Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201100016 Review Comments Preliminary Site Plan 2011-03-11ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #/Name ARB- 2011 -16: Re- Store'n Station Convenience Store and Fuel Pump Canopy and Signs Review Type Preliminary Review of a Site Development Plan Certificate of Appropriateness for Signs Parcel Identification Tax Map 55B, Parcel 1 Location Located on the south side of Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Rt 250 W) approximately 1500 feet west of the intersection with Old Trail Drive. Zoned Highway Commercial (HC), Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner /Applicant Jeffries II LLC, Jeffrey Sprouse/ Jo Higgins Magisterial District Whitehall Proposal To construct a convenience store with associated fuel pump canopies. To construct an LED illuminated freestanding fuel sign, a gas pump canopy sign, a building entrance sign, and a wall sign in the north gable. The subject parcel is 4.06 acres in size and located south of Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Route 250 West), approximately Context 850 feet east of the intersection at Interstate 64. The entire site is grassy, and the front (north) half of the site is flat, while the rear (south) half slopes down to the adjoining parcels to the rear. An existing wooded area is located along the east edge of the parcel adjacent to Free Town Lane adjacent to the property line. To the north across Route 250 lie two single - family residences and the D and W Market and gas station, with two fuel pumps and a canopy. The parcel across Free Town Lane to the east is a developed site owned by the Yancey Lumber Corporation containing a one- story building and multiple trucks and storage containers. The adjoining parcel to the west contains a one -story building (Crozet Moose Lodge). Visibility The proposed building will be highly visible from the EC. The front fuel pump canopy also will be clearly visible from the EC, and the rear canopy is expected to be somewhat visible from the EC. The proposed wall signs, monument sign, entrance sign, and fuel pump canopy sign will be clearly visible from the EC. ARB Meeting Date March 21, 2011 Staff Contact Eryn Brennan Proiect History DATE APPLICATION / RESULT Compatibility with significant historic sites REVIEW TYPE January 13, 2011 ARB- 2011 -16 The applicant submitted a revised preliminary site development plan for ARB and site plan 9 Building forms and features, including review based on the Board of Supervisors' action that the building could not exceed 3,000 1. Revise the elevation drawings to square feet. On February 25, 2011, Zoning determined that the proposed first and second floor on the second floor is not an resolve the awkward appearance balconies constituted additional square footage that exceeded the 3,000 square foot maximum. textures should be compatible with the architectural element commonly found On February 7, 2011, the applicant submitted revised drawings showing the first floor balcony forms and features of the significant historic removed based on Zoning's determination. A site plan is currently under review. February 1, 2010 ARB- 2009 -102 The ARB reviewed a revised preliminary site development plan based on the ARB's work do exist, they are almost always located to eliminate the cupola. session comments. Again, comments were provided to the applicant for the benefit of their next not limited to) the buildings described in above a first story porch, which is not submission (Attachment A). May 18, 2009 ARB- 2008 -150 The ARB reviewed a preliminary site development plan for a convenience store and associated February 2, 2009 ARB- 2008 -151 fuel pump canopies on February 2, 2009. Comments were provided to the applicant for the of the balcony is also architecturally benefit of their next submission. The applicant then requested a work session and submitted a forms which may be embodied in counter - intuitive, as the balcony is not revised concept plan that was reviewed by the ARB on May 18, 2009. Comments were again architecture which is contemporary as well provided to the applicant for the benefit of their next submission. ANALYSIS REF I GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION Compatibility with significant historic sites Structure design 9 Building forms and features, including 1. The free - floating wraparound balcony 1. Revise the elevation drawings to roofs, windows, doors, materials, colors and on the second floor is not an resolve the awkward appearance textures should be compatible with the architectural element commonly found of the floating balcony. forms and features of the significant historic in the area. When balconies of this size 2. Revise the architectural elevations buildings in the area, exemplified by (but do exist, they are almost always located to eliminate the cupola. not limited to) the buildings described in above a first story porch, which is not Appendix B. The standard of compatibility proposed here. The free - floating nature can be met through scale, materials, and of the balcony is also architecturally forms which may be embodied in counter - intuitive, as the balcony is not architecture which is contemporary as well grounded by any columns, piers, or as traditional. The replication of important piloti. This condition presents an historic sites in Albemarle County is not the awkward appearance on this building REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION objective of these guidelines. and is not compatible with other buildings in the area. 2. The cupola is an architectural element that is generally reserved for religious or civic buildings in the area. The cupola also extends 8' -4" above the roof, thereby unnecessarily increasing the height and scale of the building. The applicant has indicated that the 10 Buildings should relate to their site and the surrounding context of buildings. cupola is decorative and serves no functional purpose. 12 Architecture proposed within the Entrance 1. The 8/1, 12/1, and 16/1 windows 1. Revise 8/1 and 12/1 windows to Corridor should use forms, shapes, scale, located on the north and east elevations correspond to standard local and materials to create a cohesive whole. are extremely uncommon both in windows types for either historic and contemporary architecture residential or commercial in the area and they appear exaggerated structures. Revise the 16/1 and overscaled. The 16/1 windows also windows to either be large appear to combine the large storefront storefront windows or a series of window type with the small -pane smaller, more residential type residential window type, which windows, such as 6/1 or 4/1. presents an uncoordinated appearance. 2. Coordinate the window and door 2. The window and door openings on the openings on the first and second first and second floors of the east floors of the east elevation. elevation do not correspond to one 3. Remove the faux window another, which presents an awkward, openings on the east and west unbalanced, and uncoordinated elevations with the transom and appearance. shingle sheathing infill. 3. The faux window openings on the east Incorporate an alternate design and west elevations with the transom treatment to eliminate any and shingle sheathing infill present a appearance of blankness along the false appearance and are not walls. appropriate in the EC. 4. Simplify, coordinate, and reduce 4. The use of such a wide array of the number of materials used for materials (including a stone base, the building elevations. Limit the vertical siding on the first floor, faux material palette to those REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION shingles on the second floor and in the commonly used for similar gable, and a standing seam metal roof) structures in the area. results in a design that lacks unity and 5. Submit a material/color sample for cohesion. In addition, shingles are not a the proposed retractable awning. common sheathing material for building walls in the area, and faux shingles, especially the substantial amount proposed, would not be appropriate for a building this close to the EC. Vertical siding is also not a common material used for commercial buildings in the area. Please note that the hardiplank siding and brick proposed in the February 2009 application were deemed appropriate. 5. The elevation drawings show a retractable awning under the free - floating balcony, but a material sample has not been submitted. Accessory structures and equipment 17 The following should be screened to The dumpster pad and equipment court Include the following note on the site eliminate visibility from the Entrance area located behind the building is plan: "Dumpsters and equipment Corridor street: enclosed by a 6' high fence. However, no located in the dumpster and a. Loading areas, note has been included on the site plan equipment court area shall not exceed b. Service areas, regarding the height of the dumpsters or 5' in height." c. Refuse areas, equipment. d. Storage areas, e. Mechanical equipment, f. Above - ground utilities, and g. Chain link fence, barbed wire, razor wire, and similar security fencing devices. REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION 18 Screening devices should be compatible Only the western portion of the fence Revise the landscape plan to show with the design of the buildings and closest to the dumpster pad and equipment plantings along the western portion of surrounding natural vegetation and may area is expected to be visible from the EC. the fence closest to the dumpster pad consist of: The proposed color and material of the and equipment area. a. Walls, fence are appropriate; however, given the b. Plantings, and rural character of the area, plantings c. Fencing. distributed in a natural, random pattern along this portion of the fence should be 31b b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, buildings, and other structures; used in conjunction with the fencing to dumpsters, accessory buildings and help screen the area and integrate it into the structures; "drive thru" windows; service site. areas; and signs. Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height. Lighting General Guidelines 23 Dark brown, dark bronze, or black are The color and finish of the proposed light Indicate in the luminaire schedule the appropriate colors for free - standing pole fixtures and poles has not been included in color and finish of all light fixtures mounted light fixtures in the Entrance the luminaire schedule. and light poles for the proposed Corridors. development. Dark brown, dark bronze, or black are appropriate colors for light fixtures in the EC. Landscaping 7 The requirements of the Guidelines I. The linear row of Scotch pine trees 1. Revise the planting scheme along regarding landscaping are intended to along the western parcel boundary is the western parcel boundary to reflect the landscaping characteristic of not coordinated with the staggered, present a more natural appearance many of the area's significant historic sites more natural planting scheme along the similar to the planting scheme which is characterized by large shade trees EC or with the rural character of the along the EC. Incorporate and lawns. Landscaping should promote area. irregular spacing and diverse plant visual order within the Entrance Corridor 2. The straight rows of Abelia shrubs species, including flowering and help to integrate buildings into the proposed along the north portion of the ornamentals. existing environment of the corridor. parking area closest to the EC, the 2. Revise the rows of Abelia shrubs northwest corner of the parcel, the along the north portion of the eastern portion of the development, and parking area closest to the EC, the flanking the entrance drive are not northwest corner of the parcel, the coordinated and integrated with other eastern portion of the REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION plantings proposed in these areas and development, and flanking the do not present a natural appearance. In entrance drive, to coordinate and addition, using only Abelia for the integrate more with adjacent shrub selection for the landscape plantings and to present a less design is indicative of a monoculture, linear, more natural appearance which can result in a monotonous appropriate for the Rural Areas. appearance. The over -use of any one Also utilize a diverse planting species in a development can lead to a scheme. single disease having a major impact 3. Coordinate the landscape plan and on the landscape. plant schedule regarding the 3. The number of Abelia shrubs shown on number of Abelia shrubs proposed the landscape plan is not coordinated on the site. with the number provided in the Plant Schedule. Fuel Pump Canopies 42 Fuel pump canopies may be required to The rear fuel pump canopy is expected to Provide site sections to clarify the provide customers with protection from the be somewhat visible from the EC. A site extent of visibility of the rear fuel elements and to provide lighting levels section should be submitted to better canopy from the EC. Submit a required for dispensing fuel. Such fuel clarify the degree of visibility. The detailed elevation drawing showing pump canopies are functional elements of drawings should also clearly indicate the proposed materials, color, and present -day gas /convenience stores and design of the rear canopy. signage. Add a note to confirm that their character and appearance shall reflect a the fascia will not be illuminated. minimalist design consistent with that function. 43 Fuel pump canopies shall be the smallest The triple island canopy size exceeds the None. size possible to offer protection from the 66' maximum length stated in the elements. Canopies shall not exceed the guidelines, but the particular island layout sizes identified in Standards for Fuel Pump proposed for this application is not Canopies as outlined in Appendix C. addressed in the guidelines. The canopy is located 160' from the EC, and its short end is oriented towards the EC. These factors, combined with its minimalist design, sufficiently mitigate the canopy's visual impact from the EC. 47 Canopy related elements, including fuel No information regarding the fuel Submit drawings/images of the REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION Location dispensers, support columns, spandrels, dispensers has been submitted for review. proposed fuel pumps for review. Cabinet planters, etc. shall be compatible with the Base 9'-4" (V) x 3'-0" (H) x 2'-0" (D) Text character of the building and site and shall Colors Background not be used for advertising. Text Yellow Pantone 1205C DETAILS OF RE- STORE'N STATION SIGN PROPOSALS Please note the wall sign proposed in the gable of the north elevation does not meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance as it exceeds the 30' maximum height allowed for signs on a building in areas zoned Highway Commercial (HC); therefore, this sign is not allowed. FREESTANDING SIGN Type Monument sign composed of a cabinet on a masonry base Materials Cabinet: Lexan and aluminum; Base: Brick is illustrated but note indicates ledgestone to match building Location On the west side of the entrance into the site from Route 250 Overall Sign Size 7' -0" total sign height Cabinet 8' -0" (V) x 4' -0" (H) x F -0" (D) Base 9'-4" (V) x 3'-0" (H) x 2'-0" (D) Text "Re- Store'N Station "; "Diesel "; "Regular" Colors Background Yellow Pantone 1205C, Green Pantone 377C Text Yellow Pantone 1205C Graphic Brown Pantone 126C, Yellow Pantone 1205C, Green Pantone 377C, Dark Green Pantone 350C Graphic Farmhouse, silo, and field inside text Illumination Internally lit with fluorescent tubes; LED units for gas price panels, all backgrounds opaque; daytime intensity limited to 70% of maximum intensity; Nighttime intensity limited to 16% of maximum intensity with automatic dimming at dusk. ANALYSIS REF I CHECKLIST ITEM NOTES RECOMMENDATION MATERIALS 8.b It is preferred that the base material Brick is shown as the base material in the Revise the monument sign drawing to match one of the primary building drawing, but the note states the material show the ledgestone for the base materials will be ledgestone to match the building. material. Given that brick is not used for the building, it would not be an appropriate material for the base. The ledgestone material would be appropriate. COLORS 4.e Colors must be harmonious with each The colors proposed for all the signs are: None. other. Yellow Pantone 1205C, Green Pantone 377C, Brown Pantone 126C, Dark Green Pantone 350C. The proposed freestanding monument sign has an additional two colors: black and white. Although more Use of three colors or less than three colors are proposed, the four colors for all the signs present a Black and white are colors. coordinated palette appropriate for the EC. The additional black and white colors proposed for the freestanding monument sign are also appropriate with the proposed Additional colors may be approved if they contribute to a balanced/unified sign color palette. design. LANDSCAPING 8.d Use ground cover, shrubs and/or trees to Ground cover is shown around the sign on Revise the landscape plan to show the integrate freestanding signs into the the landscape plan but is not identified on type of ground cover proposed around overall site landscape. the plan or in the Plant Schedule. the monument sign and revise the plant schedule accordingly. 8.e.iv Cabinet signs shall be constructed such The aluminum cabinet frame ensures that Indicate on the monument sign that no light spills outward from the top, no light would spill outward from the sign; drawing the color of the aluminum bottom, sides or back. however, the sign drawing does not cabinet frame. indicate the color of the frame. WALL SIGNS Type Rectangular panel Materials MDO board, acrylic Location Applicant has indicated that the sign would be located above the entrance door on the north elevation. Sign Size 8'-0" (V) x F-6" (H) Letter Height 5.881" — 7.114" (H) Text "Re- Store'N Station" Colors measurements, showing the exact Background Yellow Pantone 1205C, Brown Pantone 126C, Green Pantone 377C Text Dark Green Pantone 350C Illumination None ANALYSIS REF I CHECKLIST ITEM NOTES RECOMMENDATION SIZE, SCALE, PROPORTION, AND LOCATION 9.d The wall sign's size must coordinate with the • It is unclear from the elevation • Submit a detail of the north architectural element's size. drawing whether the sign would be elevation, including hung from the balcony or affixed measurements, showing the exact The sign should not over -crowd the to the wall. The applicant has location and mounting method for architectural element, the wall, or the sign indicated that the sign would be the sign above the entrance to area. affixed to the wall. ensure the proposed location of • Three signs are shown on the the sign meets the EC Sign second floor of the east elevation, Guidelines. Buildings and building elements should not be used as billboards. but no information regarding the • Submit sign drawings with signs has been submitted. detailed information for the three signs proposed on the second floor of the east elevation. 9.a Wall signs must integrate with the building's architecture. The sign placement should not obscure architectural features or details, (such as cornices, windows, columns, pilasters and paneling). FUEL PUMP CANOPY SIGN Type Channel letter Materials Aluminum, Lexan Location Centered vertically in the western corner of the north fascia of the fuel pump canopy, approximately 12" from the corner of the canopy Sign Size 11.993" (H) x 3'- 4.85" (W) x 5" (D) Text "FUEL" Colors Letters Dark Green PMS 350C Trimcap & Returns Dark Green PMS 350C Illumination Internal Neon ANALYSIS The fuel pump canopy sign meets the EC Sign Guidelines. Staff recommends approval as submitted. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. The type and distribution of window and door openings on the north, east, and west elevations. 2. The material palette for the building. 3. The landscaping along the western boundary of the parcel. Staff offers the following comments on the preliminary review of the site development plan: 1. Revise the elevation drawings to resolve the awkward appearance of the floating balcony. 2. Revise the architectural elevations to eliminate the cupola. 3. Revise 8/1 and 12/1 windows to correspond to standard local windows types for either residential or commercial structures. Revise the 16/1 windows to either be large storefront windows or a series of smaller, more residential type windows, such as 6/1 or 4/1. 4. Coordinate the window and door openings on the first and second floors of the east elevation. Hut 5. Remove the faux window openings on the east and west elevations with the transom and shingle sheathing infill. Incorporate an alternate design treatment to eliminate any appearance of blankness along the walls. 6. Simplify, coordinate, and reduce the number of materials used for the building elevations. Limit the material palette to those commonly used for similar structures in the area. 7. Submit a material/color sample for the proposed retractable awning. 8. Include the following note on the site plan: "Dumpsters and equipment located in the dumpster and equipment court area shall not exceed 5' in height." 9. Revise the landscape plan to show plantings along the western portion of the fence closest to the dumpster pad and equipment area. 10. Indicate in the luminaire schedule the color and finish of all light fixtures and light poles for the proposed development. Dark brown, dark bronze, or black are appropriate colors for light fixtures in the EC. 11. Revise the planting scheme along the western parcel boundary to present a more natural appearance similar to the planting scheme along the EC. Incorporate irregular spacing and diverse plant species, including flowering ornamentals. 12. Revise the rows of Abelia shrubs along the north portion of the parking area closest to the EC, the northwest corner of the parcel, the eastern portion of the development, and flanking the entrance drive, to coordinate and integrate more with adjacent plantings and to present a less linear, more natural appearance appropriate for the Rural Areas. Also utilize a diverse planting scheme. 13. Coordinate the landscape plan and plant schedule regarding the number of Abelia shrubs proposed on the site. 14. Provide site sections to clarify the extent of visibility of the rear fuel canopy from the EC. Submit a detailed elevation drawing showing proposed materials, color, and signage. Add a note to confirm that the fascia will not be illuminated. 15. Submit drawings /images of the proposed fuel pumps for review. SIGNS 16. Revise the monument sign drawing to show the ledgestone for the base material. 17. Revise the landscape plan to show the type of ground cover proposed around the monument sign and revise the plant schedule accordingly. 18. Indicate on the monument sign drawing the color of the aluminum cabinet frame. 19. Submit a detail of the north elevation, including measurements, showing the exact location and mounting method for the sign above the entrance to ensure the proposed location of the sign meets the EC Sign Guidelines. 20. Submit sign drawings with detailed information for the three signs proposed on the second floor of the east elevation. 11 APPENDIX A This report is based on the following submittal items: Sheet # Drawing Name Drawing Date/Revision Date Elevation Drawings 3/3/2011 Sign Drawings Submitted 2/7/2011 Site Plan 12/13/10 Material Sample Board Submitted 2/712011 12