07SN0377
L^1UgUst 21,2007 CPC
September 26,2007 BS
STAFF'S
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDA TION
07SN0377
William B. Simmons
Clover Hill Magisterial District
South line of Mid lot hi an Turnpike
REQUEST: Conditional Use Planned Development to permit three (3) freestanding signs.
PROPOSED LAND USE:
Three (3) freestanding signs for the purpose of identifying two (2) automobile
franchises are planned.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND APPROVAL SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION ON PAGE 2.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommend denial for the following reasons:
A. The current sign standards of the Zoning Ordinance provide adequate identification
for uses on the property.
B. Approval of this request could encourage other businesses to seek similar
exceptions.
(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 commnnity through excellence in public service
"CPC" ARE ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION.)
CONDITION
(CPC)
The Textural Statement received June 29, 2007, shall be considered the master plan.
(P)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
South line of Midlothian Turnpike, west of Providence Road. Tax IDs 758-705-2928,5331
and 5849.
Existing Zoning:
C-5
Size:
5.5 acres
Existing Land Use:
Commercial
Adiacent Zoning and Land Use:
North, East and West - C-3, C-5 and 1-1; Commercial
South - R-7; Single family residential
UTILITIES: ENVIRONMENTAL: AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
This request will have no impact on these facilities.
LAND USE
Comprehensive Plan:
Lies within the boundaries of the Eastern Midlothian Plan which suggests the property is
appropriate for a mixture of community-scale (C-3) uses.
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07 SN 03 77 -SEP 26- BOS- RPT
Area Development Trends:
Area properties along the Corridor are zoned Community Business (C-3) and General
Business (C-5) and are occupied by commercial uses of various intensities.
Signs:
Currently, two (2) freestanding signs are located on the property identifying the existing
automobile dealership's service center and used vehicle sales. The applicant has obtained
a second franchise. The applicant proposes a third freestanding sign to identify this new
franchise. In addition, the applicant proposes to relocate and replace the existing used
vehicle sales sign within the project. As a result, three (3) freestanding signs would be
located on the property as identified in the attached Textual Statement.
Currently, the Zoning Ordinance permits one (1) freestanding sign, a maximum of fifty
(50) square feet in area (increased to 62.5 square feet with the incorporation of
changeable copy) and twenty (20) feet in height, for vehicle sales identification. The two
(2) existing freestanding signs were replaced in 2006 in compliance with Ordinance
requirements for nonconforming signs. Currently, such signs may be refaced without
affecting their nonconforming status, but cannot be replaced. As such, one or both
existing signs could be refaced to identify the second franchise.
CONCLUSION
The purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance sign requirements, in part, is to protect and
enhance the character of roadways and surrounding areas and to prevent excessive signage, to
protect property values and to minimize visual distractions. The Eastern Midlothian Plan notes
sign proliferation along the Corridor as a concern, encouraging businesses to replace signs that
do not meet existing regulations and to reduce the number of signs along the Corridor.
As previously noted, the two (2) existing freestanding signs were recently replaced with signs
that are closer in compliance with today's standards. The current sign standards would permit
the refacing of these signs to accommodate identification of the additional franchise. Approval of
this request to permit an additional sign for this purpose could encourage other businesses to
seek similar exception. While recognizing the importance of promoting economic reinvestment
in this Corridor, deviations from the Sign Ordinance will result in failure to bring signs into
conformance with today's standards, thereby adversely affecting the aesthetics of the Corridor.
Given these considerations, denial of this request is recommended.
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07 SN 03 77 -SEP 26- BOS- RPT
CASE HISTORY
Planning Commission Meeting (8/21/07):
The applicant accepted the Commission's recommendation. There was no opposition
present.
Mr. Gecker noted that the proposed exception would encourage redevelopment and
reinvestment in the Corridor.
On motion of Mr. Gecker, seconded by Mr. Wilson, the Commission recommended
approval subject to the condition on page 2.
AYES: Messrs. Gecker, Gulley, Bass, Litton and Wilson.
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will take
under consideration this request.
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07 SN 03 77 -SEP 26- BOS- RPT
Textual Statement: Case 07SN0377
Currently, there are two (2) freestanding Toyota signs on the property, noted as Sign 1
and Sign 2 below. Sign 2 will be relocated within the project and replaced with Sign 3
for the new Suzuki dealership.
Sign 1 (Toyota Service Center)
Area - 78.75 square feet
Height - 24 feet
Sign 2 (Toyota Certified Used)
Area - 57.5 square feet
Height - 19 feet
Sign 3 (Suzuki)
Area - 35.25 square feet
Height - 15 feet
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