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12SN0234CASE MANAGER: Ryan Ramsey .:: i3 i'f~L_ ,i. t,w_.h.-r:.1 ~3 BS Time Remaining: 365 days STAFF' S REQUEST ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION September 19, 2012 BS 12SN0234 Woodlake Community Association, Inc. Matoaca Magisterial District East line of Woodlake Village Parkway and northwest corner of Timber Bluff and Lakebluff Parkways REQUEST: Amendment of conditional use planned development (CUPD) (Case 81SN0086) to permit three (3) computer controlled, variable message, electronic signs in Residential (R-9) and Neighborhood Business (C-2) Districts. PROPOSED LAND USE: Three (3) computer-controlled, variable message, electronic signs, incorporated into freestanding identification signs for a residential community are planned. These signs will replace three (3) existing changeable copy signs for use as community information signs. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION RECOMMEND APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROFFERED CONDITION ON PAGES 2 AND 3. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Recommend approval for the following reason: While the proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic signs do not conform to the adopted Electronic Message Center Policy relative to their location within a residential district and proximity to residential development, the proposed signs, as conditioned, would have no greater impact on the surrounding community than the existing signs which incorporate permitted changeable copy. (NOTE: CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED OR THE PROPERTY OWNER MAY PROFFER CONDITIONS. THE CONDITION NOTED "STAFF/CPC" WAS AGREED UPON BY BOTH STAFF AND THE COMMISSION.) Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service PROFFERED CONDITION (STAFF/CPC) The applicant hereby amends Proffered Condition 18 of the Textual Statement in Case 81 SN0086 to read as follows: A. In addition to ordinance requirements, any computer- controlled, variable message, electronic signs shall conform to the following standards: 1) Three (3) neighborhood community notification signs with electronic message boards shall be placed at the locations shown on Exhibit A, dated July 24, 2012. The maximum sign height, sign area and electronic message board center area shall not exceed the figures shown on Exhibit A; 2) Copy shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) lines and shall not move but may fade; 3) The message or display shall be programmed to change no more than once every thirty (30) seconds; 4) Sequential messaging shall be prohibited; 5) Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited; 6) Bijou lighting and animation effects shall be prohibited; 7) The electronic message center shall be incorporated into an architecturally designed sign structure that is compatible and complimentary to the Woodlake Community sign package; and 8) Brightness shall be limited so as not to exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle meter at a distance of: a. 45' : Sign A b. 55': Sign B c. 39': Sign C. Each EMC sign shall have a photocell that automatically adjusts the brightness according to ambient light conditions. 2 12SN0234-SEP19-BOS-RPT 9) Setback requirements for signs regulated by this section shall conform to the following requirement: a. Along public rights-of--way, the setback may be reduced to a minimum of 20 feet from the edge of the pavement or the face of curb, but, except as permitted in section 19-636(e), no sign shall be set back less than one foot from the property line, provided the sign shall be relocated to conform to the requirements herein at the time the adjacent road is widened. (P) GENERAL INFORMATION T .nrati nn The request properties are located on three (3) non-contiguous sites within the Woodlake community. Site 1 fronts the east line of Woodlake Village Parkway, north of Village Square Parkway. Site 2 fronts the east line of Woodlake Village Parkway, north of Boyces Cove Drive. Site 3 is located on the south line of Timber Bluff Parkway, across from Woolridge Elementary School. Tax IDs 717-678-Part of 9480; 720-672-Part of 4792; and 720-673-Part of 3069-00026. (Reference Exhibit A) E~sting Zoning: R-9, O-2 and C-2 with conditional use planned development Size: Site 1: 0.3 acre Site 2: 0.3 acre Site 3: 0.3 acre Total: 0.9 acre Existing Land Use: Commercial, residential or public/semi-public Adjacent Zoning and Land Use: Site 1 North - O-2, C-2 and R-9 with CUPD; Office and commercial South - C-2 with CUPD; Church East - C-2 with CUPD; Commercial and recreation West - O-2 with CUPD; Office 3 12SN0234-SEP19-BOS-RPT Site 2 North - R-9 with CUPD; Single-family residential South - 0-2 and R-9 with CUPD; Commercial East - C-2 and R-9 with CUPD; Swift Creek Reservoir West - O-2 with CUPD; Multi-family residential Site 3 North - R-9 with CUPD; Woolridge Elementary School South, East and West - R-9 with CUPD; Single-family residential UTILITIES Public Water and Wastewater Systems: While installation of the proposed signs will not impact the public water system, the applicant is cautioned that the proposed signs must not be placed so as to conflict with the existing public utility lines, or their easements, on these sites. ENVIRONMENTAL Drainage and Erosion: This request will have no impact on these facilities. PUBLIC FACILITIES Fire Service: The Clover Hill Fire Station, Company Number 7, and Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad currently provide 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. Vir ing is Department of Transportation VDOT~: VDOT has no concern over the free standing signs so long as they are outside of the right-of--way and beyond the clear zone for the posted speed limit. VDOT supports the lighting and message cycling restrictions outlined in the amended Proffered Condition 18. 4 12SN0234-SEP19-BOS-RPT LAND USE Comprehensive Plan: The subject property is located within the boundaries of the Upper Swift Creek Plan Amendment, which suggests the property is appropriate for office/residential mixed use (Site 1), conservation/recreation (Site 2), or residential uses of 2.0 units/acre or less (Site 3). Area Development Trends: The three (3) request sites are interspersed throughout the Woodlake community. Site 1 is located in area characterized by a blend of neighborhood scale commercial, office, retail and multi-family residential uses. A mix of single-family residential and multi-family residential uses is adjacent to Site 2. Woolridge Elementary School and single-family residential occupies the area surrounding Site 3. It is anticipated that the various adjacent land uses will continue, as suggested by the Plan. Zoning HistorX: On November 25, 1981 the Board of Supervisors upon a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission, approved rezoning of the request property from Agricultural (A), Community Business (B-2) and Residential (R-15) to Residential (R-9), Office Business (O) and Convenience Business (C-2) plus conditional use planned development to permit use and bulk exceptions. (Case 81 SN0086) On August 21, 1984 the Planning Commission approved the Woodlake community sign package, in accordance with Condition 18 of Case 81 SN0086. The sign package enumerated standards relating to the type, size, design and setback for freestanding signs within the community. Sign Design: The applicant plans to incorporate a computer controlled, variable message electronic sign into three (3) existing freestanding signs located within the Woodlake community. These signs serve as community information signs with changeable copy sign faces. Community events, news and emergency information are broadcast on these signs to motorists along the neighborhood's major thoroughfares. Neither the underlying zoning case (81SN0086) nor the approved sign package enumerates the community information signs as a type of sign permitted within Woodlake. The applicant is amending the Textual Statement's Condition 18 of Case 81 SN0086 to permit community information signs with the installation of a computer-controlled, variable message electronic component. Limitations on the area and height of the proposed signs are outlined on Exhibit A. The proposed replacement signs range in height from approximately four (4) to six (6) feet and fifteen (15) to thirty (30) square feet in area. These proposed specifications for area and 12SN0234-SEP 19-BOS-RPT height are equal to or less than area and height measurements for the existing changeable copy signs. The electronic message portion of each sign will occupy less than fifty (50) percent of the total sign area. The Electronic Message Center Policy recommends that electronic message centers should be spaced at least 1,000 feet apart. Analysis of the sign locations shows that each sign will not be closer than 1,000 feet to each other, satisfying this Policy requirement. The Policy also limits lines of copy to three (3); prohibits animation, flashing/traveling bijou and sequential messaging; brightness standards based upon the area of the sign and timing of message changes to a minimum of thirty (30) second intervals. The applicant has proffered a condition that requires the proposed electronic message centers to conform to each of these requirements (Proffered Condition 18(A)). Each of the electronic message centers would also be incorporated into an architecturally designed sign structure that is compatible and complimentary to the Woodlake Community sign package.(Proffered Condition 18(A)(7)). Setbacks for the signs involved in this request will also be required to meet current standards for freestanding signs, a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the edge of pavement or curb and at least one (1) foot from the property line. (Proffered Condition 18(A)(9)) Proximity to Residential Zoning and Development: The Policy requires that computer controlled, variable message, electronic signs must not be visible from residentially zoned or occupied properties. The proposed signs do not comply with the Policy requirement relative to their location within a residential district or proximity to residential development. However, existing screening at the various sign locations aides in limiting visibility of the sign face from nearby residential areas. Sign A is located in the commercial node of Woodlake, adjacent to the Lucky's gas station and convenience store. The sign is located approximately 600 feet north of the nearest building in the Waterpointe Apartments complex. The visibility of this sign from the apartments is obstructed by the church located to the south of the sign and vegetative screening to the north of the apartments. Sign B is located along Woodlake Village Parkway in a valley north of Boyces Cove condominiums and Woodlake Village apartments. The sign is currently shielded from view from Boyces Cove by a combination of vegetative screening, a telecommunications building and a fence. On the west side of Woodlake Village Parkway, an extensive buffer shields the view of the sign from the Woodlake Village Apartments. Finally, Sign C is located in community open space that is part of Windy Ridge subdivision, adjacent to Timberbluff Parkway. A vegetative buffer is located within the open space area between the sign and the rear of the homes in the adjoining subdivision. Each of the computer controlled, variable message, electronic sign faces will be oriented towards the street that it faces, away from developed residential neighborhoods. The potential for glare or lighting changes is addressed in the proffered conditions relating to the timing of message changes and brightness standards. The proffered conditions in tandem with existing site screening will permit electronic message center signs with impacts no greater than the current changeable copy signs. 6 12SN0234-SEP19-BOS-RPT CONCLUSION While the proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic signs do not conform to the adopted Electronic Message Center Policy relative to their locations within a residential district and proximity to residential development, as conditioned, the proposed signs would have no greater impact on the surrounding community than existing signs which incorporate changeable copy. In addition, visibility of the signs from residential development is greatly reduced by the presence of vegetative screening. Given these considerations, approval of this request is recommended. CASE HISTORY Planning Commission Meeting (8/21/12): The applicant accepted the recommendation. There was support present noting the case was in compliance with the policy. Dr. Wallin stated he felt the sign request was a positive addition to the Woodlake community. He also stated that the signs would be attractive, enhance communication and alert citizens to safety messages involving the neighborhood. On motion of Dr. Wallin, seconded by Dr. Brown, the Commission recommended approval and acceptance of the proffered condition on pages 2 and 3. AYES: Messrs. Gulley, Waller, Brown, Patton and Wallin. The Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 beginning at 6:30 p.m., will take under consideration this request. 7 12SN0234-SEP19-BOS-RPT ~~i ,'~y"-~- w ~ W ti ~V ~ ~~ N _~ a DT, ~ YUW J QFJ = ~QO jw O U N V O 1 ~~ ~i •~i ~~ ~.- n \' r W r ~ ~ V ~. N ::':~:::: ~ ~. .. W :: a::::::' :: ~. ~ .~_. ::~: ~ ~`. ::~::: .::~::: E V LL,~4GE P ~~ ~N d :~ 1 ~ ~~ ~y ~ z~~ ~~ w ~ ° ° ~ ° 1 r 0 ~~ ? ° V ' ~ «~ Z ° ~ N ~ ~~ ~ w ° ~a o ~ N a Exhibit A - 12SN0234 -July 24 2012 Site 1: Sign fie 1A714 14Flaximum Sign Height: 5.5' 1411aximum Sign area: 22 SF 1~ I\Plaximum t°MC !area: 6 SF ~~ Tax I®; 720-672-4792 Site 2: Sign ~ 14llaximur~n Sign Height: 4.75' IVlaximum Sign Area: 30.2 SF IVlaxir-num EMS Area; 11.6 SF Tax I®: 720-67~-~0~9 Tf~~~~ Sign C ~~t~ffA ~~~~ `~.~ .. saao ,b~e ~ _ ~' - ~ ,. / Site 3: Sign C vv°olridge I'dlaximum Sign Height: 4.3' Elerxrer~tary s..° - IVlaximum Sign Area: 15.05 SF ~`~`~ IVlaximum I~I\PIC Area: 7.5 SF Tax I®: 717-67~-940 _I ,,: -' .