08SN0131
October 16,2007 CPC
October 21,2007 BS
December 18, 2007 CPC
STAFF'S
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDATION
08SN0131
Chesterfield County
Board of Supervisors
Matoaca Magisterial District
Northeast line of Woodpecker 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 Matoaca High School is planned.
RECOMMENDA TION
Recommend approval for the following reason:
While the proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign does not
conform to the adopted Electronic Message Center Policy relative to its location within an
agricultural district where area properties are designated on the Plan for residential uses, as
conditioned, the proposed, as conditioned, sign would have no greater impact on the
surrounding community than a sign which incorporates permitted changeable copy.
(NOTE: CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED OR THE PROPERTY OWNER(S) MAY
PROFFER CONDITIONS.)
CONDITION
In addition to Ordinance requirements, any computer-controlled, variable message,
electronic sign shall conform to the following standards:
Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service
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 twenty-four (24) hours;
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:
Northeast line of Woodpecker Road, southeast of John Winston Jones Parkway. Tax ID
783-626-4767.
Existing Zoning:
A
Size:
137.2 acres
Existing Land Use:
Public/semi-public - school
Adiacent Zoning and Land Use:
North - R-88; Single family residential
South, East and West- A; Single family residential or vacant
UTILITIES; ENVIRONMENTAL; AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
This request will have no impact on these facilities.
LAND USE
Comprehensive Plan:
Lies within the boundaries of the Southern and Western Area Plan which suggests the
property is appropriate for 1-5 acre lots; suited to R-88 zoning.
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08SN0131-DEC18-CPC-RPT
Area Development Trends:
Properties to the north and east are developed as the Swift Creek Estates and Elko Farms
subdivisions. Properties to the east, west and south are zoned Agricultural (A) and are
developed for single family homes on large parcels or remain vacant. It is anticipated that
future area development will be for residential uses consistent with the densities
recommended by the Plan.
Signs:
The proposed sign and computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign would
comply with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance relative to sign size and height
which currently permit a freestanding sign 62.5 square feet in area (including changeable
copy) at a height of fifteen (15) feet. This proposal would comply with the adopted
electronic message center policy relative to copy display color, lines of copy, spacing
between signs and lack of flashing and traveling messages, bijou lighting and animation
(Condition). The proposal would not comply with the Policy relative to its location within
an agricultural district where area properties are designated on the Plan for residential uses.
A condition is recommended affecting the timing of message changes, as discussed herein.
With this limitation, the sign functions much like a permitted manual changeable copy sign.
Timing of Message Changes:
The Policy permits the timing of message changes for electronic message signs at a
minimum of ten (10) second intervals. The Condition would permit the message to change
no more than once during any twenty-four (24) hour period. This limitation results in the
electronic message sign having no greater impact on area properties than a changeable copy
message board which is permitted under the current zoning.
CONCLUSION
While the proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign does not conform to the
adopted Electronic Message Center Policy relative to its location within a residential district, as
conditioned, the proposed sign would have no greater impact on the surrounding community than a
sign which incorporates permitted changeable copy.
Given these considerations, approval of this request is recommended.
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CASE HISTORY
Staff (9/25/07):
If the Planning Commission acts on this request on October 16, 2007, the case will be
considered by the Board of Supervisors on October 24, 2007.
Planning Commission Meeting (10/16/07):
The applicant's representative did not accept staff s recommendation and requested that
the sign message be allowed to change more often and that additional lines of copy be
permitted.
There was opposition present indicating that the sign would distract motorists creating
safety problems.
Mr. Bass noted that a community meeting has not been held to discuss this proposal.
On their own motion, the Commission deferred this request to December 18,2007.
Staff (10/17/07):
The applicant was advised in writing that any significant, new or revised information
should be submitted no later than October 22, 2007, for consideration at the
Commission's December 18,2007, meeting.
Board of Supervisors Meeting (10/24/07):
On their own motion, the Board deferred this case to their December 19, 2007, meeting
pending the Commission's recommendation.
Staff (11/15/07):
To date, no new or revised information has been submitted.
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08SN0131-DEC18-CPC-RPT
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