16SN0580
CASE NUMBER: 16SN0580
APPLICANT: Ninety One Twenty, LLC
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VIRGINIA
STAFF’S ANALYSIS Magisterial District: MIDLOTHIAN
9120 Midlothian Turnpike
AND
RECOMMENDATION
Board of Supervisors (BOS)
Public Hearing Date:
MARCH 9, 2016
BOS Time Remaining:
365 DAYS
Applicant’s Agent:
SUSAN M. JASON
(804-243-3369)
Applicant’s Contact:
EMILY SCHWABE
(804-560-9400)
Planning Department Case Manager:
RYAN RAMSEY (804-768-7592)
APPLICANT’S REQUEST
Conditional use to permit an electronic message center (EMC) sign in a Community Business (C-3)
District.
A computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign, incorporated into an existing
freestanding identification sign for a medical office building is proposed.
Notes:
A.Conditions may be imposed or the property owner may proffer conditions.
B.Conditions and a conceptual sign elevation are located in Attachments 1 and 2.
RECOMMENDATION
PLANNING RECOMMEND APPROVAL
COMMISSION
2/16/2016
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Conforms to the adopted Electronic Message Center (EMC)
Policy
STAFF
Size of existing non-conforming freestanding identification sign
would be reduced, bringing the sign closer to conformance
with the Zoning Ordinance
Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service
SUMMARY OF IDENTIFIED ISSUES
Department Issue
PLANNING -
FIRE -
CDOT -
VDOT -
UTILITIES -
ENVIRONMENTAL
-
ENGINEERING
REVITALIZATION -
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Map 2: Comprehensive Plan
Classification: CORPORATE OFFICE
The designation suggests the property is appropriate for professional and administrative offices.
Typical uses could include corporate headquarters, lawyer, accountant and real estate offices; medical
laboratories; and colleges.
Map 3: Surrounding Land Uses & Development
Assisted Living Facility
Post Office
Commercial
Midlothian Turnpike
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PLANNING
Staff Contact: Ryan Ramsey (804-768-7592) ramseyrp@chesterfield.gov
PROPOSAL
The applicant plans to modify an existing freestanding sign for a medical office building to
incorporate an electronic message center (EMC) sign that would identify the tenant, “Nurse
Spring” (Attachment 2). The current sign is non-conforming, exceeding area and height limitations
for new freestanding signs. The adopted Electronic Message Center (EMC) Policy indicates that
electronic message boards should not be incorporated into non-conforming signs unless such signs
are brought closer into conformance with Ordinance requirements relative to area and height. As
such, the area and height of the existing sign should be averaged with that of current standards for
new signs, bringing the proposed sign closer into conformance with the Ordinance. The
applicant’s proposal accommodates this reduction, satisfying the EMC Policy and bringing the
proposed sign closer into conformance with the Ordinance.
The chart below provides a comparison of the sign area and height relative to the existing sign, the
proposed modifications and the ordinance requirements for a freestanding identification sign:
Freestanding Identification Sign Modifications
Requirements Ordinance Requirement Existing Proposed
62.5 1 square feet120 square feet 91.25 square feet
Sign Area
Condition 1
15 feet 25 feet 20 feet
Sign Height
Condition 1
1
Includes bonus area permitted for changeable copy/EMC sign component.
The EMC Policy includes other measures that reduce visual impacts. The following chart provides
an overview of the conditions recommended by staff to mitigate the impact of the sign on area
properties:
Electronic Message Center (EMC) Component Overview
Requirements Details
Maximum of three (3) lines
Copy Lines
Condition2
30 Second Minimum
Frequency of Message Change
Condition 2
Prohibited
Sequential Messaging
Condition 2
Prohibited
Flashing or Travelling Messages
Condition 2
Prohibited
Bijou Lighting or Animation
Condition 2
Architecturally designed sign that is compatible and
Sign Design
complimentary to the building it serves
Condition 2
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Electronic Message Center (EMC) Component Overview
(Continued)
Requirements Details
Not exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as
measured at a distance of 97 feet
Brightness
Require a photocell to adjust sign brightness, based
on ambient light conditions
Condition 2
The proposed EMC sign component will meet the Electronic Message Center (EMC) Policy
requirements relative to design and operation.
The applicant’s request would also complywith the Electronic Message Center (EMC) Policy based
upon the proposed electronic message center sign being located more than 1,000 feet from the
nearest electronic message center sign.
Electronic Message Center (EMC) Policy Considerations
Requirements Details
Pearson Automotive Dealership (3,000 feet to the
Nearest Approved EMC Sign
northwest, 9601 Midlothian Turnpike)
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PUBLIC FACILITIES
FIRE SERVICE
Staff Contact: Anthony Batten (804-717-6167) battena@chesterfield.gov
This request will have minimal impact on fire and EMS.
COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Staff Contact: Jim Banks (804-748-1037) banksj@chesterfield.gov
County Department of Transportation has no comment on this request.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Staff Contact: Brian Lokker (804-674-2384) brian.lokker@vdot.virginia.gov
VDOT Land Use Regulations
-
Traffic Impact Analysis (24VAC30-155)
-
Access Management (24VAC30-73)
-
Subdivision Street Acceptance (24VAC30-91/92)
-
Land Use Permit (24VAC30-151)
VDOT has no comment on this request.
Summary
WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
Staff Contact: Jamie Bland (804-751-4439) blandj@chesterfield.gov
The proposed request will not impact the public water and wastewater systems
.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Drainage, Erosion and Water Quality
Staff Contact: Rebeccah Ward (804-748-1028) wardr@chesterfield.gov
Environmental Engineering has nocomment on this request.
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REVITALIZATION
Staff Contact: Carl Schlaudt(804-318-8674) schlaudtc@chesterfield.gov
The subject site is located in the Eastern Midlothian Turnpike Special Focus and Gateway
Revitalization Area, as denoted in the Comprehensive Plan. The Plan encourages development
that communicates a positive, distinct and attractive identity in these areas. The proposed
conditional use would result in a significant visual improvement to the existing sign, by reducing
its non-conforming height and size and by updating the sign to current development standards,
in support of corridor revitalization.
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CASE HISTORY
Applicant Submittals
12/7/15 Application submitted
Planning Commission Meeting
2/16/16Citizen Comments
No citizens spoke to this case
Commission Discussion
Complies with Ordinance and adopted EMC Policy
Recommendation - APPROVAL SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS IN
ATTACHMENT 1
Motion: Jones Second: Freye
AYES: Wallin, Sloan, Freye, Jackson and Jones
The Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will
consider this request.
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ATTACHMENT 1
CONDITIONS
Note:
“STAFF/CPC” – Recommended by both staff and Planning Commission
(STAFF/CPC) 1. Freestanding Sign Area and Height. The total area of the freestanding sign
shall not exceed 91.25 square feet. The sign height shall not exceed twenty
(20) feet. (P)
(STAFF/CPC)2.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 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;
f.The electronic message center shall be incorporated into an
architecturally designed sign structure 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 97feet. The computer-controlled, variable message,
electronic sign shall have a photocell that automatically adjusts
the brightness according to ambient light conditions. (P)
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ATTACHMENT 2
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR FREESTANDING SIGN/EMC
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