The ARB recommends that the application, as presented, be denied. The ARB
recommends approval of the application with the following conditions:
1. The channel letter shall have blue faces, with bronze trim caps and returns.
2. The channel letters shall not exceed 24" in height.
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Board_of Supervisor... 5/3/2004
Exec Summary Page 2 of 2
Attachments:
A— Illustrations showing proposed sign on front elevation at 42" and at 24"
B — Draft ARB minutes
C ARB staff report
D —ARB Action Letter
View Applicants appeal letter
Return to regular agenda
http://www.albemarle.org/uploadlimages/Forms Center/Departments/Board of Supervisor... 5/3/2004
F
z
w
U
I¢ ()
Q
6 .-- ')
Sr,••lJi �`Tr^'_ .�"a ` i. i9 j�o8... •o Sip!'''" M�0,,, 1'�co,•INK h.• *lira.'" 14. 41 :1
i• �a 1:� ' 14
� ■1�� _ is
� it . .
,I,.'"' :.��!iiii ;;
• l��'��� 't11ftlaill isUgllll! �r �f��t��lllll l III a►I�i�llil!( IllhIII11'IIlIlIIffi I I!IllillI! !;II1I1IJIII1I
...• / .y :fe ;�Ire.11 ;tij .. i .: •� i %7 it /' Nr4• t:r +4 ..• " :` ' % �,� ; • i
iittior
•
•
57><f..( V •}l^ i , f •. •
..'ram• •`•
•e �!
. .
ATTACHMENT A.,7
4.
...• •'... ---
'••••3- I-- (\i(-,/
WV) 4 .
... ...i. ..t
. .. . .., i .
'i. ..—,—......,. ..,P lie.7t.t n? 1: •••;dlr.': ••• .el?,
- •.,4','.: :.z.,:t'Irlt,.. ,,s...1* ,:4:,"' . 4•
•
•
'i' . If.••4.! . I ••A ... .'.0.ib.. : ':
(.9 •
• -• •il.:, ir .i.-'. ....Fit - • ••
ell.. •.
,;•,,
• .-Z .... ...A• , 4..r ; ....Ice.. -..ii.:_vtat......_„,k.• . ,,,....t.
.,..„.r. ..„ :, . ... • ,•.,„,,,,. mrserl• •.-.-
.-E1 .4,4. • '..1•••% 4,.* ' :..:eor''''illite r"
'IA •• • „..;;;.". .. F..,
I 1.8 <
• - .... -.1.7 . •...‘. . 14161.,..:.,;NM;.• .. II. .1t,•••••./..i.• ••i*,.: ,
:• * :.•*.* '-`. '-..: 4•
- ..--4.7 •• • .• . •zilit... ... ...; .,„ .... • Itt •d7.-
< ;11.:-,..:.. • ,•
1. i'll..:4*el, •- .*. -.-•". '. , 4..'4'. ..• Y-
k-- z'I'Ie.•1, 4 4;• • ' .• .; ,:•.. ,....• 1,
....".,.‘',:•.(
2 .•-•,,
. _......_ . ....4.
.... ,1. ,•. ...
Nk ... r .....
• Poll \ ."'•'If i.
..-•
. ..11 1
. :
' •---•—
'It ==II I 1...•!,•,:
N.N.
• . .
Cr f.
•.,
".. =— ••(...i.,
• —' --•--— = i•
•.:1••
I .
.„. ..
11111111111•1111111111111111.• •ti.
.*--,,...• ,
i.,4' , • NW—I tit••••• .
.'.. • •...' 4*
.r.,
..i.
____ • ,
••za •
.,. ..
, , .._ ... lit,•&.•••,;.
:.9",„:v..",:S.:11;74:—; .t...t.:-.7s4• '•'•:
...it;!vel iv 1. 4 4 4 41,*..•-• / : if.
1 .'41. S.' ; ', i. .11).•e ;..
•'''11 IPA e•elk':I.... • ,r . :•.1. I 3.-• ..
••,!_•••:1 , ler *--•••••
'e 7 '.x. ;:-111-s... •
4 sti 4 .;;:l= I'.... :::';"•-;;:..1%•.;.t.$441N.:?,....
.1./:f 4:iftf7j""t,
'.I•,i•I'-'1..:"•1:-. :
‘a. ko••:„I r....3•.:„:..•1
'r.-t•'V t'). r r• •r.n es,ie, .4..):i A •..s:t1,C.-4.4"..4-= -,- P.
.1..I•.5•./e,:0•.'7.• •4..:ft:,,,E•
•'..- si.:1.1.? -.- 1,7V-4,r.'t 1
; !V•ff .' - .:......ka.,..... §3,; It.
r/ • -
-'
..."-=.----.. .... .1."
,..'
A .--=------1 -
,• .,, 4.5.„,
2_, ---- 5 L-) >in
ARB minutes Page 1 of 2
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MINUTES
March 15, 2004
The Albemarle County Architectural Review Board met on Monday, March 15, 2004, 1:30 p.m., Meeting Room #
241, County Office Building, Charlottesville, Virginia. Those members present were Charles T. Lebo, Candace
M.P. Smith, A.I.A., Chairman; and Katie Hobbs. Absent was M. Kirk Train, AIA, Vice-Chairman. Staff present
was Margaret Maliszewski and Janet L. Miller.
CALL TO ORDER: A quorum was established and Ms. Smith called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
REGULAR REVIEW ITEM
ARB-2004-11: Goodwill Industries Sign -Certificate of Appropriateness for a Sign - (Tax Map 078, Parcel 5F)
Proposal: To install an internally illuminated channel letter wall sign and an internally illuminated freestanding
sign.
Staff Presentation: Ms. Miller presented the staff report. She stated that the ARB reviewed and approved signage
for Authorized Auto Service at this site in December 2001.The approval was for a cabinet sign and internally
illuminated red channel letters for the front of the building. The red channel letters were approved at a height of
24". The cabinet sign was approved with a 4'wide metal base and a panel measuring 5' high by 10'wide with red
lettering on an opaque light brown background. She indicated that the existing Authorized Auto Service
freestanding sign is nonconforming in height (14') and area (50 SF) and is located off-site.
A new freestanding pole sign is proposed to be installed in the same location (in the parking area, west of the
building) as that of the existing sign. Because the proposed base of the sign will utilize an existing pole, the sign
does not require a special use permit for an off-site location. The proposed sign is a double-sided, internally
- illuminated aluminum cabinet on a skirted pole. The proposed area and height of the sign have been reduced by
25%, thus bringing the sign area and height into conformity. Illuminated channel letters are proposed for the front
(south) side of the building.
Mr. Lebo asked for clarification regarding the fact that the proposed channel letter wall sign meets the Zoning
Ordinance requirements, but its appearance is too large in height, width, or both. Ms. Miller clarified that the
channel letters overwhelm the area of the building where the sign would be installed. Staff feels that the
appropriate size for the channel letters would be 24" in height.
Applicant Presentation:
Kirtis Webb, owner of Bruce Sign Company of Lynchburg, stated that he represented Goodwill Industries. He
stated that the freestanding sign has been reduced in size from 50 square feet to 32 square feet and in height to
12 feet, which made the sign in conformity with the Zoning Ordinance. The current sign is 15 feet to the top. He
indicated that the sign had already been made, but not installed.
Ms. Smith asked if they could make the base of the freestanding sign wider so that the top would appear so out of
proportion. Mr. Webb stated that they made the base so that it would not look too overpowering. He questioned
what they would be accomplishing by making the base wider. He pointed out that it was 2' and he was making a
wide base, which would be 2' thick also. He noted that there was nothing skimpy about this pole skirt, particularly
because the pole was only about 2 inches. He pointed out that the letters would be very beautiful.
Mr. Lebo pointed out that this building was very close to the highway and the proposed letters for the wall sign
were too large. He supported the letters being trimmed down to the size recommended by staff. Ms. Hobbs
agreed with staff's recommendations. She agreed with using the green, and the brown for the background of the
freestanding sign, as originally approved.
Ms. Smith stated that one of the issues was color. Previously the red letters were approved for the building whose
colors were tans, whites and greens. She stated that the blue color was fine as long as that single color was used
on all of the signs. She suggested that the returns and the end caps match the blue channel letters or be bronze,
but not gold. She suggested that the channel letters be compressed.
Motion: Mr. Lebo moved for approval of the proposal, pending staff administrative approval of the following
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/DepartmentsBoard_of Supervisor... 5/3/2004
ARB minutes Page 2 of 2
conditions:
Freestanding Sign
1. The freestanding sign shall have blue text.
2. The freestanding sign shall have a light brown opaque background that coordinates with the color of the
building.
3. The base shall be widened to 4' minimum width.
Wall Sign
1. The channel letters shall have blue faces, with bronze trim caps and returns.
2. The channel letters shall not exceed 24" in height.
Ms. Hobbs seconded the motion.
The motion carried (3:0). (Train —Absent)
Go to Attachment C -ARB staff report
Return to executive summary
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/DepartmentsBoard_of Supervisor... 5/3/2004
ARB report Page 1 of 3
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT
Project#: Name ARB-2004-11: Goodwill Industries Sign
Review Type Certificate of Appropriateness for a Sign
Parcel Identification Tax Map 78, Parcel 5F
Location On the north side of Route 250 East, east of Route 20 North and the
Pegasus auto dealership, at the site previously occupied by Authorized
Auto Service
Zoned Highway Commercial (HC) and Entrance Corridor (EC)
Owner Gambit LLC, Bluebird Land Trust; John and Beverly McGowan TRS and
Pantops LC
Magisterial District Rivanna
Proposal To install an internally illuminated channel letter wall sign and an
internally illuminated freestanding sign
ARB Meeting Date March 15, 2004
Staff Contact Janet Miller
PROJECT HISTORY
The ARB reviewed and approved signage for Authorized Auto Service at this site on December 3,
2001. The approval was for a cabinet sign and internally illuminated red channel letters for the front
of the building. The red channel letters were approved at a height of 24". The cabinet sign was
approved with a 4' wide metal base and a panel measuring 5' high x 10' wide with red lettering on an
opaque light brown background. The existing Authorized Auto Service sign is nonconforming in
height (14') and area(50 SF) and is located off-site.
CONTEXT
The building is located on Route 250 East in the Pantops area, which is characterized by a variety of
commercial uses.
PROJECT DETAILS
A new freestanding pole sign is proposed to be installed in the same location (in the parking area, west
of the building) as that of the existing sign. Because the proposed base of the sign will utilize an existing
pole, the sign does not require a special use permit for an off-site location. The proposed sign is a
double-sided, internally illuminated aluminum cabinet on a skirted pole. The proposed area and height
of the sign has been reduced by 25%, thus bringing the sign area and height into conformity. Illuminated
channel letters are proposed for the front (south) side of the building.
Freestanding Sign
Type: Pole sign
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/Board of Supervisor... 5/3/2004
. ARB.report Page 2 of 3
Location: Along the parking area,west of the building
Overall Sign Height: 12'0"
Panel
Size: 2'8"tall x 12' long x 2' deep (32 SF)
Material: Aluminum
Text: "GOODWILL"
Colors: White background;blue(PMS #2051) letters
Illumination: Internally illuminated, text only
Background: White opaque background
Base: White skirted pole, 24"wide x 9.5' high
Wall Sign
Sign Type: Channel letters
Illumination: Internal neon
Text: "GOODWILL"
Sign Size: 42"high x 25' long
Overall Sign Height: 18' to top of sign
Colors: Blue faces (PMS #2051), gold trim caps and black returns
Graphics: None
Raceway: Ivory
Location: On the south face of the building, fronting Route 250, centered within the middle section
ANALYSIS
Freestanding Sign
Comments:
• The sign meets Zoning Ordinance requirements for the area and height of the sign.
• A pole sign is proposed; however, the ARB Guidelines indicate that monument signs are
preferred over pole signs. Given the off-site location, revising the design to a monument sign
does not appear to be a reasonable solution in this case.
• Landscaping has not been proposed. The sign is located in the parking area and landscaping is
not expected to sufficiently mitigate the negative impacts of this sign.
• The proposed colors of the sign are not coordinated with the building. The roof of the existing
building is green, the columns and railing color are ivory and the metal siding and stucco
color are light to medium brown. In February 2002, the ARB ruled that the background color
of the sign shall remain opaque light brown as previously approved in 2001.
• The sign is internally illuminated with an opaque background. The ARB Guidelines indicate that
external illumination is the preferred method for lighting a sign.
Recommendations:
• The freestanding sign shall have green text to match the green on the building.
• The freestanding sign shall have a light brown opaque background that coordinates with the
color of the building.
Channel letters
Comments:
• The sign meets Zoning Ordinance requirements for the area and height of the sign.
• The color of the text is not coordinated with the building colors. The roof of the existing
building is green, the columns and railing color are ivory and the metal siding and stucco
color are light to medium brown.
• Trim caps are proposed as gold. Gold trimcaps do not support an overall coordinated
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/DepartmentsBoard of Supervisor... 5/3/2004
. ARB.report Page 3 of 3
appearance.
• The height of the proposed channel letters is too tall. The sign is overscaled and overwhelms the
face of the building. At the proposed size, the sign will have the appearance of a billboard.
Recommendations:
• The channel letters shall have green faces, trimcaps and returns to match the green on the
building.
• The channel letters shall not exceed 24"in height.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff cannot support the signs as proposed. Staff recommends approval of the signs with the
following changes:
Freestanding Sign
1. The freestanding sign shall have green text to match the green on the building.
2. The freestanding sign shall have a light brown opaque background that coordinates with the
color of the building.
Wall Sign
1. The channel letters shall have green faces, trimcaps and returns to match the green on the
building.
2. The channel letters shall not exceed 24"in height.
Go to Attachment D - Action letter
Return to. executive summary
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/DepartmentsBoard_of Supervisor... 5/3/2004
. Actions Page 1 of 1
March 18, 2004
Bruce Signs, Inc
Kirtis Webb
5388 S Amherst Hwy
Madison Heights, VA 24572
RE: ARB-2004-11: Goodwill Industries Sign; Tax Map 78, Parcel 5F
Dear Mr. Webb:
The Albemarle County Architectural Review Board reviewed the above noted proposal to install an internally
illuminated channel letter wall sign and an internally illuminated freestanding sign at its meeting on Monday,
March 15, 2004. The Board, by a vote of 3:0, approved the request, pending staff administrative approval of the
following conditions:
Freestanding Sign
1. The freestanding sign shall have blue text.
2. The freestanding sign shall have a light brown opaque background that coordinates with the color of the
building.
3. The base shall be widened to 4' minimum width.
Wall Sign
1. The channel letters shall have blue faces, with bronze trimcaps and returns.
2. The channel letters shall not exceed 24" in height.
Please provide 2 copies of the revised drawings or other information addressing each of these conditions at your
earliest convenience. Include a memo indicating how each condition has been satisfied. If changes other than
those requested have been made, identify those changes in the memo also. When staffs review of this
information indicates that all conditions of approval have been met, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be
issued.
Return to executive summary
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Janet Miller
Landscape Planner
JM/jcf
Cc: File Goodwill Industries
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Board_of Supervisor... 5/3/2004
22-03,04
PSI
PevD
Bruce Signs Inc.
5388 South Amherst Hwy.
Madison Heights,Virginia 24572
Phone 434-845-6624
Fax 434-846-8440
e-mail brucesignsl@aol.com
March 18,2004
Dear Clerk of The Board of Supervisors:
Albemarle County
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville,Virginia 24572
I wish to appeal the decision of the Architectural Review Board #ARB-2004-11.
This item was reviewed on March 15,2004.
The freestanding sign will be as the board requested,l will widen the base to 4' and
change the background color to opaque light cream to coordinate with the building colors.
We proposed a wall mounted Channel Letter sign for Goodwill Industries compliant with
the Albemarle County Department of Zoning ordinance. The review board reduced the
square footage allowed my customer for the sign. The board requested 24" letters. I want
to appeal that recommendation, by the code I am allowed 90 sq. ft. My proposed sign will
be 84 3/8 sq. ft. and 40" letters. If you reduce the letter height to 24" my sign will only be
28 %sq. ft. rather than the allowed 90 sq. ft.
The scale of the building is shown on the enclosed sketches. The lighter color is not the
entire length it is a color change on the building the darker color represents the entire
length. I also oppose the color choices of the Review Board. I proposed black cans and
gold trim cap. From the height of this you can not tell dark bronze from black , the gold
jewelite only shows 1/8" on the face and 1" on the sides. This color combination is very
attractive and will be very appealing on this location.
Please notify me of any necessary steps I must take to appeal this matter before you as
well as preparatory information you need for the appeal process.
With kind regards
Kirtis Webb
Bruce Signs,Inc.
C ,Jobs\GOODWILL-CHARLOTTESVILLE plt 3/18/04 4:00:14 PM Scale: 1:75.29 Height: 275.323 Length: 727.008 in
_
24" Tall Letters 171 1/2" Long
28 1/2 Sq. Ft.
-
7 : 84 3/8 Sq. Ft.
40" Tall Letters 300" Long
•
C:%Jobs‘GOODWILL-CHARLOTTESV pit 3/18/04 4:00:14 PM Scale:1:27.41 light:205.058 Length:205.931 in
24" 144"
32" _ ,
112"
SIDE VIEW 48'
FRONT VIEW