DRRC 06-28-07 Meeting AgendaMEMORANDUM
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
To: Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee
From: Susan K. Eddy, AICP, Principal Planner S
Subject: June Meeting and Agenda
Date: June 21, 2007
540/665-56.51
FAX: 540/665-6395
The Frederick County Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee (DRRS) will be meeting
on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the County Administration Building,
107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. The DRRS will discuss the following agenda items:
AGENDA
1) Sign Ordinance. Discussion of the draft sign ordinance.
2) Other.
Access to this building is limited during the evening hours. Therefore, it will be necessary to enter
the building through the rear door of thefour-story wing. I would encourage committee members
and interested citizens to park in the County parking lot located behind the new addition or in the
Joint Judicial Center parking lot and follow the sidewalk to the back door of the four-story wing.
SKE/bad
Attachments
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
Item #1: Sign Ordinance
At your meeting on January 25, 2007, the DRRS endorsed changes to the Sign Ordinance (§ 165-30
of the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance).
The proposed changes to the Sign Ordinance include:
• Reduction in the size of freestanding business signs from 100 square feet in area (150
square feet for standardized franchise signs) to 50 square feet.
• Reduction in the height of freestanding business signs from the maximum height allowed
in the zoning district to 12 feet.
• All freestanding business and subdivision entrance signs to be monument signs.
• Limiting off -premise signs to multi -tenant complex signs and residential subdivision
entrance signs (with a CUP).
• Limiting the number of freestanding signs in the B1, B2 and 133 Districts to one per
development.
• Off -premise signs still require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), but are limited to only
multi -tenant complex signs and residential subdivision identification signs.
• No changes proposed to wall -mounted signs.
• No changes proposed to the Interstate Overlay District.
• Expanding the number of signs not requiring a permit to include flags and small signs
(informational, directional), provided they meet the ordinance regulations.
• Prohibiting electronic signs.
• Adding and clarifying sign definitions.
Since the January DRRS meeting, staff has presented the proposed changes to interested groups,
including the Industrial Parks Association, the Petroleum Industry and the Top of Virginia Regional
Chamber. Staff has also sent copies to the Top of Virginia Builders Association.
Much of the feedback from the business community has been negative. Concerns have been raised
about limiting the size, height and number of freestanding signs. There is also much concern with
prohibiting electronic signs, as many industries are converting to electronic signs.
In an effort to have a full airing of these views, staff has invited the above mentioned groups to come
to the June DRRS meeting and voice their concerns directly. The meeting will begin with a brief
introduction by staff of the proposed changes. There will then be an opportunity for members of the
public to speak. The evening will end with a DRRS member discussion. The evening is not meant
to be a debate. It is meant to collect public input.
Attached you will find a copy of the sign ordinance endorsed by the DRRS. Deletions are shown
with a strikethrough and new text shown in red.
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Proposed changes to the Frederick County Sign Ordinance
Endorsed by the DRRS on January 25, 2007
§165-30. Signs
This section is established to regulate the erection, number, area, height, Vocation, type and
maintenance of signs to promote the health, safety and general we fare of the public and the
orderly development of the county by protecting property values, minimizing visual distraction
to motorists; protecting and enhancing the image, appearance and economic vitality of the
county; providing for signage that is adequate but not excessive; and supporting the Frederick
County Comprehensive Policy Plan.
Any type of sign not currently listed in Sections(s) 165-30 and 16S-156 of the Frederick County
Zoning Ordinance shall be prohibiter.
A. Signs prohibited in all districts. The following types of signs shall be prohibited in all
zoning districts:
(1) Animated or Flashing Signs.
(2) Signs painted directly onto the exterior of buildings.
(3) Inflatable Signs.
(4) Roof Signs.
(5) Portable Signs.
(6) Banner Signs.
(7) Electronic Message Signs.
B. Signs allowed in all districts. The following types of signs shall be allowed in all zoning
districts:
(1) Signs indicating the names or addresses of the occupants of residences.
(2) Signs or bulletin boards associated with public institutions, ehcTehes,sehools, or -
(3) Commemorative plaques and historical markers.
(4) Signs identifying civic, social, or other nonprofit organizations.
(5) Private road signs.
(6) Signs erected or required by a governmental agency.
(7) Temporary yard sale signs.
(8) Temporary real estate signs.
(9) Temporary window signs.
(10) Temporary construction signs.
(11) Temporary campaign signs.
( ) signs developmentsuyuryTJlpl'Ip-
(13) 1�iin,�+,&ment
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(12) flag signs.
(13) Informational signs
(14) Directional signs
C. signs allowed in certain districts. The L-11ovang types of signs are allowed only if they
are specifically listed under the list of allowed uses for the zoning districts in which they
are located:
(1) Business Signs.
(2) Cottage occupation signs.
(3) Freestanding building entrance signs.
(5) On site ipAfmatienal signs.
(4) Residential subdivision identification signs.
(S) Multi -tenant complex signs.
(S) Interstate overlay district signs.
D. Off -premises biisiness signs.
the lat or par -eel on whieh the -sign is jeeaed enEj signs that a&eAise a busiijess that is 1jet
In all zoning districts
only multi -tenant complex signs and residential subdivision identfcation signs shall
be allowed off -premises. No other type of off -premises signs shall be allowed. Off
premises signs shall be freestanding monument signs. Such signs shall be allowed only
if a conditional use permit for that sign has been granted. In considering sueb a sign, the
following standaFds should --b `' a. Conditions which may be placed on off -
premises signs may include, but need not be limited to, the following:
(1) No off premises business sigH shall be a4lowed in the RP Pesidential
Per-fafmanee, the R4 Residential Planned Gafnmunity, -R5 ResidepAia4
(1) Appropriate separation shall be provided between the off -premises sign
and surrounding residences and other uses. The Board of Supervisors may
require that such signs not be visible from surrounding residences.
(2) Off -premises business signs shall be limited to a size, scale, and height that does
not detract from surrounding properties and uses, and in no case shall exceed tpe
regulations for on premises multi -tenant complex signs and residential
subdivision identification signs.
(3) Off -premises mess signs shall be properly separated from each other to avoid
clutter along road corridors, and in no case shall be less than the regulations for
on premises multi -tenant complex signs and residential subdivision
identification signs.
(5) Off pFemises business signs sha4l not be of a type tha will distr-aet fflatefists-ef
ea„so othef safi t -y haza d
11 V-111 - - signs shall be properly m iH4aified.
E. Setbacks. All freestanding signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from lot lines or
property boundary lines. Signs that are attached to buildings shall meet the required
setbacks for that building. In general, freestanding building entrance signs shall not be
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located in front yard setback areas. However, freestanding building entrance signs may
be located in front yard setback areas as long as they are no more than five feet from the
entrance to the building or use designated.
F. Minimum spacing between freestanding business signs. The minimum distance
separating new from existing freestanding business signs or separating new freestanding
busies signs shall be 50 feet. The Zoning Administrator may allow two signs to be
separated by less than 50 feet in order to allow the signs to share an appropriate location.
In such cases, the two signs shall be separated from other signs by a distance of 50 feet
plus the distance by which the separation between the two signs was reduced from the
required 50 feet.
G. Height. The following restrictions shall apply to the height of signs:
(1) No -Wall -mounted signs shall not exceed the maximum height requirement for the
zoning district in which they are located. General ofjice buildings, and hotel or
motel buildings allowed to exceed the general height requirements for the
underlying zoning district as per §165-24B6 (height limitations, exceptions)
shall be allowed wall -mounted signs with a maximum height not to exceed the
maximum height requirement of §165-24B6.
(2)NoFreestanding business building entrance signs shall not exceed 5 feet in
height.
(3) Freestanding directional signs shall not exceed 5 feet in height.
(3) Freestanding informational signs shall not exceed S feet in height
(4) Freestanding residential subdivision entrance signs shall not exceed 8 feet in
height.
(5) All other freestanding bis signs located in the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning
District shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
All signs other- than b .,11
S 1,be moret 10 feet • _ height-.
a uu
(6) All other freestanding signs located in zoning districts other than the RA (Mural
Areas) Zoning District shall not exceed 12 feet in height
(7) Sign height shall be measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the highest
point of the sign structure.
H. Size. The following restrictions shall apply to the size of signs:
(3) Wall -mounted business signs inthe B2—Business Gefier-a4, ;hTInduatfial
Swpe t ''e ni ng Dist- iets shall be permitted to encompass 20% of the area of the
wall to which the sign is attached, provided that the total area of the wall -mounted
business sign does not exceed 200 square feet.
(2) Cottage occupation signs shall not exceed four square feet in area.
(4) No Freestanding building entrance sign shall not exceed 4 square feet in area.
(5) Subdivision entrance signs shall not exceed 30 square feet in area.
(6) Directional signs shall not exceed 5 square feet in area.
(7) Informational signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in area.
(1) Ne—Freestanding business signs dir—eetiena sign shall not exceed 4-00 50
square feet in area. Standardized fiFanehised 100 -feetsquar-e
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L Type. All freestanding business signs shall be monument signs.
J. Number.
(1) Freestanding business signs, excluding multi -tenant complex signs, in the MI
and M2 Districts shall be limited to one per business.
(2) Freestanding multi -tenant complex signs in the MI and M2 Districts shall be
limited to one per office park or industrial park.
(1) Freestanding business signs, to include freestanding multi -tenant complex
signs, shall be limited to one per development in all other districts where
allowed.
(2) Cottage occupation signs shall be limited to one per business.
-f: K Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in a state of good repair. Signs that are
damaged, structurally unsound or poorly maintained shall be repaired or removed within
30 days.
(1) If an off -premises sign advertises a business or activity that is no longer being
operated or conducted or if a directional sign refers to a location where the
advertised activities no longer exist, that sign shall be considered to be abandoned
and shall be removed by the owner within 30 days.
(2) If the message portion of a sign is removed, the supporting structural components
shall be removed or the message portion replaced within 30 days.
L. Sign Permits.
(1) Before a sign may be constructed, reconstructed or altered, a sign permit shall be
obtained from the Frederick County Building Official.
(2) Gommemofative PI qu' '' ' ' The following signs shall be
exempt from obtaining sign permits, provided they comply with ordinance
regulations:
(a) Signs indicating the names or addresses of the occupants of residences.
(b) Signs or bulletin boards associated with public institutions.
(c) Commemorative plaques and historical markers.
(d) Signs identifying civic, social, or other nonprofit organizations.
(e) Private road signs.
(fi Signs erected or required by a governmental agency.
(h) Temporary yard sale signs.
(i) Temporary real estate signs.
6) Temporary window signs.
(k) Temporary construction signs.
(l) Temporary campaign signs.
(m) Directional signs.
(n) Informational signs.
(o) Flag signs.
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Section 165-156 (Definitions) of the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance
SIGN —Any object, device, display or structure or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors,
which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person,
institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including
words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
A. SIGN, BUSINESS — A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted
or to a commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured or to a service, activity or
entertainment offered.
B. SIGN, COTTAGE OCCUPATION — ^„ o pro sign advertising an approved
cottage occupation.
C. SIGN, DIRECTIONAL — An eff premises sign ta;, ing air etiot messages
eenee xting the istanee o di d ,.
o + +' t leeatiefts. b A sign that is designed or
erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or
vehicular traffic.
D. SIGN, BUILDING ENTRANCE — A sign designating the location to the outside entrance
to a particular use.
E. SIGN, OFF -PREMISES — A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity,
service, activity, or entertainment conducted, sold or offered on a parcel of land other than
the one on which the sign is located.
F. SIGN, ON -PREMISES - A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service
activity or entertainment conducted, sold or offered on the parcel of land on which the
sign is located.
G. SIGN, TEMPORARY or -PORTABLE A moveablenotaffixed to the
in4eaded to be moved or- intended for- temporary use. A sign intended to display either
commercial or non commercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature.
H. SIGN, ANIMATED — Any sign or part of a sign that changes physical position or light
intensity by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual impression of such
movement or rotation.
I. SIGN, FLASHING — Any sign directly or indirectly illuminated that exhibits changing
natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever.
J. SIGN, ILLUMINATED — A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by
lights on or in the sign or directed toward the sign.
K. SIGN, INFLATABLE — Any display capable of being expanded or powered by air or
other gas and used en a pefmanei# of tempefafy basi to advertise a business, service,
product or event.
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L. SIGN, INTERSTATE OVERLAY - An on -premise business sign located within the
Interstate Overlay District meeting all requirements of Article XVII of this chapter.
M. SIGN. MONUMENT - A business or subdiv, n e.-Afaneefreestanding sign placed
directly on the ground by means other than a support pole or brace in which the message
portion is either on top of or affixed to, the support structure.
N. SIGN, ON SITE INFORMATIONAL - A sign commonly associated with, and not
limited to, information and difectio necessary for the convenience of visitors coming
on the property, including signs marking entrances and exits, parking areas, circulation
direction, rest rooms, and pick-up and delivery areas.
O. SIGN, ROOF - A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or a sign that projects
above the top wall or edge of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with a
gambrel, gable, or hip roof, or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.
P. SIGN, PORTABLE - : sign that i e + buildi" +
the gfound, and is iiitended to be moved or inte-n
r ,
tended for tempefafy-use—
A sign designed
or intended to be moved easily that is not permanently embedded in the ground or
affixed to a building or other structure.
Q. SIGN, WALL -MOUNTED - A sign fastened to the wall of a building or structure in
such a manner that the wall becomes the significant supporting structure for the sign.
SIGN, BANNER - A sign having characters, letters or illustrations applied to cloth, paper,
flexible plastic, or fabric of any other kind, with only such material for backing.
SIGN, FLAG - Flags of the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Frederick County,
other countries and states, the United Nations Organization or similar organizations of which
this nation is a member, religious groups, civic organizations and service clubs, are allowed
provided that there shall be no more than three (3) flags on any one lot. In addition, any
business zoned use, industrial zoned use, and business in the Rural Areas District with an
approved Condition Use Permit (CUP) may display its corporate or business emblem in the
form of a flag, provided that there is no more than one (1) such flag on any parcel.
SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE - A sign with a fixed or changing message and/or display
composed of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means.
SIGN, MULTI TENANT COMPLEX -A sign that identifies the name of the development and
the users in a shopping center, office park, or industrial park.
SIGN, RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION -A sign which denotes the name
of a residential subdivision, condominium or apartment complex.
SIGN AREA - The entire face of a sign including any non-structural embellishments, but not
including the supporting structure. In the case of a double faced sign where the interior angle
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formed by the faces is 45 degrees or less or where the sign face is parallel, only one display
face shall be used in calculating the area.
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Changes to Other Ordinance Sections
ARTICLE V
RA Rural Areas District
§ 165-50. Permitted Uses
U. Business signs
V. Dir-ee i„„„i 4 Signs allowed in §165-30B
W. Cottage Occupation signs
CC. Residential subdivision identification signs
ARTICLE VI
RP Residential Performance District
§165-59. Permitted Uses
B
(9) Business signs to a&&Rise the l vPA f the Premises_ h _i_ the - - -- -r-Med
ehtffeh bullefin boards and idefttifieatien signs, signs for- non pfofit ser-viee elubs and
ehar-itable assoeiations (off s4e signs not to exeeed eight square feet) and dir-eetional
(9) Business signs associated with schools, churches, fires stations and companies and
rescue squads, recreational facilities, public parks, playgrounds, and libraries.
(13) Residential subdivision identification signs
(14) Signs allowed in §165-30B
§ 165-60. Conditional Uses
Uses and associated signs permitted with a conditional use permit shall be as follows:
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ARTICLE IX
MH1 Mobile Home Community District
§165-79. Permitted Uses
L. Business signs associated with schools, churches, public parks, playgrounds and
recreational uses, fires stations and companies and rescue squads.
M. Residential subdivision identification signs.
N. Signs allowed in §165-30B
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ARTICLE X
Business and Industrial Zoning Districts
§ 165-82. District use regulations
A. B 1 Neighborhood Business District
Allowed Uses
Business signs
Difeetiefial signs Signs allowed in §165-30B
Freestanding building entrance signs
Multi -tenant complex signs
§ 165-82. District use regulations
B. B2 Business General District
Allowed Uses
Business signs
Signs allowed in §165-30B
Freestanding building entrance signs
Multi -tenant complex signs
§ 165-82. District use regulations
C. B3 Industrial Transition District
Allowed Uses
Business signs
Directions sig -lis Signs allowed in §165-30B
Freestanding building entrance signs
Multi -tenant complex signs
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§ 165-82. District use regulations
D. MI Light Industrial District
Allowed Uses
Business signs
Directional signs Signs allowed in §165-30B
Freestanding building entrance signs
Multi -tenant complex signs
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ARTICLE XI
EM Extractive Manufacturing District
§ 165-85. Permitted uses.
J. Business and directiosigns
L. Signs allowed in §165-30B
M. Freestanding building entrance signs
ARTICLE XII
HE Higher Education District
§ 165-92. Permitted uses.
E. Directioni4ss Business signs
F. Signs allowed in §165-30B
G. Freestanding building entrance signs
ARTICLE XIII
MS (Medical Support) District
§ 165-97. Permitted uses.
Business signs
Signs allowed in §165-30B
Multi -tenant complex signs
Freestanding building entrance signs
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