15SN0514CASE MANAGER: Robert Clay
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B S Time Remaining:
365 days
STAFF' S
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDATION
15SN0514
Allen M Twedt
Midlothian Magisterial District
14431 Sommerville Court
co~~oH~t,o,- i ti ~ni n r~r
October 22, 2014 BS
REQUEST: Conditional use to pernut acomputer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign in
a Light Industrial (I-1) District
PROPOSED LAND USE:
A computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign (EMC), incorporated into a
freestanding identification sign is proposed.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROFFERED CONDITION ON
PAGE 2.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval for the following reason:
The proposed electronic message center sign conforms to the adopted Electronic Message
Center (EMC) Policy.
(NOTE: CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED OR THE PROPERTY OWNER(S) MAY
PROFFER CONDITIONS. THE CONDITION NOTED "STAFF/CPC" WAS AGREED UPON
BY BOTH STAFF AND THE COMMISSION.)
Pro~Tiding a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public ser~Tice
PROFFERED CONDITION
(STAFF/CPC) 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 and shall not
move but may fade;
b. The message or display shall be programmed to change no more
than once every thirty (30) seconds;
c. Sequential messaging shall be prohibited;
d. Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited;
e. Bijou lighting and animation effects shall be prohibited;
£ The electronic message center shall be incorporated into an
architecturally designed sign stricture that is compatible and
complimentary to the building it serves; and
g. 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 forty five (45) feet. (P)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
The request property lies on the south line of Sommerville Court, east of North Otterdale
Road and is better known as 14431 Sommerville Court. Tax ID 721-709-8682-00001.
Existing Zoning:
I-1 with Conditional Use Planned Development
Size
.8 acre
Existing Land Use:
Commercial
Adj acent Zoning and Land Use:
North, East and West - I-1 with Conditional Use Planned Development; Commercial or
office
South - A with conditional use; Vacant
2 1 ~SNO~ 14-2014(. )CT22-BOS-RPT
UTILITIES; ENVIRONMENTAL; FIRE; COUNTY TRANSPORTATION; AND
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (VDOT~
This request will have no impact on these facilities.
LAND USE
Comprehensive Plan:
The Comprehensive Plan suggests the property is appropriate for Corporate Office use.
Area Development Trends:
The area is characterized by a mix of commercial and office uses as part of the Sommerville
development. It is anticipated a nuxtLire of office, commercial and industrial uses will
continue in this area, as suggested by the Plan.
Zoning HistorX:
The parcel is part of the Sommerville development that received zoning and conditional
use planned development approval in 1980 (Case 80SN0092). With the approval of Case
80SN0092, properties along the Midlothian Turnpike frontage were limited to industrial
uses.
In 1987, an amendment to Case 80SN0092 was approved relative to uses, buffers and
setbacks (Case 87SN0021). This amendment allowed limited commercial uses on the
subject and adjacent properties, in addition to the permitted industrial uses.
In 1998, Case 87SN0021 was amended to allow fast food operations as an additional use.
(Case 98SN0156)
In each of the referenced cases, signage was regulated by the Zoning Ordinance.
Electronic Message Sign:
The applicant plans to constrict a new identification sign with an electronic message board
to identify a commercial building with multiple tenants (Attachment 1). The proposed sign
would comply with the size and height requirements of the Ordinance which currently
pernut a freestanding sign forty (40) square feet in area (including changeable copy) and
eight (8) feet in height.
The proposal would comply with the Electronic Message Center (EMC) Policy relative to
lines of copy, tinting of message changes with no sequential messaging, sign appearance,
brightness and lack of flashing and traveling messages, bijou lighting and animation
(Proffered Condition). The Policy requires a minimum 1,000 foot spacing between
Electronic Message Centers (EMC's). Currently, the closest EMC sign is located in excess
3 1 ~SNO~ 14-2014(. )CT22-BOS-RPT
of one (1) nine to the west at the northwest quadrant of Midlothian Turnpike and Watkins
Centre Parkway.
CONCLUSION
The proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign conforms to the adopted
Electronic Message Center (EMC) Policy.
Given these considerations, approval of this request is recommended.
CASE HISTORY
Planning Commission Meeting (9/16/14):
The applicant accepted the recommendation. There was no opposition present.
On motion of Mr. Waller, seconded by Mr. Gulley, the Commission recommended
approval and acceptance of the proffered condition on page 2.
AYES: Messrs. Wallin, Patton, Brown, Gulley and Waller.
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 beginning at 6:30 p.m., will take
under consideration this request.
4 1 ~SNO~ 14-2014(. )CT22-BOS-RPT
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