98SN0212.PDFREQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDATION
May 27, 1998 BS
98SN0212
D.S.R., L.L.C.
Bermuda Magisterial District
Northeast Quadrant of West Hundred Road and Old Stage Road
REQUEST: Conditional Use to permit a computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign
in a General Business (05) District.
PROPOSED LAND USE:
The request property is planned to be developed for a hotel. The applicant wishes
to incorporate a twenty (20) square foot computer-controlled, variable message,
electronic sign into a planned freestanding sign identifying the hotel. However,
with the approval of this request, the size and location of the sign would not be
restricted to the size and location indicated by the applicant. Rather, if approved,
the size and location will be subject to the requirements of the Development
Standards Manual for such signs and any conditions imposed with the approval of
this request. Specifically, the Development Standards Manual requires such signs
to be incorporated into, or located adjacent to, a permitted sign face; restricts-such
signs to less than one-half (1/2) of the sign area of a permitted sign; and requires
that the lettering of the electronic message center Bermudaof a single style and of
uniform color and size.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROFFERED CONDITIONS ON
PAGE 2.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval subject to the recommended condition. Recommend that the applicant's
proffered conditions not be accepted. This recommendation is made for the following reason:
With the recommended condition, the proposed sign conforms to the adopted Board of
Supervisors' policy for computer-controlled, variable message, electronic signs.
(NOTE: CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED OR THE PROPERTY OWNER 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.)
CONDITION
(STAFF)
One (1) computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign shall be permitted.
This sign shall be subject to the following restrictions:
a. Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited.
b. Bijou lighting affects shall be prohibited.
The message or display shall be programmed or sequenced to
change no more than once while legible to a motorist traveling at the
maximum posted speed limit on West Hundred Road if the sign is
oriented to be viewed primarily from West Hundred Road or the
maximum posted speed limit on Old Stage Road, if the sign is
oriented to be viewed primarily from Old Stage Road. (P)
PROFFERED CONDITIONS
(CPC) 1.
(CPC) 2.
(CPC) 3.
(CPC) 4.
(CPC) 5.
(CPC) 6.
(CPC) 7.
(CPC) 8.
The electronic messages on the proposed sign shall not change in their
display design or content at an interval of time greater than 20 seconds.
Only one (1) computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign shall
be permitted. This sign shall be incorporated into a freestanding sign.
Messages shall have a maximum of two (2) lines of copy.
Copy may fade, but shall not move.
Copy shall be of one color, either white or yellow.
Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited.
Bijou lighting affects shall be prohibited.
Animation shall be prohibited.
98SN0212/MAY27B
Location:
(STAFF NOTE: All freestanding and building-mounted signs, including the
computer-controlled variable message electronic sign, are subject to the
requirements of the Development Standards Manual for signs.)
.GENERAL INFORMATION
Northeast quadrant of West Hundred and Old Stage Roads. GPIN 803-654-7161 and 7928
(Sheet 32).
Existing:
Size:
C-5
2.2 acres
Existing Land Use:
Vacant
Adjacent Zoning & Land Use:
North - A; CSX Railroad right of way, industrial and single family residential
South - A and I-3; Industrial or vacant
East - I-2; CSX Railroad right of way, industrial or vacant
West - C-3, C-5 and I-1; Commercial or vacant
UTILITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
This amendment will have no impact on these facilities.
LAND USE
Comprehensive Plan:
Lies within the boundaries of the Eastern Area Land Use and Transportation Plan which
suggests the request property is appropriate for light industrial use.
3 98SN0212/MAY27B
Area Development Trends'
The request property and surrounding area, in the vicinity of the Old Stage/West Hundred
Road intersection, are characterized by a mix of commercial and industrial zoning and land
uses. It is anticipated that commercial/industrial development trends will continue in this
area.
Freestanding Signs:
The applicant wishes to incorporate a twenty (20) square foot computer-controlled,
variable message, electronic sign into a planned sixty (60) square foot freestanding sign
identifying the hotel. However, as noted herein, with the approval of this request, the size
and location of the sign would not be restricted to the size and location indicated by the
applicant. Rather, if approved, the size and location will be subject to the requirements
of the Development Standards Manual for such signs and any conditions imposed with the
approval of this request. Specifically, the Development Standards Manual allows hotels
to have one (1) freestanding sign, not to exceed a total of seventy-five (75) square feet.
The manual allows a maximum of 37.5 square feet of the seventy-five (75) foot area to
have changeable copy, such as a computer-controlled variable message. The Development
Standards Manual also requires computer-controlled, variable message, electronic signs
to be incorporated into, or located adjacent to, a permitted sign face, and requires that the
lettering be of a single style and of uniform color and size.
In addition to the requirements of the Development Standards Manual, the Board of
Supervisors has adopted policy guidelines for the location, design and operation of
computer controlled signs. The recommended condition would ensure that the applicant's
proposal conforms to the Board of Supervisors' policy for such signs. (Condition)
It should be noted that the Planning Commission also has adopted policy guidelines for the
location, design and operation of computer-controlled, variable message, electronic signs
which varies from the Board's policy in several respects. A chart comparing the
Commission's and Board's policies is attached.
The applicant's proffered conditions are designed to address the Commission's, rather than
the Board's, policy relative to timing of messages. Staff has recommended that the proffer
not be accepted and rather that a condition be imposed requiring the timing of message
changes to comply with the Board's policy. Depending upon the posted speed limit of
adjacent roads and the legibility of the sign at anY given distance along those roads, the
recommended condition may allow message changes either more often or less often than
the twenty (20) second intervals. The enforcement of the Board's policy is more difficult
than enforcement of the twenty (20) second intervals. This request does not comply with
the Commiss, ion's policy of prohibition of these types of signs in Emerging Growth Areas.
4
98SN0212/MAY27B
CONCLUSIONS
The proposed computer-controlled, variable message, electronic sign, with the recommended
condition, in lieu of the proffered conditions, conforms to the adopted Bbard of Supervisors'
policy for computer-controlled variable message electronic signs. Therefore, approval of this
request is recommended, subject to the recommended condition in lieu of acceptance of the
proffered conditions.
CASE HISTORY
Applicant (5/15/98):
Proffered Conditions 2 through 8 were submitted to
Commission's policy.
address compliance with the
Planning Commission Meeting (5/19/98):
The applicant accepted the Planning Commission's recommendation, but did not accept the
staff's recommendation. There was no opposition present.
On motion of Mr. Cunningham, seconded by Mr. Marsh, the Commission recommended
approval of this request and acceptance of the proffered conditions on page 2.
AYES: Unanimous.
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, May 27, 1998, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will take under
consideration this request.
5 98SN0212/MAY27B
Z¢
2'-2
Z¢
III
98SN0212 .Z'-~
U.
LD£ATID~J
YY£&T I-IUIIDRED ROAD
24"
29' OAH
-1800 Osborne R& P.O. Bo~ 1307 F~x (804) 7r~.~454
C.k~r. I/'~gmM 2.,~Jl (~M) 7~6..~3
98SN0212
In Bermuda Magisterial District, D. S. R., L. L. C.
requested Conditional Use and amendment of zoning district
map to permit a computer-controlled, variable-message,
electronic sign in a General Business (C-5) District. The
density of such amendment will be controlled by zoning
conditions or Ordinance standards. The Comprehensive Plan
suggests the property is appropriate for light industrial
use. This request lies on 2.2 acres fronting approximately
670 feet on the east line of Old Stage Road, also fronting
approximately 232 feet on the north line of West Hundred
Road and located in the northeast quadrant of the
intersection of these roads. GPIN 803-654-7161 and 7928
(Sheet 32).
Ms. Beverly Rogers presented a summary of Case 98SN0212 and
stated that the Planning Commission recommends approval and
acceptance of the proffered conditions. She further stated
5/27/98 98-415
that staff recommends approval, subject to the recommended
conditions which would require the proposed sign to conform
to the adopted Board of Supervisors' policy for computer-
controlled, variable message, electronic signs.
Mr. Dean Hawkins, representing the applicant, stated that
the recommendation of the Planning Commission is acceptable.
There was no opposition present.
There was brief discussion relative to the essential
difference between the recommendation of the Planning
Commission and staff being the timing of the changes of the
message on the reader board.
Mr. McHale stated that his motion will be to support the
recommendation of the Planning Commission as he feels it
will be easier to administer.
Mr. McHale then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Daniel, for
the Board to approve Case 98SN0212 and accept the following
proffered conditions:
The electronic messages on the proposed sign shall not
change in their display design or content at an
interval of time greater than 20 seconds.
Only one (1) computer-controlled, variable message,
electronic sign shall be permitted. This sign shall
be incorporated into a freestanding sign.
Messages shall have a maximum of two (2) lines of
copy.
4. Copy may fade, but shall not move.
5. Copy shall be of one color, either white or yellow.
6. Flashing and traveling messages shall be prohibited.
7. Bijou lighting affects shall be prohibited.
8. Animation shall be prohibited.
(STAFF NOTE: All freestanding and building-mounted signs,
including the computer-controlled variable message
electronic sign, are subject to the requirements of the
Development Standards Manual for signs.)
Ayes:
Nays:
Humphrey, Warren, Barber, Daniel, and McHale.
None.
5/27/98 98-416