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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/19/2002 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES -MARCH 19, 2002 Present: Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Don Witt Mr. Todd Ross Ms. Janet Scheid, Secretary Mr. David Holladay Mr. John Murphy Mr. Chris Lowe Ms. Tammi Wood, Recording Secretary Absent: Mr. Kyle Robinson WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:00pm by Mr. Ross. Approval of Agenda Mr. Ross moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 4 -0. Approval of Minutes No minutes were approved. Disc_ ussion of Sign Ordinance Revisions Mr. Holladay gave a brief overview of the history of Sign Ordinance revisions. He stated that this is just a revision with some adjustments not a total rewrite. There was then a discussion on who should participate or had an interest at stake with the changes. It was suggested to add Valley Beautiful, various businesses, and the Chamber of Commerce. There was discussion about signs at public schools and how to classify these signs. Temporary signs were discussed. It was stated that the county has a hard time keeping up with temporary signs (enforcement). There is a 120 -day per year temporary sign permit in place now but there is no way to keep track of the signs. Mr. Witt suggested a deposit on the signs. Other suggestions included making the signs permanent but changeable, adding a fee with the permit, issuing citations and issuing a seal or sticker to be placed on the signs similar to automobile inspection decals. Roof top signs were discussed. There needs to be clarification about what the roofline is (re: Roanoke City). Minimum frontage for freestanding signs was discussed. The goal is to achieve separation with limited clutter, but still give exposure. Mr. Ross stated that he felt this issue should be placed lower on the priority list. It was questioned whether smaller signs should be encouraged by flexible /reduced setback (Roanoke City — 5 feet) incentives. Mr. Witt stated that it would be worth pursuing. Overlay districts should be looked at to try to encourage people to use monument signs. Covering the base of monument signs, by various methods, was discussed including cost alternatives. It was stated that the calculation of allowable signage allowed in commercial areas was in line with the standards in neighboring jurisdictions (1.5 square feet per linear feet of frontage). The maximum number of signs per business in Roanoke County is currently 5 and it was stated that this is a little more than surrounding areas. Brenda Manning with VDOT provided the information on off -premise signs. There are now approximately 1 10 in place in Roanoke County. Mr. Hol,laday referred to the map showing the placement of the ofd premises signs. There was a brief discussion regarding the new law permitting the cutting down of trees in front of off -premise signs. Ms. Manning stated that there was not a lot of action recently on this law and that VDOT did not allow cutting of trees in front of non-conforming signs. It was stated that the Clearbrook Village Overlay District sign standards could be used as a model. The regulations for these standards are above the baseline regulations and could be used as a model if overlays districts for signs were chosen. There was a brief explanation of Clearbrook standards. There was a discussion of political signs with Ms. Manning. It was noted that the BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) should be included in the revision process. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Sta Ms. Scheid gave an overview of the Garst Mill, Greenway project. She stated that the Radford's might donate property on McVitty to the County and buiild a park and greenway parking lot; however, they want to wait until the greenway from Garst Mill Park is extended to this site. There is approximately .75-mile distance from the terminus of the existing Garst Mill Greenway near Cresthill to the M,cVitty Forest property. A committee consisting of Pete Haislilp, Charlie Blankenship, Liz Belcher, Janet Scheid and Don Witt is exploring options for contacting private property owners along the greenway route about easements. Mr. Ross expressed interest in this process and asked that the Commission be kept informed of the status. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:12pm. Respectfully Submitted, jam4x4 �. wo Approved. Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission N