ARB202200097 Staff Report 2022-12-28ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT
Project #/Name
ARB-2022-97: The Trading Post BP Canopy Reface and Freestanding Sign
Review Type
Certificate of Appropriateness for Canopy Reface and Freestanding Sign
Parcel Identification
087BO-00-00-00400
Location
3017 Monacan Trail Road at the southwest comer of the intersection with Taylors Gap Road (Fig. 1)
Zoned
Rural Areas (RA) / Entrance Corridor (EC)
Owner/Applicant
North Garden LLC/TVS Food Mart Inc. (Sunil Kapoor) / Interstate Sign Company (Brittney Garren/David Slate)
Magisterial District
Samuel Miller
Proposal
To reface the existing fuel pump canopy with a 3-D fascia band, to add 3 canopy signs (`Helios' graphics/logos) (Fig. 2), and to install a pylon sign (Fig. 3).
Context
The character of this portion of the Entrance Corridor is largely Waal and residential.
Visibility
The north, east, and west sides of the canopy are visible from the EC (Rt. 29).
ARB Meeting Date
January 3, 2023
Staff Contact
Khris Taggart
PROJECT HISTORY RELATED TO THE FUEL PUMP CANOPY
In 1990, a Certificate of Appropriateness was issued to construct a fuel pump canopy at this site with approval of signage on the canopy restricted to the name of the company providing gas service (originally
Amoco) in letters not to exceed 2' in height. In 2004, the ARB approved a refacing of the canopy to its current appearance, a black fascia with a white vinyl border along the top and bottom edges, "Trading Post"
letters on the side facing Rt. 29, and "Xpressway" letters on the side facing Taylors Gap Road. There are six BP fuel stations within the County that have different canopy designs, building designs, and signage.
Consistency with EC Guidelines has been achieved by limiting canopy colors and landscaping and limited illumination in the freestanding sign design.
Figure 1: County GIS image showing property along the Entrance Corridor.
Front Elevation
[A]
5"
26"
5"
i —40'�
■ C1
Back Elevation
Right Elevation
40'
1 C2
■
PIAS 348 C
PMS 348 GREEN
BP RETAIL GREEN (PRICER)
SATIN FINISH
PMS 355 C
■
BP RETAIL GREEN (HELLOS)
NA
FIVES 368 C
■
BP LIGHT GREEN (HELIOS)
NA
PMS 109 C
BP YELLOW (HELIOS)
NA
❑
BP WHITE
WHITE SATIN FINISH
■
PMS 661C
NA
INVIGORATE BLUE
PMS PROCESS BLUE
■
INVIGORATE LIGHT BLUE
NA
Figure 2: Drawings from ARB2022-97: Trading Post BP Canopy Reface and Monument Sign Application.
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a mm toe?
■
PMS 348 C
PMS 348 GREEN
BP RETAIL GREEN (PRICER)
SATIN FINISH
PMS 355 C
■
BP RETAIL GREEN (HELIOS)
NA
PMS 368 C
■
BP LIGHT GREEN (HELIOS)
NA
❑
PMS 109 C
NA
BP YELLOW (HELIOS)
❑
BP WHITE
WHITE SATIN FINISH
■
PMS 661 C
NA
INVIGORATE BLUE
PMS PROCESS BLUE
■
INVIGORATE LIGHT BLUE
NA
Figure 3: Drawings from ARB2022-97: Trading Post BP Canopy Reface and Freestanding Sign Application.
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ANALYSIS
REF
GUIDELINES
ISSUE
RECOMMENDATION
Fuel Pump Canopies
45a
Fuel pump canopies may be required to provide customers with protection
The changes to the fascia include a 2-color, 3-dimensional band and a 4-color
Revise the proposal to limit the
from the elements and to provide lighting levels required for dispensing
`Helios' graphic on the north (front), east (left), and west (right) sides of the canopy
band on the fascia to a single
fuel. Such fuel pump canopies are functional elements of present-day
(Fig. 2, Fig. 4), and a flat ACM band on the south (back) side of the canopy (Fig. 2).
color and remove the
gas/convenience stores and their character and appearance shall reflect a
The background of the canopy, white, is expected to have an appropriate appearance.
dimensional band design.
minimalist design consistent with that function.
However, the multicolor 3-D band does not meet the "one principal color" guideline
and the dimensional design of the band and color variety do not establish a
45h
Canopy fascias shall be limited to the use of one principal color, with ARB
review.
minimalist design. The shift to white, green and yellow colors will emphasize the
canopy and its components on site, and differentiate the canopy from the store
building. In other reviews of BP fuel pump canopies in the County, the multicolored
band has not been considered appropriate and the canopy face color has been limited
to a sin le color or a principal color and an accent color with `Helios' a hics/logos.
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BP fuel um cano , 6115 Rockfish Ga Turn ike.
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BP fuel pump canopy, 241 Rolkin Road.
45f
Canopy related elements, including fuel dispensers, support columns,
The sign drawings show changes to the fuel dispensers and canopy support columns
Revise the support columns to a
spandrels, planters, etc. shall be compatible with the character of the
that include branding colors and graphics. These designs do not complement the
color that is more compatible
building and site and shall not be used for advertising.
character of the building and function as advertising. Revising the support columns
with the existing building.
to be more compatible with the character of the existing building could reduce the
overall impact of the trademark colors.
General Sign Guidelines
1
Create a consistent and unified design approach along the Entrance
The character of this portion of the Entrance Corridor is largely rural and residential
See recommendations below.
Corridors. The placement, size, illumination and colors of signs can
with intermittent commercial parcels. The designs of the proposed canopy refacing
create unity along the corridor, or they can create a disjointed, visually
and monument sign are ones that establish brand identity, but they are not reserved
competitive environment. Consistent and unified sign design allows the
and do not relate to the existing building or the rural surroundings. Revisions to the
businesses located along the Corridor to have equal standing in visibility.
canopy refacing and freestanding sign that simplify the designs could help better
It also provides a pattern of sign placement that makes the business
integrate them with the existing building and the surrounding context.
locations and entrances more easily recognizable to both vehicular and
pedestrian traffic.
2
Establish simplicity and reserve as preferred characteristics for sign
design in these areas. This reflects the historic character of the area and
enhances the aesthetic qualities of the Corridor. To this end, the overall
design of a sign will be evaluated concurrently with that of the building on
which it will be installed. The design of a building's walls, window
locations, parapets and other architectural features will influence the
Board's evaluation of appropriate signage. Likewise, a freestanding sign is
evaluated in the context of the overall development in which it will be
placed. Because each site is composed of a variety of elements that work
together to create a unique character and appearance, ARB review of each
sign proposal is guided by these sign guidelines within the context of the
specific site for which the proposal is made.
3
Encourage creative design. The County encourages imaginative and
innovative signs consistent with the purposes expressed above and in
conformance with the regulations of the Albemarle County Code.
4, 9, 11
Signs
4e
Color: Colors must be harmonious with each other. Colors must not clash
The proposed sign drawings show a logo/graphic on each of the north, east, and west
See recommendations in the
with other elements on the site, both when viewed in daylight and at night,
sides of the canopy. Four colors are shown for the `Helios' graphic: white, two
canopy design (45a, 45h)
whether the signs are externally or internally lit. Overly intense color, such
shades of green, and yellow. This exceeds the guidelines recommendation. In other
guidelines above and lighting
as but not limited to dayglo or fluorescent colors, are prohibited.
BP approvals within the County, however, the four colors have been allowed when
guidelines (5) below.
The use of three colors or fewer is more appropriate for signs in the
the fascia color has been limited to a single color or a principal color with an accent
Entrance Corridor. Black and white are counted as colors. Additional
color.
colors may be approved if they contribute to a balanced and unified sign
design.
For raceway -mounted channel letters, raceways shall match the wall color.
1 lb
The use of three colors or less is more appropriate for canopy signs in the
Entrance Corridors. Black and white are counted as colors.
4f
Trademarks, corporate logos and graphics: The ARB may require that
the color and scale of standard templates for trademarks, service marks,
corporate logos and graphics be modified. When used, trademarks, service
marks, corporate logos and/or graphics should be incorporated as an
integral part of the overall sign.
9d
The size of a wall sign shall be coordinated with the size of the
A complete sign package has been submitted for review. The proposed `Helios'
Revise the height of the `Helios'
architectural element on which it is placed. The sign should not overcrowd
graphics are the same height (36") as the fascia. This height will not allow for any
signs for the canopy to not
the architectural element, the wall, or the sign area. Buildings and building
clear space above and below the graphics. Revising the graphics to the 30" `Helios'
exceed 30".
elements should not be used as a billboard. For example, an appropriate
option shown in the checklist on page 1 of the sign drawings would allow for
height for channel letters in a 30" high sign band is 18". This allows 6"
appropriate clear space above and below the graphics.
of unoccupied space above and below the letters. Generally, 4" of clear
space above, below, and to the sides of a channel letter sign is considered a
minimum, with larger clearances required for larger sign bands. The ARB
will consider the degree of visibility, the distance from the Entrance
Corridor, and the architectural design of the building and the sign area in
its determination of appropriate sizes and placement.
5, 8e, 9e
General Lighting, Wall Sin Lighting, and Freestanding Sign Lighting
5
General Lighting: The purpose of ARB review is to ensure that new
Wall Sign: The canopy sign proposal shows internal illumination (face -lit) for the
See lighting recommendations
development in the Entrance Corridors is compatible with the historic
`Helios' graphic. However, the drawing does not indicate that the background is
for wall and freestanding signs
architecture of the County and to promote orderly and attractive
opaque. In an online search of similar graphics, the backgrounds appear to be
below.
development. There is no historical precedent for internally illuminated
illuminated. Revising the background to be opaque would be consistent with EC
signs. However, the ARB recognizes the need to identify businesses to
Guidelines and other BP approvals.
help the traveling public find their destination and exit the highway safely.
Freestanding Sign: The backgrounds of the `Helios' cabinet and most of the fuel
5a
When illumination is required, the preferred solution is to externally
illuminate the sign — in other words, to shine a light on the sign. External
price area on the pylon sign have been indicated as opaque. However, the blue and
illumination is preferred because it allows consistency with the daytime
green background behind `with Invigorate' does not have an opaque background.
image of the sign. External lighting appears to the viewer as reflected light
Revising this background to be opaque would be consistent with EC Guidelines and
and allows the focus of the sign to be the original overall shape, color and
other BP approvals.
complete design of the sign. Internal lighting produces a fragmented,
rather than unified, sign image at night compared to external lighting and
may project light that is distracting to the viewer. Similarly, exposed light
sources that form the body of a sign (such as, but not limited to, exposed
or bare neon) are not appropriate for the Entrance Corridors. They can
produce glare and, generally, do not achieve the subtle character and
compatibility that is the goal for the Entrance Corridors.
5b
Since external illumination does not fit every case, individual channel
letters — a type of internally illuminated sign that has less visual clutter
impact on the Entrance Corridors — may also be approved. Channel letters
are generally the preferred type of internally illuminated wall sign because
they project the total sign and are identifiable with the daytime image of
the sign. When channel letters cannot be adequately accommodated,
internally illuminated cabinet signs may be considered. If cabinet signs are
utilized, the backgrounds of such signs must be made opaque (zero light
transmission).
5c
External illumination is also preferred for approved graphics/logos;
internal illumination may be considered for approval on a case -by -case
basis. The Board will evaluate the specific design for size (adjusted in
proportion to the accompanying lettering), balance, complexity, and
distance from and relationship to the Entrance Corridor. These factors will
determine the extent of internal illumination that can be approved.
5d
These solutions are intended to reduce glare, visual clutter and distraction
along the streetscape, to provide for coordinated appearances along the
Entrance Corridors, to increase visual continuity, to achieve a balance of
business identification with order and continuity, and to limit negative
impacts along the County's Entrance Corridors.
5e
External Illumination: Lighting should be shielded and not create glare.
All external light sources shall be white.
Lighting should be aimed so as not to project illumination beyond the sign.
517
Internal Illumination: Any internal illumination is considered to contribute
to visual clutter and will be limited.
5g
All illumination shall be non -blinking.
There is no blinking illumination proposed.
None.
5h
Exposed Light Sources: An exposed light source that forms the body of a
The drawing for the pylon sign shows a light bar on either side of the sign. The
Eliminate the light bar on the
sign, such as but not limited to signs formed of exposed neon, as opposed
night-time view does not show these bars as illuminated but eliminating them from
sides of the pylon sign.
to a light shining on a sign, shall not be used in the Entrance Corridors.
the design would ensure consistency with EC Sign Guidelines.
8e, 9e
i. External illumination is preferred for wall and freestanding signs.
ii. Freestanding Sign External Illumination: Landscaping for monument
Wall Sian: Internal illumination (face -lit) is proposed. The `Helios' graphics on the
Revise the drawings to include a
and pole signs should be designed to shield ground -mounted lighting so
canopy appear to be constructed like a cabinet sign, but the drawings do not note
detail of the `Helios' canopy
that it is not visible from any adjacent property or right-of-way.
which portions of the sign are opaque. A detail of the `Helios' graphic would clarify
sign and notes to clarify that the
the areas of illumination.
sides, rear, and background of
Wall Sign External Illumination: Lighting directed toward a sign should be
the signs will be opaque.
designed and shielded so that it illuminates the face of the sign and does
Freestanding Sian: Internal illumination (face -lit) is proposed. Most of the
not shine beyond the edge of the sign.
background of the sign and fuel price areas on the freestanding sign have been
indicated as opaque. However, the note is not included with the daytime view of the
Revise the daytime pylon view
to note that only the white text
iii. Wall and Freestanding Sign Internal illumination: Channel letters with
translucent faces shall be constructed such that no light spills outward
sign, and the nighttime view shows that the blue and green area behind `with
and green LED prices shall be
from the top, bottom, sides or back. If back -lit (halo -lit), the faces and
Invigorate' is illuminated. Revising this background to be opaque would be
illuminated on the fuel price
returns of channel letters shall be opaque.
consistent with EC Guidelines.
cabinet.
iv. Wall and Freestanding Sign Internal illumination: Cabinet signs shall
have a non -illuminated background, or an opaque (zero light transmission)
Revise the daytime pylon view
background. Cabinet signs shall be constructed such that no light spills
to note that only the BP in the
outward from the top, bottom, sides or back. If outlines of letters are
upper right corner and the
proposed, the width of the outline must be in proportion to the width of the
`Helios' logo in the middle of
letter. An outline width of 1/8" has been found to be an appropriate
the sign shall be illuminated on
dimension for signs in the Entrance Corridors.
the sign cabinet.
8
FREESTANDING SIGNS
8a
Monument signs are preferred to pole -mounted signs because they are
A pylon -style sign is proposed near the northeast corner of the site in the right -of-
Consider revising the
often of a smaller scale and can be more fully integrated into the overall
way. The right-of-way will need to be acquired prior to the approval of the sign
freestanding sign to a
development. Pole signs may be considered for approval if existing site
permit.
monument -style sign with a
conditions rule out the ability to use a monument sign, and only when the
lower, horizontal profile.
pole is in proportion to the sign cabinet or panel.
This section of Rt. 29 is primarily rural in character with little commercial signage.
The pylon form of the proposed sign, the height, and the colored metal material are
Revise the base of the pylon sign
8b
Materials used in both the sign and support structures should be
complementary. They should also support the aesthetics of the building
expected to result in a sign that looks out of place in the surroundings. A monument-
to brick to coordinate with the
and /or complex being served by the sign, although a direct duplication is
style sign (with a lower, horizontal profile) and a darker base (brick to match the
building.
not necessary. It is preferred that the base material match one of the
building or a dark green to blend with landscaping) could help establish a more
primary building materials unless the design of the sign represents itself as
coordinated appearance.
a freestanding element complementing the building.
8c
The structure of a monument sign shall not overwhelm the sign. The
structure and the sign that it supports must be in proportion to each other.
8d
Landscaping: Use ground cover, shrubs and/or trees to integrate
No landscaping is proposed. A variety of plant types — ground cover, shrubs, etc., -
Revise the sign drawing to show
freestanding signs into the overall landscape development of the site. Refer
could help integrate the sign into the overall site and help establish a more orderly
landscaping to integrate the sign
to the Albemarle County Recommended Plants List, which is included in
and attractive appearance for the planting island where the sign is being located.
into the surrounding context.
the Albemarle County Architectural Review Board Design Guidelines and
is available on-line at www.albemarle.org.
10
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion:
1. Fuel pump canopy design: 3-D band, colors, illumination
2. Quantity of graphic colors
3. Freestanding sign: design and landscaping
Regarding the Fuel Pump Canopy Reface:
Staff recommends the following revisions:
1. Revise the proposal to limit the band on the fascia to a single color and remove the dimensional band design.
2. Revise the support columns to a color that is more compatible with the existing building.
3. Revise the height of the `Helios' signs for the canopy to not exceed 30".
4. Revise the drawings to include a detail of the `Helios' canopy sign and notes to clarify that the sides, rear, and background of the signs will be opaque.
Regarding the Freestanding Sign:
Staff recommends the following revisions:
1. Eliminate the light bar on the sides of the pylon sign.
2. Revise the daytime pylon view to note that only the white text and green LED prices shall be illuminated on the fuel price cabinet.
3. Revise the daytime pylon view to note that only the BP in the upper right comer and the `Helios' logo in the middle of the sign shall be illuminated on the sign cabinet.
4. Consider revising the freestanding sign to a monument -style sign with a lower, horizontal profile
5. Revise the base of the pylon sign to brick to coordinate with the building.
6. Revise the sign drawing to show landscaping to integrate the sign into the surrounding context.
11