08SN0129
October 16, 2007 CPC
October 24, 2007 BS
STAFF’S
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDATION
08SN0129
Colonial Heights Baptist Church
Bermuda Magisterial District
17201 Jefferson Davis Highway
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 identification sign for Colonial Heights Baptist Church is planned.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROFFERED CONDITIONS ON
PAGE 2.
AYES: MESSRS. GECKER, LITTON AND WILSON.
NAYS: MESSRS. GULLEY AND BASS.
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
display colors.
B.The requested exception 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
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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 CONDITIONSRECOMMENDED 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 maximumof three (3) 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 be limited to shades of red, blue and green;
d.Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited; and
e.Bijou lighting and animation effects shall be prohibited. (P)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
East line of Jefferson Davis Highway, south of Harrowgate Road and better known as 17201
Jefferson Davis Highway. Tax ID 799-629-8735.
Existing Zoning:
C-4
Size:
4.4 acres
Existing Land Use:
Public/semi-public - church
Adjacent Zoning and Land Use:
North, South and East – C-4 with Conditional Use Planned Development; Public/semi-
public
West – C-5 and MH-1; Single family residential or commercial
UTILITIES; ENVIRONMENTAL; AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
This request will have no impact on these facilities.
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LAND USE
Comprehensive Plan:
Lies within the boundaries of theSouthern Jefferson Davis Corridor Plan which suggests
the property is appropriate for community commercial/mixed use corridor use.
Area Development Trends:
The area is characterized by single family residential, manufactured home park, office and
public/semi-public (church) uses.
Zoning History:
On July 27, 2005, the Board of Supervisors approved the rezoning of a 37.9-acre tract to
Regional Business (C-4) with Conditional Use Planned Development to permit exceptions
to Ordinance requirements (Case 05SN0253).Uses are limited tochurches and private
schools. The subject property was included in this request.
Signs:
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 size and height requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance which currently permit a freestanding sign 62.5 square feet in area (including
changeable copy) at a heightof fifteen (15) feet. The proposal would comply with the
adopted electronic message center policy relative to lines of copy, timing of message
changes and lack of flashing and traveling messages, bijou lighting and animation (Proffered
Condition). The Policy requires a 2,000-footspacing between electronic message signs.
Currently, an electronic message sign identifying a church is located along the east line of
Jefferson Davis Highway, approximately 1,000 feet north of the subject property. The
Policy permits less spacing between these signs when they identify similar operations.
The proposal would not complywith the Policy relative to copy display color, as discussed
herein.
Display Color:
The Policy suggests that display colors for electronic message centers be limited to white or
yellow. The applicant wishes to have a combination of red, blue and green. As such, the
request does not meet the display color limitation. Should the Commission and Board wish
to approve this request, item c of the Proffered Condition should be amended to insert the
word “to” before “shades”.
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CONCLUSION
The proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign does not conform to the
adopted Electronic Message Center Policy for such signs relative to display colors. The requested
exception to the Policy could set a precedent for similar requests.
Given these considerations, denial of this request is recommended.
______________________________________________________________________________
CASE HISTORY
Planning Commission Meeting (10/16/07):
The applicant accepted the Commission’s recommendation. There was no opposition
present. There was support present.
Messrs. Gulley and Bass expressed concerns that the proposal fails to comply with the
policy.
The applicant agreed to modify the proffer limit the lines of copy to three (3).
Messrs. Wilson and Gulley suggested that it may be appropriate to re-evaluate the policy.
On motion of Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Litton, the Commission recommended
approval and acceptance of the proffered condition on page 2.
AYES: Messrs. Gecker, Litton and Wilson.
NAYS: Messrs. Gulley and Bass.
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will take
under consideration this request.
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