HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB200900078 Review Comments Miscellaneous Submittal 2009-10-26�'JRGINLP
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596
Phone (434) 296 -5832
October 26, 2009
Josh O'Connor
Hightech Signs
2165 Seminole Trail.
Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
Re: ARB 2009 -78, Cedar Hill Sign
Tax Map 32, Parcel 22I
Dear Mr. O'Connor:
Fax (434) 972 -4012
I have reviewed your recent resubmittal for the above - referenced project consisting of the sign photo rendering
received October 15, 2009. Outstanding issues that will need to be further addressed are shown in italics after
the original comment.
Revise the landscape proposal with the addition of shrub plantings and a medium size tree, at the
northwest end of the sign, in a design that integrates sign structure with the existing evergreen trees located
at the southeast end of the adjacent office building.
Comments: Staff recognizes that the location of the proposed sign does not allow the proposed plantings
to integrate with the existing evergreen trees at the southeast end of the adjacent office building so that
comment can be disregarded. In this latest submission, the applicant is proposing 2 Rhododendron
arboreum shrubs and 1 White Dogwood tree at the northwest end of the sign. These 2 species are better
suited for a more shaded location farther removed from the highway pollution, and the Rhododendron is
susceptible to a wide variety of pests. The White Dogwood is a much larger tree that what is shown in the
photo rendering and can reach mature widths of 25'. The Rhododendron aroboreum, with mature heights
of 36', is a much larger shrub than what is shown in the photo rendering provided.
Recommendations: Revise the landscape proposal by replacing the proposed White Dogwood with a
species that has a narrower canopy. Consider the use of a mid size Crape Myrtle such as the Crape Myrtle
"Yuma " (12' -15' (h) x 8' -10' (w) with a lavender color bloom or the Crape Myrtle "Sioux" (12'-15'(h) x
8' -10' (w) with a pink bloom. Revise the proposal by replacing the 2 Rhododendron shrubs with 4 midsize
(4' — 6' (h)) evergreen shrubs. Consider the use of the Otto Luyken Laurel 4' -6' (h) x 5' -6' (w).
2. Provide a plan view drawing of the landscape proposal. The drawing should show the general location of
ground cover and the location of individual shrubs and trees. The drawing should include a landscape
schedule listing all proposed plant materials, quantities and sizes at planting.
Comments: A plan view drawing of the landscape proposal was not included in this latest submission.
Recommendations: Include a plan view drawing of the landscape proposal in the next submission. The
drawing should show the plantings at their mature widths, properly spaced to prevent overcrowding. The
drawing should include a landscape schedule listing allproposedplant materials, quantities and sizes at
planting.
3. Revise the application to indicate the method, if any, of sign lighting. If external lighting, indicate the
location and type of lighting; include a cutsheet of the light fixture. Please note: all lighting emitting 3,000
or more lumens shall be a full cutoff style fixture. If no lighting is proposed, add a note to the drawing
indicating that.
Comments: In the latest submission, the sign drawing contains note 5 "No Lighting Plan". The intent of
the note is not clear. Revising the note to read "No Lighting Proposed" would read more clearly.
Recommendations: Revise Note 5 of the sign drawing to read No Lighting Proposed.
Please contact me should you have any questions. To expedite the review, revised drawings addressing the
aforementioned recommendations can be emailed to bnelson @albemarle.org.
When staff s 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.
Sincerely,
Brent W. Nelson
Landscape Planner
cc: ARB File