10SN0274CASE MANAGER: Robert Clay
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STAFF' S
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDATION
l OSN0274
The Chester Company LLC
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November 17, 2010 B S
Bermuda Magisterial District
East line of Iron Bridge Road, North of Landfill Drive
RE VEST: Conditional use to permit acomputer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign.
PROPOSED LAND USE:
A computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign, incorporated into a
freestanding identification sign for a convenience store and car wash is proposed.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND DENIAL.
AYES: MESSRS. BROWN, HASSEN, BASS AND WALLER.
ABSENT: MR. GULLEY.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommend denial for the following reasons:
A. The proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign does not
conform to the adopted Electronic Message Center Policy for such signs relative
to spacing between signs; lines of copy; display color limitation; and timing of
message changes.
B. The requested exceptions to the Policy could set a precedent for similar requests.
(NOTE: CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED OR THE PROPERTY OWNER(S) MAY
PROFFER CONDITIONS.)
Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service
PROFFERED CONDITION
In addition to Ordinance requirements, any computer-controlled, variable message,
electronic sign shall conform to the following standards:
a. Copy shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) lines which shall not move,
but may fade;
b. The message or display shall be programmed or sequenced to change no
more than once every six (6) seconds;
c. The copy display color shall be in full color;
d. Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited; and
e. Bij ou lighting and animations effects shall be prohibited. (P)
GENERAL INFORMATION
T ,n~ati nn
The request property fronts the east line of Iron Bridge Road, north of Landfill Drive. Tax
IDs 774-657-2272 and 4874.
Existing Zoning:
C-3
Size:
4 acres
Existing Land Use:
Commercial
Adjacent Zoning and Land Use:
North - A and C-3; Vacant
South - C-2 with conditional use planned development: Commercial
East - C-3; Vacant
West - A and I-1 with conditional use planned development; single-family residential or
vacant
T TTTT TTTFC
while installation of the proposed sign will not impact the required use of the public water
system, the applicant is cautioned that the proposed sign must not be placed so as to conflict with
the existing public utility lines, or their easements, on this site.
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ENVIRONMENTAL
This request will have no impact on these facilities.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Fire Service:
The Chester Fire Station, Company Number 1, currently provides fire protection and
Emergency Medical Service (EMS). This request will have a minimal impact on Fire and
EMS.
County Department of Transportation:
This request will have no impact on these facilities.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT):
Electronic outdoor advertising signs located adjacent to Principal highways, such as State
Route 10, are subject to a VDOT permitting process. A design will be required to be
submitted through the VDOT Richmond District, Central Region Permit Office, to be routed
to the Richmond District Roadside Development Office for review and evaluation. The plan
is to show the location of the sign relative to the right of way (and outside the appropriate
clear zone) and operational details, as deemed necessary, for evaluation of the signage.
Approval of signage is not necessarily assured.
T,ANn TIFF.
Comprehensive Plan:
The subject property is located within the boundaries of the Central Area Plan which
suggests the property is appropriate for community mixed use, including shopping
centers and other commercial and office uses.
Area Development Trends:
This portion of the Iron Bridge Road corridor is characterized by a mix of commercial uses
and agricultural properties which are vacant. A church use is located to the northwest of the
subject property. This pattern of uses is expected to continue along this portion of the
corridor, as suggested by the Plan.
Zonin Hg istory:
On September 25, 1996 the Board of Supervisors, upon a favorable recommendation
from the Planning Commission, approved C-3 zoning on the request property, adjacent
property to the east, and on a portion of the adjacent property to the north (Case
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96SN0281). With the approval of Case 96SN0281 signage for the proposed development
was controlled by the Ordinance.
On April 23, 1997 the Board of Supervisors, upon a favorable recommendation from the
Planning Commission, approved an amendment to Case 96SN0281 concerning the
orientation of bay doors associated with a motor vehicle repair business (Case
97SN0194). This amendment did not modify sign standards.
Sins:
The applicant plans to incorporate acomputer-controlled, variable message electronic sign
into an existing freestanding sign. The proposed sign would comply with the size and height
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance which currently permit a freestanding sign 62.5
square feet in area (including changeable copy) at a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet.
The proposal would not comply with the adopted electronic message center policy relative
to spacing between signs, lines of copy, display color, or timing of message changes.
(Proffered Condition)
The Policy suggests that electronic message centers should be spaced at least 2,000 feet
apart. An existing business (Iron Bridge Sports Park) closer than 2,000 feet to the subject
property has an electronic message center which was granted approval in August of 2006.
The Policy also limits lines of copy to two (2); display colors to white or yellow; and timing
of message changes to ten (10) second intervals. The applicant is proposing three (3) lines of
copy; no limitations on color; and message changes at six (6) second intervals.
CONCLUSION
The proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign does not conform to the
adopted Electronic Message Center Policy for such signs relative to spacing between signs; lines
of copy; display color limitation; and timing of message changes. The requested exceptions to
the Policy could set a precedent for similar requests.
Given these considerations, denial of this request is recommended.
CASE HISTORY
Planning Commission Meeting (10/ 19/ 10)
The applicant did not accept the recommendation.
Mr. Bass stated that he had asked the Chairman to send a memo to the Board requesting
that the Electronic Message Center (EMC) policy be re-visited; that the public must
address the issue with the Board; Code Enforcement must make the EMCs conform; and
that EMCs need to be done professionally.
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There was opposition present expressing concerns relative to enforcement issues; the
presence of an off site sign on the property; plans presented to the Commission not
shown to public; too much signage; does not meet the policy; detriment to the area;
Commission and Board are too fair to business community; and businesses need to learn
to be community friendly.
Dr. Brown clarified that the Commission works with area residents and the business
community before zoning cases come to public hearings, so that the best case can come
forward.
Mr. Hassen stated that he was in favor of EMCs but the problem is that the case deviated
from the policy, which creates a problem; until such time as the Board modifies the
policy, the Commission should not deviate from the policy; and that the Commission all
agreed that the policy needs to be changed.
On motion of Mr. Hassen, seconded by Mr. Bass, the Commission recommended denial.
AYES: Messrs. Brown, Hassen, Bass and Waller.
ABSENT: Mr. Gulley.
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will take
under consideration this request.
5 10SN0274-NOV17-BOS-RPT
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