DRRC 10-25-07 Meeting AgendaMEMORANDUM
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
To: Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee
From: Candice E. Perkins, AICP, Senior Planner
Subject: October Meeting and Agenda
Date: October 11, 2007
540/665-5651
FAX: 540/665-6395
The Frederick County Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee (DRRS) will be meeting
on Thursday, October 25, 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 revisions to the draft sign ordinance made by the Sign
Ordinance Workgroup.
2) Handicap Accessible Ramps. Discussion of ordinance amendment to the Frederick County
Zoning Ordinance to allow the Zoning Administrator to permit handicap ramps to extend
into required setback areas.
Please contact this office if you will not be able to attend the meeting. Thank you.
Access to this building is limited during the evening hours. Therefore, it will be necessary to
enter the building through the rear door of the Board Room. I would encourage committee
members to park in the county parking lot located behind the new addition (accessible off of
Cameron Street).
CEP/bad
Attachments
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
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Item #1: Sign Ordinance
On June 28, 2007 the DRRS held an informational meeting for the business community regarding
the proposed changes to the Sign Ordinance (§ 165-30 of the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance).
At this meeting, much of the feedback from the business community was negative. However, at this
meeting, numerous members from the business community were willing to work with the County to
review the ordinance and try to come up with a compromise.
As you are aware, a Sign Ordinance Working Group was formed which included members of the
DRRS as well as representatives from various business groups (representing the petroleum,
automobile dealers, hotel and commercial, residential and industrial development industries) which
were provided by the Chamber of Commerce. This Work Group has been meeting every Tuesday
night to review the draft ordinance and come up with an ordinance that meets the needs of both the
business community, as well as the County.
Deletions are shown with a double strikethrough and new text shown in highlighted red. The
proposed changes by the Work Group to the Sign Ordinance include:
Section A — Signs Prohibited in all districts
• Deleted banner signs and electronic message signs from the prohibited list.
Section B — Signs allowed in all districts.
• Added banner signs — not to be displayed for more than 30 days
Section C — Signs allowed in certain districts.
• Added electronic message signs, but established that messages could not be animated and
messages could not change more than once every two minutes.
Section G — Height
• Freestanding sign height will be determined from the adjacent roadways' classification:
o Arterial Roads — 25 feet
o Collector Roads —15 feet
o All other Roads — 12 feet
• Sign height shall be measured from the grade level of the adjacent street of which the
land upon the sign is located.
• In developments that have a multi -tenant complex sign, individual users are permitted to
have a sign that shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
Section H - Size
• For building mounted signs — on buildings that have more than eight individual users,
each user will be permitted to have a sign that does not exceed 25 square feet.
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• Freestanding sign size will be determined from the adjacent roadway's classification:
o Arterial Roads — 150 square feet
o Collector Roads — 100 square feet
o All other Roads — 50 square feet
• In developments that have a multi -tenant complex sign, individual users are permitted to
have a sign that shall not exceed 50 square feet.
Section J — Number
• Freestanding business signs (M1 and M2) shall be limited to one per property.
• Freestanding multi -tenant signs (MI and M2) shall be limited to one per business park.
• Freestanding multi -tenant signs in all other districts shall be limited to one per
development.
Definitions
• Electronic Message Signs
• Business Park
Attached you will find a copy of the sign ordinance endorsed by the Sign Ordinance Working Group
on October 91h. This draft sign ordinance is being presented to the DRRS in hopes of receiving
endorsement. In addition to the DRRS, this ordinance will also be presented to the Chamber of
Commerce. Once all endorsements are achieved, this draft ordinance will be presented to the
Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
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Proposed changes to the Frederick County Sign Ordinance
Work Group suggested revisions as of October 9, 2007 meeting
Existing Ordinance
ARRS suggested additions and deletions
Work Group suggested additions and dek4iom
§165-30. Signs
This section is established to regulate the erection, number, area, height, location, type and
maintenance of signs to promote the health, safety and general welfare 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 Pian.
Any type of sign not currently listed in Sections(s) 165-30 and 165-156 of the Frederick Count
Zoning Ordinance shall be prohibited
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.
'M--�Mn*' -
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, ,.her-, hes, sem i ,
(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.
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(7) Temporary yard sale signs.
(8) Temporary real estate signs.
(9) Temporary window signs.
(10) Temporary construction signs.
(11) Temporary campaign signs.
( ) b,ro fer developments or- subdivisions.
(13) Wnufnefit signs.
(12) Flag signs.
(13) Informational signs
(14) Directional signs
(15) Temporary Banner signs. Not to be displayed for more than 30 days.
C. Signs allowed in certain districts. The following 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 infer-mational signs.
(4) Residential subdivision identification signs.
(5) 11luld-tenant complex signs.
(6) Interstate overlay district signs.
(7) Electronic Message Signs. Stich electronic sign messages shall be displayed
for a minimum of two (2) minutes, and shall not be animated by scrolling,
flashing or other similar non -static displays. In no case shall an Electronic
Message Sign occupy more than 50 percent of the area of a permitted sign size
D. Off -premises business signs.
. In all zoning districts
only multi -tenant complex signs and residential subdivision identification 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. hi eenside..fts „ch ��;'�, ,
f llowing stanch"`' should be eensider-ed.-Conditions which may be placed on off -
premises signs may include, but need not be limited to, the following:
11) No off -premises business ig shall beallowed in the nn Residential
Perfermanee, the R4Residential Planned Community, nc n •d i
(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.
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(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 the
regulations for on premises multi -tenant complex signs and residential
subdivision identification signs.
(3) Off -premises busifiess 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 shall not be of a type that will distfaet motorists 0
eause other safety hazards.
(6) Off premises business signs shall be properly maintained.
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
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 mess signs. The minimum distance
separating new from existing freestanding business signs or separating new freestanding
business 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) Ne -Wall -mounted signs shall not exceed the maximum height requirement for the
zoning district in which they are located. General office buildings, and hotel or
motel buildings allowed to exceed the general Height requirements for the
underlying zoning district as per §165-2486 (height limitations, exceptions)
shall be allowed wall -mounted signs with a maximum height not to exceed the
maximum height requirement of §165-2486.
(2) No Freestanding busifiess building entrance signs shall not exceed 5 feet in
height.
(3) Freestanding directional signs shall not exceed 5 feet in height.
(4) Freestanding informational signs shall not exceed S feet in height
(5) Freestanding residential subdivision entrance signs shall not exceed 8 feet in
height.
(6) All other freestanding mss signs located in the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning
District shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
All signs ather then lheight
asigns shall be � v "' than 1 0 feet _
(7) All other freestanding signs located in zoning districts other than the AZA (Rural
Areas) Zoning district shall lo! e=o , .► '' feet I--- be permitted to
establish a maximum sign height reflective of the adjacent -roadways'
classification, as such:
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(a) Signs along Arterial Roads shall not exceed 23_feet in height
(b) Signs along Collector Roads shall not exceed 15 feet in height
(c) Signs along other roads shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
(8) Sign height shall be measured from the grade level of the adjacent street to
which the land upon the sign is located. the lowest djaco'b e ,
Point�'b'
(9) In developments utilizing a multi -tenant complex sign, on-site freestanding
business signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
H. Size. The following restrictions shall apply to the size of signs:
(1) Wall -mounted business signs in the B2 Business Gen , the B3 ladustfia1
Suppeft Zoning Distfi t 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. In situations where there are
more than 8 individual building users, each user shall not have a sign larger
than 25 square feet.
(2) Cottage occupation signs shall not exceed four square feet in area.
(3) No Freestanding building entrance sign shall not exceed 4 square feet in area.
(4) Subdivision entrance signs shall not exceed 30 square feet in area.
(5) .directional signs shall not exceed 5 square feet in area.
(((6) Informational signs shall not exceed 10 square feet in area. `�
(7) va diri -14)8 3$
square & nehise sips eed innsquar-e feet in
area, but shall not exeeed 150 squafe feet in area. lfl the B 1 (Neighbor -hood
u sinews) Distr-iet and -the RA(Rural n ) Zoning n• + ets,fieh
usin
All freestanding business signs located in zoning districts other than the RA
(Rural Areas) Zoning District shall be permitted to establish a maximum sign
area reflective of the adjacent roadways' classification, as such:
(a) Signs along Arterial Roads shall not exceed 150 square• feet
(b) Signs along Collector Roads shall not exceed 100 square feet
(c) Signs along other roads shall not exceed 50 square• feet.
(8) In developments utilizing a multi -tenant complex sign, on-site freestanding
business signs shall not exceed 50 square feet.
I. Type. All freestanding business signs shall be monument signs.
J. Number.
(1) Freestanding business signs, excluding multi -tenant complex signs, in the MI
and 112 Districts shall be limited to one per property ba&4te&4j.
(2) Freestanding multi -tenant complex signs in the M! and 112 Districts shall be
limited to one per business park
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(3) Freestanding business signs;
shall be limited to one per development in all other districts where
allowed
(4) Freestanding multi -tenant complex signs shall be limited to one per
development in all other districts where allowed
(S) Cottage occupation signs shall be limited to one per business.
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) Geer-a4ive plaques- an''�d ' ' 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.
(f) 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.
(I) 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 — A sign advertising an approved
cottage occupation.
C. SIGN, DIRECTIONAL — /on-off premises sign „taming ,,: feeti on.., messages
eaftee ring the distance direetion to ffi 1af! leeations. 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 moveable sig + affixed to die gfound or
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 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 b,,.,...ess of subdivision entre freestanding 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.
Examples of Monument Suns
AMID STATE
UNIVERSITY
GROUND OR LOM! PROFILE
MONU: LENT OR BLADE PYLON
N. SIGN, ON-SITE INFORMATIONAL — A sign commonly associated with, and not
limited to, information and di fee+ions 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.
A SIGN, PORTABLE — A -sign tha4 Y nn+ - � nat affixed building, + +
o
. A sign designed
or intended to be moved easily that is not permanently embedded in the ground or
a fixed 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 far 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 .lural 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.
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01%JIV, L:L.l;l.11[VIVJt- -A Sign with a j xea or changing message and/or display
composed of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means. LED
(Light Emitted Diodes) is a type of Electronic Message Sign. Such electronic sign
messages shall be displayed for a minimum of two (2) rain utes, and shall not be
animated by scrolling, flashing or other similar non -static displays. In no case shall
an Electronic Message Sign occupy more than 50 percent of the area of a permitted
sign size
SIGN, MULTI -TENANT COMPLEX - A sign that identifies the name of the development and
the users in a shopping e , te#N offie � _ �.-�•.. _ .�_
rr business park.
SIGN, RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION — A sign which denotes the name
of a residential subdivision, condominium or apartment complex.
SIGNAREA — 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 an
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.
BUSINESS PARK — A development which includes multiple buildings and uses. Shopping
Centers, Industrial Parks, and Office Parks are types of Business Parks.
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Changes to Other Ordinance Sections
ARTICLE V
RA Rural Areas District
§ 165-50. Permitted Uses
U. Business signs
V. Directional signs ,Signs allowed in §165-3013
W. Cottage Occupation signs
CC. Residential subdivision identification signs
ARTICLE VI
RP Residential Performance District
§ 165-59. Permitted Uses
B
(9)r-entf the p which they
ehufeh bulletin beards and vuv"fi lu i
usigns, -" - -
charitable associations (off site signs fiat to exeeed eight square feet) and difeetional
(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 §165-30R
§ 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
§ 1 -79. Permitted Uses
MIN
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 §I65 -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
Difeetienal signs Signs allowed in §165-30B
Freestanding building entrance signs
Multi -tenant complex signs
Electronic Message signs
§ 165-82. District use regulations
B. B2 Business General District
Allowed Uses
Business signs
Difeetional signs Signs allowed in §165-30B
Freestanding building entrance signs
Multi -tenant complex signs
Electronic Message signs
§165-82. District use regulations
C. B3 Industrial Transition District
Allowed Uses
Business signs
Signs allowed in §165-30B
Freestanding building entrance signs
Multi -tenant complex signs
Electronic Message signs
§165-82. District use regulations
D. Ml Light Industrial District
Allowed Uses
Business signs
DRAFT
Difeetional signs Signs allowed in §165-30B
Freestanding building entrance signs
Multi -tenant complex signs
Electronic Message signs
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ARTICLE XI
EM Extractive Manufacturing District
§ 165-85. Permitted uses.
J. Business and difeetiona4 signs
L. Signs allowed in §165-30B
M. Freestanding building entrance signs
ARTICLE XII
HE Higher Education District
§ 165-92. Permitted uses.
E. 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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Item #2: Handicap Accessible Ramps - Supplemental
§165-23F of the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance allows for some features to extend into
required setback areas. This section, however, does not provide any opportunities for handicap
ramps to extend into required setback areas, which has required some property owners who need
handicap ramps to seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Staff is proposing an ordinance revision to allow the Zoning Administrator to permit handicap ramps
to extend into required setback areas when there are no other alternatives. The proposed ordinance
would state the following:
An unroofed handicap -accessible ramp shall be permitted to encroach into a required yard when
there are no other reasonable alternatives for the location of such ramp on the property or other
means of ingresslegress into orfrom the residence as determined by the Frederick County Zoning
Administrator.
Staff has provided a copy of the ordinance with an example of how the ordinance could be revised.
If the DRRS is supportive of this ordinance amendment, staff will forward it to the Planning
Commission and Board of Supervisors for their consideration.
Attachments: 1. Existing Ordinances with proposed additions showed in bold italics.
2. Proposed Ordinance (clean version).
F. Extensions into setback yards. The following features may extend into setback yards as
described:
(1) Air conditioners and similar equipment. Air conditioners, heat pumps and
similar mechanical equipment that are attached to the primary structure may
extend three feet into any side or rear yard area but shall not be closer than five
feet to any lot line.
(2) Architectural and structural features. Cornices, canopies, awnings, eaves,
gutters or other similar overhanging features which. are at least eight leet
above the grade may extend three feet into any required yard setback area.
Chimneys, sills, headers, belt courses and similar structural features may
extend three feet into required yard setback areas.
(3) Porches and related features. Balconies, porches, stoops, decks, bay windows,
steps and stairways which comprise less than 1/3 of the length of the wall of the
primary structure may extend three feet into a required setback yard. In no case
shall such features be closer than five feet to a lot line.
(4) Retail petroleum pumps. Retail petroleum pumps and canopy supports shall be
located at least 20 feet from any road right-of-way boundary. The canopies
covering the petroleum pumps shall be no closer than five feet to any road right-
of-way.
(5) Decks which are attached to townhouses and weak -link townhouses may be
constructed to the full width of the dwelling unit and may extend 15 feet into a
perimeter setback area or the active portion of a required buffer area, provided
that the decks are not enclosed or covered and the deck floor is not constructed
higher than the finished floor elevation of the primary entrance to the dwelling
unit. [Added 8-9-19951
(6) Storage sheds which are attached to townhouses and weak -link townhouses that
can only be accessed through an outer entrance and do not exceed 1/4 the width of
the dwelling unit may extend 10 feet into a perimeter setback area or the active
portion of a required buffer area. [Added 8-9-1995]
(7) Protective entrance canopies. Protective entrance canopies and support columns
which are attached to the primary structure may extend into the front yard
setback areas for the following uses: funeral homes, schools, churches, day-care
facilities and libraries. The purpose of such canopies is to provide protection to
patrons from the elements of weather as the patron enters or exits and structure.
In no case shall the canopy or its structure be located closer than 20 feet from a
road right-of-way boundary. [Added 4-12-19991
(8) Handicap Accessible Ramps. An unroofed handicap -accessible ramp
shall be permitted to encroach into a required yard when there are no
other reasonable alternatives for the location of such ramp on the
property or other means of ingress/egress into or from the residence as
determined by the Frederick County Zoning Administrator.
F. Extensions into setback yards. The following features may extend into setback yards as
described:
(1) Air conditioners and similar equipment. Air conditioners, heat pumps and
similar mechanical equipment that are attached to the primary structure may
extend three feet into any side or rear yard area but shall not be closer than five
feet to any lot line.
(2) Architectural and structural features. Cornices, canopies, awnings, eaves,
gutters or other similar overhanging features which are at least eight feet
above the grade may extend three feet into any required yard setback area.
Chimneys, sills, headers, belt courses and similar structural features may
extend three feet into required yard setback areas.
(3) Porches and related features. Balconies, porches, stoops, decks, bay windows,
steps and stairways which comprise less than 1/3 of the length of the wall of the
primary structure may extend three feet into a required setback yard. In no case
shall such features be closer than five feet to a lot line.
(4) Retail petroleum pumps. Retail petroleum pumps and canopy supports shall be
located at least 20 feet from any road right-of-way boundary. The canopies
covering the petroleum pumps shall be no closer than five feet to any road right-
of-way.
(5) Decks which are attached to townhouses and weak -link townhouses may be
constructed to the full width of the dwelling unit and may extend 15 feet into a
perimeter setback area or the active portion of a required buffer area, provided
that the decks are not enclosed or covered and the deck floor is not constructed
higher than the finished floor elevation of the primary entrance to the dwelling
unit. [Added 8-9-19951
(6) Storage sheds which are attached to townhouses and weak -link townhouses that
can only be accessed through an outer entrance and do not exceed I/4 the width of
the dwelling unit may extend 10 feet into a perimeter setback area or the active
portion of a required buffer area. [Added 8-9-19951
(7) Protective entrance canopies. Protective entrance canopies and support columns
which are attached to the primary structure may extend into the front yard
setback areas for the following uses: funeral homes, schools, churches, day-care
facilities and libraries. The purpose of such canopies is to provide protection to
patrons from the elements of weather as the patron enters or exits and structure.
In no case shall the canopy or its structure be located closer than 20 feet from a
road right-of-way boundary. [Added 4-12-19991
(8) Handicap -Accessible Ramps. An unroofed handicap -accessible ramp
shall be permitted to encroach into a required yard when there are no other
reasonable alternatives for the location of such ramp on the property or
other means of ingress/egress into or from the residence as determined by
the Frederick County Zoning Administrator.