03SN0132-NOV26.pdfNovember 26, 2002 BS
d'
STAFF'S
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDATION
03SNO132
Allen M. Twedt (Holiday Signs)
Clover Hill Magisterial District
10531 and 10601 Midlothian Turnpike
REQUEST: Amendment to Conditional Use Planned Developments (Cases 85S165 and 87S002)
relative to freestanding signage and to permit a computer -controlled, variable
message, electronic sign.
PROPOSED LAND USE:
An automobile dealership is located on the site. A computer -controlled, variable
message, electronic sign is planned to be incorporated into a freestanding sign. The
proposed sign is -intended to replace two (2) of three (3) freestanding signs which
were approved by the Conditional. Use Planned Developments.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND APPROVAL SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION ON PAGE 2.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval for the following reasons:
A. Approval of this request would reduce the number of freestanding signs along
Midlothian Turnpike, thereby decreasing sign proliferation along this portion of the
Midlothian Turnpike Corridor.
Providing a FIRST CHOICE Community Through Excellence in Public Service.
B. The proposed computer -controlled, variable message, electronic sign, with the
recommended condition, conforms to the Zoning Ordinance and adopted policy for
such signs.
(NOTE: CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED OR THE PROPERTY OWNER MAY PROFFER
CONDITIONS. THE CONDITIONS NOTED WITH "STAFF/CPC' WERE AGREED UPON BY
BOTH STAFF AND THE COMMISSION. CONDITIONS WITH ONLY A "STAFF ARE
RECOMMENDED SOLELY BY STAFF. CONDITIONS WITH ONLY A "CPC" ARE
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION.)
CONDITION
(STAFF/CPC) Two (2) freestanding signs shall be permitted on the property along
Midlothian Turnpike. The westemmost freestanding sign may not be refaced;
however, it may be replaced provided it conforms to the requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance; except that Sections 19-650(d), (e) and (g) shall not apply.
The second freestanding sign shall comply with the requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance and may incorporate a computer -controlled, variable
message, electronic sign.
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 two (2) lines which
shall not move, but may fade;
b. The copy display color shall either be white or yellow;
C. The message or display shall be programmed or sequenced to .
change no more than once every ten (10) seconds;
d. Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited; and
e. Bijou lighting effects shall be prohibited.
No variance shall alter this requirement. (P)
(Note: This condition supersedes Condition 4 of Case 85S165 for the
request property only and Condition 8 of Case 87S002. All other
conditions for Cases 85S165 and 87SO02 remain in effect.)
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
Southeast quadrant of Midlothian Turnpike and Johnston Willis Drive, and better known as
10531, and 10601 Midlothian Turnpike. Tax IDs 746-708-1182 and 746-709-2712 (Sheet
6).
Existing Zoning:
1-1 with Conditional Use Planned Development
Size:
10.8 acres
Existing Land Use:
Commercial
Adjacent Zoning and Land Use:
North - 0-2 and C-3 with Conditional Use Planned Development; Commercial or vacant
South and West -'C-5 and 1-1 with Conditional Use Planned Development; Commercial or
vacant
East - C-3 with Conditional Use Planned Development and R-7; Commercial and multi-
family residential
UTILITIES
The proposed amendment will have no impact on use of the public water and wastewater systems..
However, the applicant is cautioned that the proposed sign must be situated so as not to conflict with
an existing thirty (30) inch water transmission line that extends within a variable width water
easement along the northwest comer of this site adjacent to Midlothian Turnpike.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
This amendment will have no impact on these facilities:
LAND USE
Comprehensive Plan:
Lies within the boundaries of the Northern Area Land Use and Transportation Plan which
suggests the property is appropriate for office use.
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Area Development Trends:
A mixture of office and commercial zonings and land uses characterize this portion of the
Midlothian Turnpike Corridor. Commercial uses in this area are anticipated to continue in
conformance with the Plan.
Zoning History:
On May 14, 1969, the Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning from Agricultural (A) to
Commercial (C-2) on a portion of the property. (Case 69-31CS)
On September 9, 1970, the Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning from Agricultural (A)
to Commercial (C-2) on a portion of the subject property. (Case 70-42CS)
On May 23, 1984, the Board of Supervisors, upon a favorable recommendation from the
Planning Commission, approved a rezoning with Conditional Use Planned Development on
property which included the request site (Case 83SO24). With the approval of Case 83SO24,
conditions were imposed which were intended to make the proposed. development
compatible with the Southport Industrial Park development to the west. Among these
conditions were requirements which governed signage for the project.
On January 22,1986, the Board of Supervisors, upon a favorable recommendation from the
Planning Commission, approved an amendment to Case 835024 which, included an
amendment to the sign condition. (Case 855165)
On January 28, 1987, the Board ofSupervisors, upon -a favorable recommendation from the
Planning Commission, approved a rezoning with Conditional Use Planned Development on
a portion of the subject property (Case 87S002). Condition 8 of Case 87SO02 permitted one
(1) freestanding sign along Midlothian Turnpike to identify the proposed use.
On February 22,1989, the Board of Supervisors, upon a favorable recommendation from the
Planning Commission, approved an amendment to Conditional Use Planned Developments
(Cases 83SO24 and 87S002) to allow reduction of the parking setback along Midlothian
Turnpike on the subject property. (Case 89SN0112)
On March 22, 1989, the Board of Supervisors, upon a favorable recommendation from the
Planning Commission, approved an amendment to Conditional Use Planned Developments
(Cases 83SO24 and 87S002) relative to sign lighting. (Case 89SN0143)
Current Proposal:
The applicant plans to replace two (2) of the three (3) existing freestanding signs with one (1)
new freestanding sign, which would incorporate a computer -controlled,. variable message
electronic sign (Condition). The proposed sign and computer -controlled, variable message
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electronic sign would comply with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and the .
recommended condition.
The two (2) signs to be replaced are allowed to be sixty-four (64) and 119 square feet in area
and eighteen (18) and thirty (30) feet in height, respectively and do not include,a computer -
controlled, variable message electronic sign. The existing sign that into remain is allowed to
be 119 square feet in area and thirty (3 0) feet in height.. The recommended condition would
require this sign to come into compliance with requirements of the Zoning Ordinance if it is
ever replaced and would not allow the sign to be refaced:
CONCLUSIONS
Approval of this request would reduce the number of freestanding signs along Midlothian Turnpike,
thereby decreasing sign proliferation along this portion of the Midlothian Turnpike Corridor. In
addition, the proposed computer -controlled, variable message, electronic sign, with the
recommended condition, conforms to the Zoning Ordinance and adopted policy for such signs.
Given these considerations, approval of this request is recommended.
CASE HISTORY
Planning Commission Meeting (10/15/02):
The applicant accepted the recommendation. There was no opposition present.
Messers. Gulley and Gecker recommended that the Condition be amended, as stated herein to
require amendment of the zoning condition even ifthe Board of Zoning Appeals should grant
any Variances in the future.
On motion of Mr. Gulley, seconded by Mr. Gecker, the Commission recommended approval
subject to the Condition on page 2.
AYES: Unanimous.
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, November 26, 2002, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will take
under consideration this request.
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