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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-19-2008-c5ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND PLANNING BOARD QUARTERLY PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 19, 2008 Action Agenda Item No. C.5 SUBJECT: REVIEW of proposed amendments to the Orange County Zoning Ordinance concerning Sign Regulations for recreational land uses DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) YES . ATTACHMENT(S): None 1. Ordinance amendment package INFORMATION CONTACT: Name, Phone Number Craig Benedict 245-2592 Michael Harvey 245-2607 PURPOSE: To review proposed modifications to Article fVine (9) Signs and Section 6.29.3 The Economic Development Design Manual Part Three (3) Design Criteria Section 3.5 Signs and Lighting of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance to establish specific regulations governing the erection of signs at recreational land uses. BACKGROUND: As the Board may already be aware, Planning Staff has been working on various revisions to existing sign regulations for the past two (2) years in an effort to address several concerns and/or conflicts within the existing standards. As staff was preparing to present a comprehensive sign ordinance amendment package to the BOCC, questions arose over proposed changes to existing sign .regulations that could impact the use and/or display of political signs. Staff, after conferring with the County Attorney's office, has determined that review of the comprehensive sign ordinance amendment package should be delayed until the November 2008 Quarterly Public Hearing. Staff has determined, however, that we do need to move forward on the presentation of several proposed amendments designed to outline the acceptable level of signage that can be displayed at: 1. Parks, Public and Non-profit, 2. Recreational Facilities, Non-Profit, 3. Recreational Facilities, Golf Courses and 4. Recreational Facilities, Profit 2 Existing sign regulations do not expressly delineate the acceptable level of signage, from a size or number perspective, that can be erected within recreational land uses. Recently the Director of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department, Ms. Lori Taft, has approached staff about allowing for the erection of signage within County parks that display sponsorship information for athletic fields and/or recreational structures. Ms. Taft also requested guidance on the various standards that regulate the erection of scoreboards and/or informational signs within existing, and proposed, park facilities. Due to the lack of specificity within the Ordinance concerning allowable signage for recreational uses, staff was unable to address Ms. Taft's needs or to outline an acceptable compromise on what could be permitted. What staff is proposing is an amendment to complete the following: 1. Creation of a new section within Article Nine (9) to establish regulations governing the erection and use of signs within the previously aforementioned recreational uses, and 2. The creation of a new section within Section 6.29.3 The Economic Development Design Manual, specifically within Part Three (3) Design Criteria Section 3.5 Signs and Lighting to establish similar regulations governing the erection and use of signs developed within the the various Economic Development (ED) zoning districts. The overriding purpose and intent of these amendments is to take action to formally recommend .implementation of portions of the aforementioned comprehensive sign ordinance amendment package to address a urgent need for clarification on the size, type, and number of signs permitted within recreational land uses. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Zoning Officer recommends that the Board: 1. Receive the proposed amendments, 2. Conduct the Public Hearing, 3. Receive any and all input on the proposed changes, and 4. Refer the amendment package to the Planning Board for review and comment with a request that a recommendation be submitted no latter than August 19, 2008 3 AMENDMENTS TO THE ORANGE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE (Only those sections or subsections amended are set out below) BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, hereby amends the Orange County Zoning Ordinance by adding (indicated by double underlined language) and deleting (indicated by stricken through language) as follows: Proposed Amendment: Part I That Article Nine (9) Signs Section 9.12 Miscellaneous Requirements be amended by adding a new sub-section (i) to read as follows: i) Specific Regulations Governing Signs for: Parks, Public and Non-profit, Recreational Facilities, Non-Profit, Recreational Golf Courses, and Recreational Facilities, Profit: Unlike Signs for non-residential development(s), Signs for recreational land uses are intended to serve a different function and purpose. Signs within these land uses are intended to provide essential information concerning the: 1. Rules and regulations governing the operation of the facility, 2. Educational information identifying unique aspects of the facility, the property itself, or on significant environmental features that are located on the property, 3. Identifying sponsors or public/private .partnerships that are responsible for the development, upkeep, and maintenance of existing recreational amenities. While some of this information could be construed as being advertising material, the County views such signs as identifying those responsible for the existence of the facility and allows for recognition of entities that have entered into partnerships with the operator of the facility to provide local residents with recreational opportunities. The following regulations govern the erection of Signs at 4 1. Parks, Public and Non-profit, 2. Recreational Facilities, Non-Profit, 3. Recreational Facilities, Golf Courses and 4. Recreational Facilities, Profit within the County: 1. Freestanding sign announcing the name of the facility/land use subject to the following standards: i. There shall be only one (1) freestanding sign per property, ii. The freestanding sign shall be limited to twenty (20) square feet of sign area, iii. The sign may be either ground or pole mounted, iv. Freestanding signs shall be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from all property lines, v. Illumination of freestanding signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, _ 2. Wall signs shall either be mounted or painted on a building. Wall Signs shall be erected in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance and provided that the following standards are adhered to: i. All wall signs shall be setback minimum of five (5) feet from the side of the building on which it is mounted. ii. Wall signs shall not protrude more that twelve (12) inches from the side of building on which it is mounted. iii. Only one (1) wall sign shall be permitted per individual building facade. In cases where a building is located on a corner lot, a second wall sign may be erected on the building wall facing the second street right-of--way subject to the requirements of this Ordinance. If a building facade faces athletic fields or other similar recreational areas on the property a second wall sign, up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area, may be erected on the building facade facing these facilities. This second sign shall not to exceed the allowable sign area as calculated herein,- Under no circumstances may multiple wall signs be located on the same building facade. 4 iv. The allowable area for wall signs to occupy on a building shall be based on the following formula: one (1) square foot of wall sign area for every point five (.50) linear feet of building along aright-of--way or facing an athletic field or similar recreational use not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. v. A changeable copy sign can be utilized as a wall signs. vi. Wall signs shall not extend above the soffit, parapet, or eave line of the building to which it is attached. vii. Irr cases where a wall sign is proposed to be illuminated, the sign shall be internally illuminated or have external illumination installed consistent with the provisions of this Ordinance. 3. Informational Signs shall be allowed in an effort to provide information concerning individual recreational amenities available on the property. Signs within this category are limited to those signs necessary to identify the name of a specific recreational facility, amenity, or use and are subject to the following standards: i. The signs shall be no larger than twenty (20) square feet in area, ii. The sign shall contain information identifying the recreational amenity including: 1. The number, letter, or name of a recreational playing filed such as `Soccer Field One' or `Soccer Field A' or `Third Tee' for a golf course, 2. The number, letter, or name of a picnic shelter, 3. Walking trails, 4. Playgrounds, 5. And other similar activities iii. The number of signs shall be directly proportional to the number of individual recreational amenities present on the site. For example, a Parks, Public and Non-profit land use that has four (4). individual baseball fields can have four (4) individual information signs, one (1) located at each site, for identification purposes. Similarly, a golf course can have eighteen (18) individual information signs for each hole on a golf course, iv. Information signs may contain the name, logo, or slogan of a sponsor that is responsible for the 5 6 development/upkeep/maintenance of the recreational amenity subject to the following limitations: 1. The name and/or logo of a sponsor shall not take up more than eighty (80) percent of the total sign area, 2. No other advertising material shall be permitted on the sign, v. Maximum height of a Information Sign regulated under this section shall be seven (7) feet, vi. Information signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any active recreational. activity fields (i.e. soccer, baseball, football, etc) ar one (1) foot from any established nature, man-made trail, and/or passive recreational area, vii. Informational Signs regulated under the provisions of this section shall observe any and all applicable setbacks from property lines and/or rights-of--way as outlined herein, viii. Informational Signs regulated under this section shall not be illuminated, 4. .Informational Kiosks shall be allowed in an effort to provide information concerning the operational characteristics of the land use to visitors subject to the following standards: i. A maximum of eight (8) informational kiosks shall be permitted per one hundred (100) acres of property, ii. These signs shall be intended to provide information concerning operational requirements, contact numbers for services or emergency situations, and educational information concerning the park itself or any and all significant site features, iii. Informational kiosks shall be limited to thirty-two (32) square feet of sign area exclusive of architectural supports or housing, iv. In cases where a Informational Kiosk is proposed to be illuminated, the sign shall be internally illuminated or have external illumination installed consistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, v. Information kiosks shall be ground mounted not to exceed seven (7) feet in height exclusive of architectural supports or housing, vi. Information kiosks shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any active recreational activity fields (i.e. 6 soccer, baseball, football, etc) or one (1) foot from any established nature, man-made trail, and/or passive recreational area vii. Information kiosks shall observe any and all applicable setbacks from property lines and/or rights-of--way as outlined herein, viii. An information kiosk can contain sponsorship signage in accordance with the limitations outlined herein. 5. Directional Signs shall be allowed in an effort to provide information to visitors on the location of recreational amenities or offices located on the property subject to the following standards: Directional signs shall be limited to six (6) square feet in area, ii. Directional signs shall not include any advertising material, iii. All directional signs shall be ground mounted signs not exceeding seven (7) feet in height, iv. All Directional Signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any active recreational activity field or one (1) feet from any established nature or man-made trail, and shall observe any and all applicable setbacks from property lines and/or rights-of--way as outlined herein. 6. Scoreboards shall be allowed in accordance with the following standards: One (1) scoreboard per individual athletic field not to exceed one hundred forty-four (144) square feet. Proposed Amendment: Part II That Article Section 6.29.3 The Economic Development Design Manual of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance, Section 3.5 Signs and Lighting to create a new section to read as follows: Awnings: The use of awnings on a single building or along a row of contiguous businesses can have a unifying effect. If used, however, awnings must adhere to the following criteria: 1. The form and color of the awnings must be consistent, 2. A minimum eight-foot vertical clearance must be maintained, 3. Signs on awnings must be painted on and limited to the awning's flap (valance) or end panels, 7 8 4. Plexiglas, metal, and glossy vinyl illuminated awnings are strongly discouraged. Canvas, treated canvas, matte finish vinyl, and fabric awnings are encouraged. Regulations Governing Signs profit, Recreational Facilities, Facilities, Profit: for: Parks, Public and Non- Non-Profit, and Recreational Unlike Signs for non-residential development(s) within the various Economic Development Districts, Signs for recreational land uses are intended to serve a different function and purpose. Signs within these land uses are intended to provide essential information concerning the: 1. Rules and regulations governing the operation of the facility, 2. Educational information identifying unique aspects of the facility, the property itself, or on significant environmental features that are located on the property, 3. Identifying sponsors or public/private partnerships that are responsible for the development, upkeep, and maintenance of existing recreational amenities. While some of this information could be construed as being advertising material, the County views such signs as identifying those responsible for the existence of the facility and allows for recognition of entities that have entered into partnerships with the operator of the facility to provide local residents with recreational opportunities. The following regulations govern the erection of Signs at 1. Parks, Public and Non-profit, 2. Recreational Facilities, Non-Profit, and 3. Recreational Facilities, Profit within the County: 1. Freestanding sign announcing the name of the facility/land use subject to the following standards: i. There shall be only one (1) freestanding sign per property, ii. The freestanding sign shall be limited to thirty-two (32) square feet of sign area, 8 9 iii. The sign may be either ground or pole mounted, iv. Freestanding signs shall be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from all property lines, v. Illumination of freestanding signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, 2. Wall signs shall either be mounted or painted on a building. Wall Signs shall be erected in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance and provided that the following standards are adhered to: i. All wall signs shall be setback minimum of five (5) feet from the side of the building on which it is mounted. ii. Wall signs shall not protrude more that twelve (12) inches from the side of building on which it is mounted. iii. Only one (1) wall sign shall be permitted per individual building facade. . In cases where a building is located on a corner lot, a second wall sign may be allowed to erect an additional wall sign on the additional building wall facing the second street right-of-way subject to the requirements of this Ordinance. If a building facade faces athletic fields or other similar recreational areas on the property a second wall sign, up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area, may be erected on the building fagade facing these facilities. This second sign shall not to exceed the allowable sign area as calculated herein, Under no circumstances may multiple wall signs be located on the same building facade. iv. The allowable area for wall signs to occupy on a building shall be based on the following formula: one (1) square foot of wall sign area for every point five (.50) linear feet of building along aright-of-way or facing an athletic field or similar recreational use not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. v. A changeable copy sign can be utilized as a wall sign. vi. Wall signs shall not extend above the soffit, parapet, or eave line of the building to which ifi is attached. vii. In cases where a wall sign is proposed to be illuminated, the sign shall be internally illuminated or have external 9 10 illumination installed consistent with the provisions of this Ordinance. 3. Informational Signs shall be allowed in an effort to provide information concerning individual recreational amenities available on the property. Signs within this category are limited to those signs necessary to identify the name of a specific recreational facility, amenity, or use and are subject to the following standards: i. The signs shall be no larger than twenty (20) square feet in area, ii.The sign shall contain information identifying the recreational amenity including: 1. The number, letter, or name of a recreational playing filed such as `Soccer Field One' or `Soccer Field A', 2. The number, letter, or name of a picnic shelter, 3. Walking trails, 4. Playgrounds, 5. And other similar activities iii. The number of signs shall be directly proportional to the number of individual recreational amenities present on the site. For example, a Parks, .Public and Non-profit land use that has four (4) individual baseball fields can have four (4) individual information signs, one (1) located at each site, for identification purposes, iv. Information signs may contain the name, logo, or slogan of a sponsor that is responsible for the development/upkeep/maintenance of the recreational amenity subject to the following limitations: 1. The name and/or logo of a sponsor shall not take up more than eighty (80) percent of the total sign area, 2. No other advertising material shall be permitted on the sign, v. Maximum height of a .Information Sign regulated under this section shall be seven (7) feet, vi. Information signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any active recreational activity fields .(i.e. soccer, baseball, football, etc) or one (1) foot from any 10 11 established nature, man-made trail, and/or passive recreational area, vii. Informational Signs regulated under the provisions of this section shall observe any and all applicable setbacks from property lines and/or rights-of--way as outlined herein, viii.lnformational Signs regulated under this section shall not be illuminated, 4. Informational Kiosks shall be allowed in an effort to provide information concerning the operational characteristics of the land use to visitors subject to the following standards: A maximum of eight (8) informational kiosks shall be permitted per one hundred (100) acres of property, ii. These signs shall be intended to provide information concerning operational requirements, contact numbers for services or emergency situations, and educational information concerning the park itself or any and all significant site features, iii. Informational kiosks shall be limited to thirty-two (32) square feet of sign area exclusive of architectural ,supports or housing, iv. In cases where a Informational Kiosk is proposed to be illuminated, the sign shall be internally illuminated or have external illumination installed consistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, v. Information kiosks shall be ground mounted not to exceed seven (7) feet in height exclusive of architectural supports or housing, vi. Information kiosks shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any active recreational activity fields (i.e. soccer, baseball, football, etc). or one (1) foot from any established nature, man-made trail, and/or passive recreational area vii. Information kiosks shall observe any and all applicable setbacks from property lines and/or rights-of--way as outlined herein, viii. An information kiosk can contain sponsorship signage in accordance with the limitations outlined herein. 5. Directional Signs shall be allowed in an effort to provide information to visitors on the location of recreational amenities 11 12 or offices located on the property subject to the following standards: i. Directional signs shall be limited to six (6) square feet in area, ii. Directional signs shall not include any advertising material, iii. All directional signs shall be ground mounted signs not exceeding seven (7) feet in height, iv. All Directional Signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any active recreational activity field or one (1) feet from any established nature or man-made trail, and shall observe any and all applicable setbacks from property lines and/or rights-of--way as outlined herein. 6. Scoreboards shall be allowed in accordance with the following standards: i. One (1) scoreboard per individual athletic field not to exceed one hundred forty-four (144) square feet. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. A sign permit shall be required for all signs regulated under this section. Sign permit applications shall be submitted and issued in accordance with the provisions of the Economic Development Design Manual and the Orange County Zoning Ordinance. a-Signs for Parks, Public and Non-profit, Recreational Facilities, Non-Profit, and Recreational Facilities, Profit land uses shall be limited to a total square footage limitation of five hundred (500) square feet for all signs as detailed herein. This limitation does not pertain to Directional Signage erected in accordance with the provisions detailed herein. Upon motion of Commissioner , seconded by Commissioner ,the foregoing Zoning Ordinance amendments were adopted this the day of , 2008, and shall become effective upon adoption. Donna Baker, Clerk, Orange County Commissioners 12 _. ,, ,~