HomeMy WebLinkAboutZTA201500012 Staff Report 2015-11-04COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: ZTA 2015 -12 Phase 2 Route 29
Solutions Business Signage
SUBJECT /PROPOSAL /REQUEST: Public Hearing
to Address ZTA 2015 -12 Phase 2 Route 29
Solutions Business Signage
STAFF CONTACT(S):
Kamptner, McCulley, Wright and MacCall
AGENDA DATE: October 6, 2015
ACTION: X INFORMATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
ACTION: INFORMATION:
ATTACHMENTS: Yes
BACKGROUND:
On May 6, 2015, the Board adopted ZTA 2015 -04 to implement Phase 1 Route 29 Business Signage. This ordinance
amendment allowed those businesses who would lose their permanent signs to extend the time period for temporary
signs from 60 days to the length of the Rio -29 grade- separated interchange (GSI) project.
From June to August 2015, County staff reached out to businesses within the corridor to discuss their signage needs.
This extensive business engagement process involved multiple forums: email /letter, sign survey, four drop -in times at
local businesses, 1 focus group, canvassing drops -ins and an open house. (Attachment C outlines those efforts and a
summary of the input received). A majority of participating businesses supported extending the 60 -day temporary sign
allowance to enhance visibility and allow for additional marketing opportunities prior to and during the construction
project. Many supported the reduction or elimination of the $25 temporary sign fees during the project. They also
supported the idea of incentives to encourage multiple businesses on one property to aggregate their temporary
signage. On September 9'h, the Board adopted the resolution of intent for Phase 2 Route 29 Solutions Business
Signage (Attachment B). The Board has asked staff to expedite this amendment to allow businesses to utilize the
temporary signage provisions as soon as possible, since construction is underway.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed ordinance (Attachment A) provides additional temporary signage for each parcel within a VDOT
construction project under the following criteria:
During the construction project (on or after notice to proceed and prior to construction completion);
Not more than one (1) sign per lot;
The lot has an existing primary use or structure for a pending primary use is under construction;
The lot abuts a primary arterial or other public street within a project that involves the primary arterial; and
The lot is zoned commercial or industrial.
While staff and the Board have determined that the Rio -29 GSI project is unique in many respects, the proposed
ordinance is not specific to this project and would apply to other projects meeting the criteria. The criteria are
consistent with those utilized by the Business Assistance Program in the Tier 2 designation. We intend to utilize this
project as a pilot and will assess if any provisions need revision.
To reduce the proliferation of signs in the construction zone and to encourage businesses to work together for
creative solutions, the proposed ordinance allows one temporary sign per lot. To encourage consolidation while
recognizing the need for larger signs to effectively list multiple businesses, staff recommends an increase from 32 to
48 square feet for those signs which serve four (4) or more businesses.
Staff supports the business community's request to reduce the fee associated with these permits. This fee amendment
is being addressed with the general zoning fee schedule increase (ZTA 2015 -011). This was discussed with the fee
public hearing with the Commission held on September 22nd
Page 2
ZTA 2015 -12 Phase 2 Route 29 Solutions Business Signage
October 6, 2015 Planning Commission Public Hearing
Administration / Review Process:
Although this ordinance amendment will generate additional temporary sign applications, it is not anticipated that it will
significantly impact sign permit review times over the long term. Because temporary signs are not reviewed by the
ARB, their review process will not be affected.
Housing Affordability:
There is no anticipated impact on housing affordability.
Implications to Staffing / Staffing Costs:
There is no anticipated need for additional staffing as a result of the ordinance amendment.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that following the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopt the
attached Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A:
Attachment B:
Attachment C:
Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Resolution of Intent
Business Outreach Findi