07SN0199
January 16,2007 CPC
February 20, 2007 CPC
March 14,2007 BS
STAFF'S
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDA TION
07SNO 199
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Midlothian Magisterial District
9600 Midlothian Tumpik:e
REQUEST: Conditional Use to permit a computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign.
PROPOSED LAND USE:
A computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sIgn, incorporated into a
freestanding sign, is planned.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROFFERED CONDITION ON
PAGE 2.
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
the spacing between signs.
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. 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
Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service
"CPC" ARE ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION.)
PROFFERED CONDITION
( 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 two (2) 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 ten (10) seconds;
c. The copy display color shall either be white or yellow;
d. Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited; and
e. Bijou lighting and animation effects shall be prohibited. (P)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
North line of Midlothian Tumpik:e and better lmown as 9600 Midlothian Tumpik:e. Tax ID
751-708- Part of7821.
Existing Zoning:
A
Size:
1.5 acres
Existing Land Use:
Public/semi-public (church)
Adiacent Zoning and Land Use:
North - A; Public/semi-public
South and West - C-3 and C-5; Commercial
East - C-3 and R-15; Commercial and single family residential
UTILITIES: ENVIRONMENTAL: AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
The proposed Conditional Use will have no impact on these facilities.
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07SN0199-MAR14-BOS
LAND USE
Comprehensive Plan:
Lies within the boundaries of the Northern Area Plan which suggests the property is
appropriate for general commercial and office uses.
Area Development Trends:
The area is characterized by commercial and office uses on Midlothian Tumpik:e.
Sign Design:
The applicant plans to incorporate a computer-controlled, variable message electronic sign
into a proposed freestanding sign. The proposed sign and computer-controlled, variable
message electronic sign would comply with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance
which currently permit a freestanding sign 62.5 square feet in area (including changeable
copy) at a height of fifteen (15) feet. The proposal would comply with the adopted electronic
message center policy relative to copy display color, lines of copy, timing of message
changes and lack: of flashing and traveling messages, bijou lighting and animation (Proffered
Condition). The proposal would not comply with the Policy relative to spacing between
signs, as discussed herein.
Spacing Between Signs:
The Policy requires a 2,000-foot spacing between electronic message signs. Currently, an
electronic message sign identifying a motor vehicle dealership is located along the south line
of Midlothian Tumpik:e, directly across from the subject property (Tax ID 751-707-2550-
see attached map). As such, the request does not meet the spacing requirements per the
Policy.
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. The requested
exception to the Policy could set a precedent for similar requests.
Given these considerations, denial of this request is recommended.
CASE HISTORY
Applicant (1/6/07):
The proffered condition was amended.
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07SN0199-MAR14-BOS
Planning Commission Meeting (1/16/07):
On their own motion, the Commission deferred this case to February 20,2007, to provide
time for the applicant to meet with area property owners.
Staff (1/17/07):
The applicant was advised in writing that any significant, new or revised information
should be submitted no later than January 22, 2007, for consideration at the
Commission's February public hearing.
Staff (1/24/07):
To date, no new information has been submitted.
Planning Commission Meeting (2/20/07):
The applicant did not accept staffs recommendation, but did accept the Commission's
recommendation. There was no opposition present. There was support present indicating
the sign would better notify the public of church activities.
On motion of Mr. Geck:er, seconded by Mr. Wilson, the Commission recommended
approval and acceptance of the proffered condition on page 2.
AYES: Messrs. Geck:er, Gulley, Bass, Litton and Wilson.
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will tak:e
under consideration this request.
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07SN0199-MAR14-BOS
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