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Home My WebLink AboutARB200400011 Executive Summary 2004-05-01 • COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: AGENDA DATE: ITEM NUMBER: Goodwill Sign Appeal May, 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. 1 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 2 < I- Z LU 2 kr) I C?-i C) H ' 5 < --_-. .... ..‘, i..,: ...,?. 4eA,•.• 'ss.ei'.1' 1, .L.A..--•: l'I . .k. ••.• . ,,„;,...... ,•4;•i-"fr. sy .1:ILI. . .... . ..,,,:,..•.. ••fp . ... . ... .,,..t..h.......: ....*. 1101 itt '• t". • '°'' "' I:- •I ;1 J. .z.; • • I . ... .1:.fr: • tz.v. ' is' 13 ,.••1 .3 , •....tiiiiii);- •tvp —• '(/:. 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' : •:�f x'p,':....,. .a' ,...r .•r.,,,y ISr`�� s q: ,.:,t:'z b`l'::9 J �•' '+ yY: 1i'5:: o<NIOIS.:1. 3W°-', =.ku -'<-<. ATTACHMENT B ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MINUTES 644:1 March 15,2004 Alt 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. Albemarle County Architectural Review Board Minutes—March 15,2004 Page 1 ATTACHMENT B L 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 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. 6,p4 Ms. Hobbs seconded the motion. The motion carried (3:0). (Train—Absent) OTHER BUSINESS: Pantops Self Storage -Administrative review In general consensus, the ARB determined that the proposal should receive full ARB review. ServiceMaster-Administrative review In general consensus, the ARB agreed that staff could administratively review/approve the plan. ACAC Spa -Sign In general consensus, the ARB agreed that staff could administratively review/approve the proposal. North Pointe—Preliminary Discussion The ARB had a preliminary discussion about the scope of the North Pointe submittal that is scheduled for review by the ARB on April 19, 2004. Administratively Approved Certificates of Appropriateness The ARB acknowledged the administrative approval of the following items since the last meeting: • Ombra's Café—Crozet • Hospice of the Piedmont—Old Ivy Road • Diffusion Pharmaceuticals—Avon Ct. • Pizza Bella Bistro—Seminole Commons • Pantops Self Storage Next Meeting: Monday, April 5, 2004. ADJOURNMENT : The meeting adjourned at 2:33 p.m. to the next meeting on April 5, 2004. M. Kirk Train, AIA, Chairman (Recorded and transcribed by Sharon C.Taylor, Recording Secretary) Albemarle County Architectural Review Board Minutes—March 15,2004 Page 2 • ATTACHMENT C 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 Location: Along the parking area, west of the building Overall Sign Height: 12'0" ARB 3/15/2004 Goodwill Industries Sign--Page 1 ATTACHMENT C 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 appearance. ARB 3/15/2004 Goodwill Industries Sign--Page 2 • ATTACHMENT C 3 • 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. ARB 3/15/2004 Goodwill Industries Sign--Page 3 • ATTACHMENT D .....i'llleiii?i . : •y.. 4). COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Planning&Community Development 401 McIntire Road, Room 218 Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596 (434)296-5823 Fax(434)972-4012 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 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me incerely,s P"A Wi\-9-7 anet Miller andscape Planner JM/jcf Cc File Goodwill Industries