030-23 (ProposedOrdAmendmentChapter165Zoning(Signs)) RESOLUTION
f
■
Action:
PLANNING COMMISSION November 1, 2023
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS December 13, 2023 Approved
REGARDING CHAPTER 165,ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 11
SUPPLEMENTARY USE REGULATIONS, PARKING, BUFFERS, AND REGULATIONS
FOR SPECIFIC USES
Part 201 —Supplementary Use Regulations
§165-201..06 Signs
WHEREAS, the proposed amendment of Chapter 165 —Zoning Ordinance to modify sign regulations
would ensure consistency and increase the allowed height for signs in the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning
District; and
WHEREAS, the Development Review and Regulations Committee (DRRC) reviewed the proposed
changes at their September 28, 2023 regular meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission discussed the proposed changes at their regularly scheduled
meeting on November 1, 2023 and agreed with the proposed changes; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors discussed the proposed changes at their regularly scheduled
meeting on Decerrrber 13, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors finds the proposal in the public necessity,
convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice and directs the Frederick County Alarming
Commission to hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to Chapter 165 —Zoning Ordinance; and
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT REQUESTED by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors that the
Frederick County Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing to consider changes to ensure
consistency and increase the allowed height for signs in the RA (Rural Areas)Zoning District.
Res# 030-23
Passed this 13th day of December 2023 by the following recorded vote:
Cbarles S. DeHaven, Jr., Chainnan Aye Shawn L. Graber Aye
Robert W. Wells Aye Blaine P. Dural Aye
Josh E. Ludwig Aye Judith. McCann-Slaughter Aye
Heather Lockridge Aye
A COPY ATTEST
Michael L. Bol 110 er
Frederick Count Administrator
Res# 030-23
•r
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/ 665-5651
Fax: 540/ 665-6395
MEMORANDUM
TO: Frederick County Board of Supervisors
FROM: Department of Planning & Development Staff
SUBJECT: Ordinance Amendment– Sign Ordinance
DATE: November 28, 2023
Proposal:
The following changes are proposed to Signs Ordinance (§165-201.06) section of the Zoning
Ordinance:
-To remove §165-201.06(1)(C)which is no longer necessary as"signs allowed in certain districts"
are no longer listed in each zoning district. Table 1, outlined later in the Sign Ordinance, specifies
the sign types allowed in each zoning district.
-To increase the allowed height permitted in the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District from four (4)
feet to eight(8)feet in height.
This ordinance amendment was initiated by staff.
Current Zoning Ordinance Standard:
A comprehensive revision to the sign ordinance was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in May
2023. In implementing the revised ordinance staff have identified inconsistencies in the sections
that require immediate attention. The sign height currently permitted in the RA District(four feet)
was carried over from the previous version of the ordinance.
Meeting Summary& Requested Action:
The Development Review and Regulations Committee (DRRC) discussed this ordinance
amendment on September 28, 2023, and sent the item forward for discussion. The Planning
Commission discussed this item on November 1, 2023, and offered no comments.
Staff are seeking a decision from the Board of Supervisors on if this ordinance amendment is ready
to be sent forward for public hearing. Staff is available to answer any questions on the proposed
changes.
MTK/pd
Attachment: 1. Proposed Changes —Redline
Proposed Changes—Sign Ordinance Revisions
Drafted August 30,2023
ARTICLE II
SUPPLEMENTARY USE REGULATIONS,PARKING,BUFFERS,AND REGULATIONS FOR
SPECIFIC USES
Part 201— Supplementary Use Regulations
§165-201.06 Signs
1. Signs Prohibited and Permitted.
A. Signs and characteristics prohibited in all districts. The following signs are unlawful and prohibited in
all zoning districts:
(1) Signs that violate state or federal law, for example unofficial traffic control devices as prohibited
under §46.2-831 of the Virginia Code.
(2) Signs with characteristics that create a safety hazard or are contrary to the general welfare.
(3) Certain sign types. Signs that are:
a. Animated or flashing signs.
b. Signs painted directly onto the exterior of buildings.
c. Inflatable signs.
d. Roof sign.
e. Snipe Signs
B. Signs allowed in all districts. The following signs are allowed without a sign permit and will not be
included in the determination of the type,number,or area of permanent signs allowed within a zoning
district,provided such signs comply with the regulations in this section,if any.
(1) Address signs.
(2) Government/regulatory signs.
(3) Official traffic signs and private road/drive signs.
(4) Signs erected or required by a governmental agency.
(5) Temporary signs.
(6) Flag signs.
(7) Directional signs.
(8)Holiday and seasonal decorations.
(9) Security and warning signs.
(10)Legal notices,such as posted service or notice of unfitness for habitation.
G. siglis allowed iii eei4aiii dist+ie�s. 44ie fellewiiig+yPes of sigiis afe allowed Only if they a+e speeifieffily
(5) Off Pfeffiise sig+IS-.
(6) 171o,.r,-.,, ;,.
Proposed Changes—Sign Ordinance Revisions
Drafted August 30,2023
(4) Specific sign regulations by zoning district.
(a) RA(Rural Areas) District. For parcels in the RA District with an allowed by-right use (excluding
residences) or an approved conditional use permit(CUP)the maximum size and number of signs that
the owner or owners of the property may erect and maintain at the entrances to the property are
subject to the following requirements:
1. Signs in the RA District may be pole-mounted,hanging or monument style signs.
2. Number. One sign is permitted per parcel.
3. Height. Signs in the RA District must not exceed few-cight feet in height.
4. Size. Signs in the RA District must not exceed 50 square feet in sign area.
5. Illumination.All sign illumination must comply with requirements outlined in § 165-
201.06B(2)(c), Sign illumination.