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08SN0144 January 9,2008 BS ADDENDUM II 08SN0144 Allen M. Twedt c/o Holiday Signs, Inc. Matoaca Magisterial District North line of Hull Street Road REQUEST: Conditional Use to penn it a computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign PROPOSED LAND USE: A computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign, incorporated into a freestanding identification sign for a motor vehicle dealership is planned The Proffered Condition as amended on December 19,2007 and referenced in the first addendum has been withdrawn. As such, the Proffered Condition to be considered in conjunction with this request is contained in the "Request Analysis". Given that the proposal is the same as that considered by the Planning Commission, staff no longer recommends that this request be remanded to the Planning Commission. Staff continues to recommend denial of this request for reasons noted in the "Request Analysis". Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service 08SN 0144-JAN9- BOS- AD D-2 No'/ember 20,2007 CPC January 9, 2008 BS STAFF'S REQUEST ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION 08SN0144 Allen M. Twedt c/o Holiday Signs, Inc. Matoaca Magisterial District North line of Hull Street Road 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 a motor vehicle dealership is planned. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION RECOMMEND APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROFFERED CONDITION ON PAGE 2. AYES: MESSRS. GECKER, BASS, LITTON AND WILSON. ABSTENTIONS: MR. GULLEY. 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. Specifically, the Policy suggests such signs should not be permitted within the Route 360 Corridor. B. The requested exception to the Policy could set a precedent for similar requests. Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service (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 "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 animations effects shall be prohibited. (P) GENERAL INFORMATION Location: North line of Hull Street Road, west of Wood lake Village Parkway. Tax ID 718-671-9062. Existing Zoning: C-5 Size: 5.2 acres Existing Land Use: Commercial 2 08SN0144-]AN9- BOS- RPT Adiacent Zoning and Land Use: North and West - C-5; Commercial South - A and C-3; Public/semi-public, single family residential or vacant East - C-2; Commercial UTILITIES~ ENVIRONMENT AL~ AND PUBLIC FACILITIES This request will have no impact on these facilities. LAND USE Comprehensive Plan: Lies within the boundaries of the Upper Swift Creek Plan which suggests the property is appropriate for community mixed use uses. Area Development Trends: Area properties along the Corridor are zoned Neighborhood Business (C-2), Community Business (C-3), General Business (C-5) and Agricultural (A) and are occupied by commercial uses of various intensities, single family residential uses or public/semi-public (church) uses. It is anticipated that the immediate area will continue to develop for commercial, office and high density residential uses, as suggested by the Plan. Signs: Currently, the Ordinance permits one (1) freestanding sign identifying a vehicle sales business, fifty (50) square feet in area and twenty (20) feet in height. The sign area may be increased up to twenty-five (25) percent provided such increase is for the purpose of including changeable copy. 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 also comply with the adopted electronic message center policy relative to lines of copy, display color, timing of message changes and lack of flashing and traveling messages, bijou lighting and animation. (Proffered Condition and attachment) The proposal would not comply with the Policy relative to location within the Route 360 Corridor. CONCLUSION 3 08SN0144-]AN9- BOS- RPT The proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign does not conform to the adopted Electronic Message Center Policy relative to its location within the Route 360 Corridor. Approval of this requested exception to the Policy could set a precedent for similar requests along the Corridor. Given these considerations, denial of this request is recommended. CASE HISTORY Planning Commission Meeting (11/20/07): The applicant accepted the Commission's recommendation, but did not accept staffs recommendation. There was no opposition present. Mr. Bass noted that businesses in this section of Hull Street Road must meet more stringent development standards; that a balance to these standards would be to provide businesses with better advertising exposure; that the proposed sign meets all other Policy standards; and that the Policy needs to be reevaluated. Messrs. Gecker and Wilson noted that with changes in technology, deviation from the Policy relative to color and lines of copy may produce more aesthetically pleasing signage; and that the applicant may want to propose such modifications prior to the Board's consideration of the request. Mr. Gulley expressed concern that the Policy should be reevaluated prior ton considering exceptions on a case by case basis. On a motion of Mr. Bass, seconded by Mr. Wilson, the Commission recommended approval and acceptance of the proffered condition on page 2. AYES: Messrs. Gecker, Bass, Litton and Wilson ABSTENTION: Mr. Gulley. The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will take under consideration this request. 4 08SN0144-]AN9- BOS- RPT ~! ~ (j . . , I . ~ (~~~ -----+----I :> C\I I o A I , ft 00 . N . ~ . . ,1 +-' Q) ~ . Q) ~ LL 0 CJ) , , . fit . . . . . . , (Y) I () llII:t llII:t ~ . 0::) z. Cl)CJ co C' . O .. . . . o o (0 ~ o ~- .' - ~ -8fJ11i() -.:1_ . This page is blank. 08SN0144-1