HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08 PC Staff Report
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #05-08
BUBBLE WORKS
Staff Report for the Planning Commission
Prepared: June 13, 2008
Staff Contact: Mark R. Cheran, Zoning Administrator
This report is prepared by the Frederick County Planning Staff to provide information to the
Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to assist them in making a decision on
this request. It may also be useful to others interested in this zoning matter.
Reviewed Action
Planning Commission: 07/02/08 Pending
Board of Supervisors: 07/23/08 Pending
LOCATION: This property is located at the intersection of North Frederick Pike (Route 522
North) and Westminster-Canterbury Drive (Route 1318).
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Stonewall
PROPERTY ID NUMBER: 53-4-2-D
PROPERTY ZONING & PRESENT USE:
Zoned: B-2 (Business General) District
Land Use: Commercial
ADJOINING PROPERTY ZONING & USE:
North: B-2 (Business General) Land Use: Commercial
South: B-2 (Business General) Land Use: Commercial
East: B-2 (Business General), RP (Residential Performance)
Land Use: Commercial/Residential
West: B-2 (Business General) Land Use: Commercial
PROPOSED USE: This application is for an off-premises sign.
CUP #05-08, Bubble Works
June 13, 2008
Page 2
REVIEW EVALUATIONS:
Planning and Zoning: The Frederick County Zoning Ordinance allows for off-premises signs
with an approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The Frederick County Zoning Ordinance
specifies that when considering an off-premises business sign, additional performance standards
should be considered to promote orderly economic development. These performance standards
are to ensure that residential properties, land use patterns, scenic areas, and properties of
significant historic value are not negatively impacted. In addition, standards shall include: height
and size limitations of signs, placement of signs along highway corridors, and illumination of
signs to mitigate any negative impacts to adjoining properties and uses.
This off-premises business sign is illuminated; standing approximately fifteen (15) feet in height
with sign face area of approximately fifty (50) square feet. The sign will be located on property
that is adjacent to N. Frederick Pike (Rt.522). There are currently two (2) business signs located
on this sign structure reading “Westminster Canterbury” and “Bubble Works” (See illustration
by applicant). This off-premises sign will be used for “Westminster Canterbury” only and no
other signage will be allowed on this site (See illustration 1). The current sign face size of fifty
(50) square feet shall not be increased in size, and the current sign height of fifteen (15) feet shall
not change. This proposed sign meets the distance requirements for signage, as noted within the
Frederick County Zoning Ordinance
STAFF CONCLUSIONS FOR THE 07/02/08 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING:
Should the Planning Commission find this use appropriate, Staff would recommend the
following conditions:
1. Sign shall be properly maintained.
2. This illuminated off-premises business sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height and 50
square feet in face area.
3. Only the Westminster Canterbury sign shall be on this sign structure.
4. Any expansion or modification shall require approval of a new Conditional Use Permit.
Following the requisite public hearing, it would be appropriate for the Planning Commission
to offer a recommendation concerning this application to the Board of Supervisors.