DRRC 02-23-06 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/665-5651
w.v " -=► FAX: 540/665-6395
MEMORANDUM
To: Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee
From: Mark R. Cheran, Zoning Administrator j�1� L
Subject: February Meeting and Agenda
Date: February 15, 2006
The Frederick County Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee (DRRS) will be meeting
on Thursday, February 23, 2006 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) Vote for DRRS Chairman and Vice -Chairman. As stipulated in the DRRS's Operating
Procedures, a chairman and vice-chairman will be elected during the first meeting of each
year. DRRS Operating Procedures will be reviewed.
2) Discussion of Section 165-30 of the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance. Staff is seeking
input from the DRRS regarding the interpretation and application of this section as related to
signage. The proposed section(s) are attached.
3) 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 the four-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.
MRC/bad
Attachments
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
Item #2: Section 165-130
Staff is seeking input from the DRRS regarding this section of the ordinance regarding signage.
Changes of this section are needed to avoid any confusion and add clarification to this section of the
ordinance. Staff believes that this section of the ordinance is difficult to understand and read for the
general public.
This will be an on going process to implement the goals and policies as related to the business
corridors standards identified within the 2003 Frederick County Comprehensive Policy PlanThe
zoning ordinance does not have performance standards for signage in its zoning districts along these
corridors.
Staff will be presenting a proposed sign matrix and definitions for signage that will be used in these
districts. It is the belief of staff that any changes to signage in these districts will be the most difficult
to implement. Therefore, staff believes that these proposed changes should be reviewed for
clarification prior to any code amendments being forwarded for public hearing. Copies of the
proposed matrix ,definitions, and Comprehensive plan are included for your review.
Frederick County Proposal for:
Sign Regulations, and Matrix
Purpose. It is determined that the primary purpose of signage is to help people
find what they need without difficulty or confusion, and without
adverse impact on the visual character of an area. Thus, while not
restricting the freedom of expression, regulations are hereby
established for controlling the number, design, and location of signs,
for treating similar types of signs consistently, and for preventing an
overload of graphic messages or displays in the environment of
Frederick County. Signs are subordinate to the structures and land
use functions they reference. Signs are to be considered accessory
components of an overall composition of architectural elements, not
as freestanding or dominant architectural elements by themselves.
This Section establishes standards for the erection, display, safety,
and maintenance of signs which are intended to convey graphic
messages; encourage the general attractiveness, historic quality, and
unique character of Frederick County, and protect property values
therein.
General Provisions.
Signs Prohibited. Signs with any of the following characteristics are prohibited:
• Animated or Flashing Signs
• Signs painted directly onto the exterior of buildings.
• Inflatable Signs
• Roof Signs
• Portable Signs
• (Currently not listed) Electronic Message Sign
Signs allowed in all districts. The following types of signs shall be allowed in all
zoning districts:
• Signs indicating the names or addresses of the occupants of residences
• Signs or bulletin boards associated with public institutions, churches, schools or
community centers
• Commemorative plaques and historical markers
• Signs identifying civic, social or other nonprofit organizations
• Private road signs
• Signs erected or required by a governmental agency
• Temporary yard sale signs
• Temporary real estate signs
• Temporary window signs
• Temporary construction signs
• Temporary campaign signs
Entrance signs for developments or subdivisions
• Monument signs
• Projecting Sign
• Awning Sign
• Canopy Sign
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 the Matrix:
• Business Signs
• Directional Signs
• Cottage Occupation Signs
• Freestanding building entrance Signs
• On -Site Informational Signs
Off -premises business signs. Signs that advertise a product not produced or for sale on
the lot or parcel on which the sign is located and signs that advertise a business that is not
located on the premises shall be allowed as a conditional use only. Such signs shall be
allowed only if a conditional use permit for that sign has been granted. In considering
such a sign, the following standards should be considered:
• No off -premises business sign shall be allowed in the RP Residential
Performance, the R4 Residential Planned Community, R5 Residential
Recreational Community or the MH 1 Mobile Home Community District.
• Appropriate separation shall be provided between the off -premises business
sign and surrounding residences and other uses. The Board of Supervisors may
require that such signs not be visible from surrounding residences.
• Off -premises business signs shall be limited to a size, scale and height that does
not detract from surrounding properties and uses.
• Off -premises business signs shall be properly separated from each other to
avoid clutter along road corridors.
• Off -premises business signs shall not be of a type that will distract motorists or
cause other safety hazards.
• Off -premises business signs shall be properly maintained
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.
Minimum spacing between freestanding business 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.
Height. No sign shall exceed the maximum height requirement for the zoning district in
which they are located. All signs other than business signs shall be no more than 10 feet
in height. No freestanding business entrance sign shall exceed five feet in height.
Size. The following restrictions shall apply to the size of signs:
• No business sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area. Standardized, franchised
signs may exceed 100 square feet in area but shall not exceed 150 square feet in
area. In the BI (Neighborhood Business District), RA (Rural Areas), no
business shall exceed 50 square feet in area.
• Directional signs shall not exceed 25 square feet in all zoning districts except
RP (Residential Performance) directional signs shall not exceed 8 square feet.
• Informational signs shall not exceed 20 square feet.
• Conditional Use Permit, and Cottage Occupation signs shall not exceed 4
square feet.
• Cottage occupation signs shall not exceed four square feet in area
• Wall -mounted business signs in the B2 Business General, the B3 Industrial
Transition, Ml Light Industrial, the M2 Industrial General or the MS Medical
Support Districts 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. [Amended 9-12-2001]
• No freestanding building entrance sign shall exceed four square feet in area
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.
• 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 3 0 days.
• If the message portion of a sign is removed, the supporting structural
components shall be removed or the message portion replaced within 30 days.
Sign permits. [Amended 6-9-19931
• Before a sign may be constructed, reconstructed or altered, a sign permit shall
be obtained from the Frederick County Building Official.
• Commemorative plaques and historical markers shall be exempt from obtaining
sign permits.
Definitions for Sign 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 or
entertainment offered.
B. SIGN, COTTAGE OCCUPATION -- An on -premises sign advertising an
approved cottage occupation.
C. SIGN, DIRECTIONAL -- An off -premise sign containing directional messages
concerning the distance or direction to particular locations. [Amended 9-12-2001]
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 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 or entertainment conducted, sold or offered on the parcel of land
on which the sign is located.
G. SIGN, TEMPORARY -- A movable sign not affixed to the ground or intended
to be moved or intended for temporary use.
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. [Added 9-12-2001 ]
Definitions for Sign Ordinance.
I. SIGN, FLASHING -- Any sign directly or indirectly illuminated that exhibits
changing natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever. [Added 9-
12-2001]
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. [Added 9-12-2001]
K. SIGN, INFLATABLE -- Any display capable of being expanded by air or other
gas and used on a permanent or temporary basis to advertise a product or event. [Added
9-12-2001]
L. SIGN, INTERSTATE OVERLAY -- An on -premise business sign located
within the Interstate Area Overlay District meeting all requirements of Article XVI of
this chapter. [Added 9-12-2001]
M. SIGN, MONUMENT -- A business sign or subdivision entrance 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. [Added 9-12-
2001]
N. SIGN, ON-SITE INFORMATIONAL -- A sign commonly associated with, and
not limited to, information and directions 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. [Added 9-12-2001]
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. [Added 9-12-2001 ]
P. SIGN, PORTABLE -- A sign that is not permanent, not affixed to a building,
structure, or the ground, and is intended to be moved or intended for temporary use.
Definitions for Sign Ordinance.
[Added 9-12-2001]
Q. SIGN, WALL -MOUNTED -- A sign fastened to the wall of a building or structure
in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for the sign. [Added 9-
12-2001]
New Optional Def:
A. Sign, Awning- A sign displayed on, or attached flat against, the surface or surfaces
of an awning or any other surface attached to a building that provides shelter.
B. Sign, Building Mounted Sign: Any sign mounted onto the vertical surface of a
building; see also Wall -Mounted Sign.
C. Sign, Informational- A sign listing the names and/or uses, and/or locations of the various
tenants or activities within a building. or in a multi -tenant development, or group of buildings.
D. Sign, Animated- A sign with actual motion, including light changes or color
changes, or the illusion of motion.
E. Sign Electronic Message Center- A sign that uses computer-generated or electronic
means to change advertising copy, messages or color, including signs that flip or rotate.
F. Sign Freestanding- A sign that has its own supporting structure independent of the
building or business it identifies.
G. Sign Projecting- A Building Mounted Sign that is attached so that the face, or faces,
of the sign are perpendicular, or within 15 degrees of perpendicular, to the building face
or wall. Signs attached at an angle of zero to 30 degrees from a vertical surface shall be
Definitions for Sign Ordinance.
considered to be Building Mounted Signs.
Zoning Types of Signs Signs
Districts Permitted
Freestanding
Business
Monument
B1Freestanding
Directional
Monument
Building Freestanding
Entrance
Monument
Max
Number
Max
Signage
Max
Display
Spacing
Between
Illuminated
Minimum Max
of Signs
Area
Area
Signs
Signs
Permitted
Setback
Height
Refer to Sign diagram for Signage area measurements located in Article XXII.
•:' Refer to Definition for type of Signs located in Article XXII Section 165-156.
Zoning
Districts
Types of Signs
Signs
Permitted
Max
Number
Max
Signage
Max
Display
Spacing
Illuminated Minimum Max
of Signs
Area
Area
Between
Signs
Signs Setback Height
Permitted
Business
Directional
Building
Entrance
Wall
Mounted
Freestanding
Monument
Freestanding
Monument
Freestanding
Monument
•:° Wall Mounted Signs can be 200 sq. ft. or 20 % of the wall area to which they are attached.
❖ Business Signs that are franchise signs can be up to 150 sq. feet.
Refer to Sign diagram for Signage area measurements located in Article XXII
Refer to Definition for type of Signs located in Article XXII Section 165-156.
N/A
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
Zoning
Districts
abo
Types of Signs
Signs
Permitted
Max
Number
Max
Signage
Max Spacing
Display
Illuminated Minimum Max
of Signs
Area
Between
Area Signs
Signs Setback Height
Directional
Permitted
•:' Wall Mounted Signs can be 200 sq. ft. or 20 % of the wall area to which they are attached.
❖ Business Signs that are franchise signs can be up to 150 sq. feet.
❖ Refer to Sign diagram for Signage area measurements located in Article XXII
❖ Refer to Definition for type of Signs located in Article XXII Section 165-156.
Wall
Business
Mounted
Freestanding
ment
nding
FF
Directional
Monument
Freestanding
Building
Entrance
Monument
•:' Wall Mounted Signs can be 200 sq. ft. or 20 % of the wall area to which they are attached.
❖ Business Signs that are franchise signs can be up to 150 sq. feet.
❖ Refer to Sign diagram for Signage area measurements located in Article XXII
❖ Refer to Definition for type of Signs located in Article XXII Section 165-156.
Figure 5
Typical
Preferred
Si na e
Land Use
III
- a
2.5
In recent years, the County has worked to minimize the visual impacts that signs have on our
community. Signs should be informational in content and not visually distracting. Business corridors
are typically associated with commerce activities and its related signs. In addressing this different
nature of the business corridors, the County should develop guidelines that contain specific provisions
for business corridors.
Signs can affect the character of an area and the value of properties. Excessive numbers of signs in
business areas can make the signs difficult to notice or read and can make highway frontages appear
cluttered and confusing, causing potential traffic hazards.
Frederick County 6- 16 Comprehensive Plan
Land
Issues:
► Controls on signs along our primary highways play an important role in establishing
the character of business corridors.
A. Appropriate measures for buffers and screening are critical.
Route 50 East Corridor
The area included in the Route 50 East corridor land use plan consists of nearly 3,000 acres. The
corridor extends from the 81 interchange to the eastern edge of the Westview Business Centre, a
distance of 3.6 miles. The corridor study area also extends south to encompass the Winchester
Regional Airport, the Airport Business Park, and surrounding uses. The largest single zoning
category within the study area remains Rural Area (RA) zoning with approximately 1,300 acres. RA
zoning permits general agricultural uses and low density residential development (one unit per five
acres). The bulk of the remaining acreage, roughly 1,000 acres, is presently zoned for retail office
and or industrial uses. Residential Performance (RP) zoning accounts for roughly 550 acres. RP
zoning allows for residential development at a maximum density of up to ten units per acre, with an
average overall density of four units per acre.
Of the three corridors which have had land use plans developed, the Route 50 corridor is the largest
and has the greatest potential for additional commercial growth. Its proximity to the Winchester
Regional Airport, in addition to Interstate 81, make it a highly desirable location for many commercial
uses. Of the nearly 3,000 acres in the corridor study area, roughly 1,400 acres are vacant. Of this
vacant acreage, 550 acres are already zoned for commercial or industrial use. For this reason, the
transportation network within and around the corridor area will be of great importance.
Another important element of this corridor plan will be a coordinated effort at stormwater
management. The corridor contains a total of 131 acres of flood plain. The land along Sulphur
Spring Run has experienced numerous flooding problems over the years. The County will need to
insure that any future development within the study area is done in a manner that will help to alleviate
this problem, not exacerbate it. There is also 444 acres of land with slopes in excess of fifteen
percent, 11 identified historic sites, and there are areas of mature woodland. These areas need to be
avoided and protected when surrounding land is developed.
Frederick County 6- 17 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 9
Land Use
Methods to be used to preserve the appearance
of the Route 11 Corridor
► Save existing stone fence rows and mature trees wherever possible by
incorporating them into site designs.
► Utilize native species in plantings for buffers and landscaping along
Route 11 and establish mechanisms to insure that the plantings are
properly maintained.
► Incorporate interconnected bike and pedestrian travel ways into site
design.
► Utilize traditional board fencing along Route 11 and within
developments as appropriate.
► Limit or prohibit the use of off-site signs along the corridor.
Encourage the use of monument style signs.
► Prohibit individual site entrances and parking lots along the frontage of
Route 11.
Frederick County 6-26 Comprehensive Plan