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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201200109 Review Comments Miscellaneous Submittal 2012-08-24Brent Nelson From: Brent Nelson Sent: Friday, August 24, 2012 5:06 PM To: 'angel.pulver @synergysigns.com' Subject: ARB 12 -109, Title Max Title Loan Sign, Staff Comments Importance: High Angel, I have completed my review of the above -noted sign application. The following issues have been identified and would need to be adequately addressed for an administrative approval. Wall Sign ARB Review : The required Architectural Review Board (ARB) fee of $120 was not included with this application. Recommendation: Provide the ARB review fee as soon as possible. Sign Type: ARB Sign Guidelines state that channel letter wall signs are preferred because they overlay the wall material and allow the structure of the building to "read through" with less interruption. The proposed use of the blue backer panel and Title Loan cabinet sign type would not be reflective of that criteria. Recommendation: Revise the sign proposal by removing the sign backer panel and change the Title Loan cabinet sign type to a channel letter sign type. If a raceway is proposed, include a note indicating that both raceways are to be painted to match the wall to which they are attached. (Note: ARB Guidelines require that the background of cabinet signs be opaque when illuminated — with a note on the drawing indicating that requirement) Red Color: The proposed cabinet background color is red PMS 485C. The ARB has determined that PMS 485C is an inappropriate color for signs in the Entrance Corridor. Red 187C has been approved as an acceptable substitute. Letter Size /Overcrowding: The height of the sign band (distance from bottom of window to top of roof overhang below) was not labeled on the sign drawing. ARB Sign Guidelines state that signs shall coordinate with the architecture and not overcrowd the sign area. The sign text appears to overcrowd the sign band with its height; however, this cannot be determined for sure until the height of the sign band is provided. Recommendation: Revise the sign drawing by labeling the height of the sign band. Reducing the sign height may be required if it is determined that the sign height overcrowds the sign band. Sign Zoning Ordinance: Signs may not exceed the size, height and setback requirements as outlined in Section 4.15 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance. Stewart Wright, Zoning Permit Planner (434- 296 -5832, x 3024 or swright2galbemarle.org ) has determined that the wall sign, as proposed, exceeds the max. sf permitted. Recommendation: Revise the sign size, as requested by the Zoning Permit Planner. Miscellaneous: Text dimensions: revise the drawing to include the total length of each row of text. Freestanding Sign Sign Type: ARB Sign Guidelines state that monument signs are preferred to pole- mounted signs because they are often of a smaller scale and can be more fully integrated into the overall development. Pole signs may be considered for approval if existing site conditions rule out the ability to use a monument sign, and only when the pole is in proportion to the sign cabinet or panel. The proposed use of the pole -mount sign type is not reflective of this criteria since the existing conditions will accommodate a monument sign type. The guidelines also state that materials used in both the sign and support structures should be complementary. They should also support the aesthetics of the building and /or complex being served by the sign, although a direct duplication is not necessary. It is preferred that the base material match one of the primary building materials unless the design of the sign represents itself as a freestanding element complementing the building. The proposed metal base of the pole -mount sign is not reflective of this requirement. Recommendation: Revise the sign proposal by replacing the pole -mount sign type with a monument style sign type with a base material matching one of the primary building materials. Materials /Colors/Red Color: The proposed materials and Pantone color numbers for the sign are not indicated on the sign drawing. As previously noted, Red PMS 485C cannot be approved. The proposed palette of colors for other tenant panels are not indicated on the sign drawing. ARB Sign Guidelines recommend limiting sign colors to 3 unless additional colors can contribute to a unified & balanced sign design. Recommendation: Revise the sign drawing to indicate proposed materials and colors. Red PMS 485C cannot be approved. Indicate the proposed palette of colors for the other tenant panels. Landscaping: ARB Sign Guidelines indicate the need for ground cover, shrubs and /or trees to integrate freestanding signs into the overall landscape. This issue was not addressed in this application Recommendation: Revise the proposal to include a landscape plan for the freestanding sign with ground cover, shrubs and/or trees integrating the sign into the overall landscape. Sign Zoning Ordinance: Signs may not exceed the size, height and setback requirements as outlined in Section 4.15 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance. Stewart Wright, Zoning Permit Planner (434- 296 -5832, x 3024 or swright2(cr,albemarle.org ) has indicated that a survey or plat is required to determine that the sign meets required setbacks. Recommendation: Provide the necessary survey or plat required by the Zoning Permit Planner. Lighting: The proposed method of lighting, including bulb type and wattage, was not indicated on the sign drawing. External illumination is preferred. Ground mounted lighting should be shielded by landscaping so that it is not visible from any adjacent property or right -of -way. Recommendation: Revise the sign drawings to include the proposed method of illumination, including bulb type and wattage, that is proposed. Sign Panel /Opaque Background: ARB Sign Guidelines state that cabinet signs shall have a non - illuminated background, or an opaque (zero light transmission) background if internally illuminated. Recommendation: Should internal illumination be proposed, revise the sign drawing to include the following note: All tenant panels shall have an opaque background, only the text shall illuminated. Miscellaneous: • Materials: revise the sign drawing to list all proposed materials for the revised sign type. • Colors: revise the sign drawing to list the Pantone numbers for all proposed sign colors. • Dimensions: revise the sign drawing by labeling the dimensions (length, height) for the tenant panels and each row of text. Please let me know by Friday, August 3151, sooner if possible, as to whether or not you intend to revise the proposal for an administrative approval. You are welcome to contact me should you have any questions. Brent Brent W. Nelson Planner Planning Services Department of Community Development County of Albemarle 401 McIntire Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22902 434 - 296 -5832 x3438