HomeMy WebLinkAboutDR-07-03 - Decision - 0196 Dorset Street#DR-07-03
CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING
LAWRENCE STEVENS -196 DORSET STREET
DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATION #DR-07-03
FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION
Lawrence Stevens, hereafter referred to as the applicant, is seeking to obtain a new master
signage permit for a multi -building lot located at 196 Dorset Street in the Dorset Street/ City
Center Sign District. The master signage permit would establish the design scheme for the
freestanding and wall signs on the property. The Development Review Board held a public
meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 2007. The applicant was present at the meeting.
Based on testimony provided at the above mentioned public meeting and the plans and
supporting materials contained in the document file for this application, the Development
Review Board finds, concludes, and decides the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The applicant s seeking to obtain a new master signage permit for a multi -building lot
located at 196 Dorset Street in the Dorset Street/ City Center Sign District. The master
signage permit would establish the design scheme for the freestanding and wall signs
on the property.
2. The Design Review Board reviewed this application on May 21, 2007 and
recommended that this application go before the Development Review Board for
approval.
3. The owner of record of the subject property is Patrick Malone.
4. The subject property is located in the Dorset Street/ City Center Sign District.
5. The plan submitted is entitled, "Plot Plan 196 Dorset Street", prepared by D. Forgays,
and dated 4/25/07.
Pursuant to Section 6 of the City of South Burlington Sign Ordinance, the erection, alteration,
or relocation of any sign within this district shall require design review by the South
Burlington Design Review Committee (DRC) and Development Review Board (DRB). Section
8 of the Sign Ordinance requires all property owners within the DS/CC Sign District to obtain
a Master Signage Permit.
The South Burlington Design Review Committee (DRC) met and discussed the application on
May 21, 2007. Below are comments from the DRC and Staff.
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DESIGN REVIEW CRITERIA
In reviewing an application for signage, the DRB shall consider the following:
(a) Consistent Design
The design of a sign must be compatible and harmonious with the design of buildings
on the subject property and nearby. The design of all signs on a property shall
promote consistency in terms of color, graphic style, lighting, location, material and
proportions.
The applicant has submitted illustrations of the proposed sign for the property:
The exterior free standing sign is proposed to be composed of alluminite- a plastic core
covered with sheets of aluminum. The posts are proposed to be 4"x4" pressure treated wood
posts. The Design Review Committee noted that previous uses of plain wood posts have
been unfavorably received in the sign district. They recommend either the use of aluminum
posts or painted white wood posts.
The sign is proposed to have a white background with blue lettering and flesh -toned
graphics.
The signs are proposed to be illuminated on both sides using ground spot lighting. The light
is proposed to be located approximately three (3) feet from the sign, on center.
The proposed signs and lighting are compatible with the existing building and the surrounding
buildings.
(b) Promotion of City Center Goals
Signs within the DS/CC Sign District should be of high aesthetic quality and
pedestrian oriented.
The proposed signage largely complies with this requirement. Graphics appear to be legible
and aesthetically pleasing. However, no landscaping is proposed as part of this application.
Section 9(g) if the South Burlington sign ordinance states that "all freestanding signs shall
have a base condition that is landscaped in an aesthetically pleasing or appropriate manner
with hardy plant materials and/or elements that will remain attractive throughout the
year .... such landscaping may be planted in the ground at the base, or may be in planters,
provided the planters are fixed to the ground or sign."
The applicant should ensure that the freestanding signs are landscaped to the greatest
extent practical while ensuring a clean and pleasant appearance. The applicant is proposing
5-6 Mugho Pines to be placed around the sign. These are short evergreens and are
acceptable provided they are properly maintained, including trimming and spraying for
insects.
5.The applicant shall ensure continued landscaping of the base of the freestanding
sign. Landscaping surrounding the freestanding signs shall be kept trimmed and neat
and shall not obscure the text of the signs.
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(c) Color & Texture
Section 6(b)(3) that states, "The use of a maximum of three (3) predominant colors is
encouraged to provide consistent foreground, text, and background color schemes,". The
sign is proposed to have a white background with blue lettering and flesh -toned graphics.
(d) Materials Used
Pursuant to Section 20 of the Sign Ordinance, all signs shall be of substantial and
sturdy construction, kept in good repair, and painted or cleaned as necessary to
maintain a clean, safe, and orderly appearance.
The materials proposed for signs on this property are in compliance with this criterion, with
the possible exception of the sign posts as addressed previously in this decision.
(e) Wall Mounted Signs
New wall mounted signs must be in compliance with the additional criteria included below
Pursuant to Table 10-1 of the Sign Ordinance, a wall -mounted sign for a multi -tenant
building or a multi -building lot with a master signage permit in any district with
freestanding or landscape sign shall not exceed 15% of the area of the fagade to which
it is attached or 100 sq. ft., whichever is smaller.
Pursuant to Table 10-1 of the Sign Ordinance, the total area of all wall -mounted signs
on the subject property shall not exceed 10% of the area of principal public fagade of
each building.
Section 10(c) states that a wall -mounted sign shall not project above the roof or
parapet of the building nor below the top of any first floor doorway unless permitted
through the design review approval process.
Pursuant to Section 10(d), a wall -mounted sign shall not cover any opening or project
beyond the top or end of any wall to which it is attached.
Section 10(g) stipulates that a wall -mounted sign shall not project from the wall in
excess of 9".
The master sign permit is limited to overall design criteria. The code officer shall ensure that
these criteria are met when issuing individual sign permits for the property. However, at this
time, no wall -mounted signs are proposed.
(t) Freestanding Signs
Section 9(h) states that free-standing signs along Dorset Street are to be located in a
sign corridor that begins adjacent to the road Right -of -Way and runs sixteen (16) feet
from the edge of the Right of Way toward the building face. Furthermore, the
applicant shall ensure that the proposed signs are not within the City's right of way.
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The proposed freestanding sign appears to be in compliance with this requirement.
However, the master sign permit considered herein is limited to overall design criteria.
The code officer shall ensure that these criteria are met when issuing individual sign
permits for the property.
Section 9(h) states that free-standing signs in the Dorset Street/City Center District
may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in overall dimensions and may be no
higher than twelve (12) feet, measured from the average finished grade at the base of
the sign to the highest point of any part of the sign structure.
The proposed freestanding sign is in compliance with this requirement. However, the
master sign permit considered herein is limited to overall design criteria. The code officer
shall ensure that these criteria are met when issuing individual sign permits for the
property.
DECISION
Motion by seconded by
to approve Desi n Review Applic tion #DR-07-03 of Lawrence Stevens, subjed to the
following conditions:
1. All previous approvals and stipulations, which are not superseded by this
approval, shall remain in effect.
2. This project shall be completed as shown on the plans submitted by the applicant
and on file in the South Burlington Department of Planning and Zoning.
3. A Master Signage Permit shall be issued for the property at 196 Dorset Street by
the DRB, prior to the issuance of any individual sign permit for the property.
4. The applicant shall obtain a sign permit before the sign is erected.
5. All free standing signs shall be composed of aluminite. The post materials shall
be either aluminum or shall be painted white wood.
6. All signs on the property shall be limited to a white background with blue lettering
and flesh toned graphics.
7. Lighting shall be limited to ground spot lighting. In no case shall such lighting
obstruct or distract pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
8. The applicant shall ensure continued landscaping of the base of the freestanding
sign. Landscaping surrounding the freestanding signs shall be kept trimmed and
neat and shall not obscure the text of the signs.
9. All signs shall be kept in good repair;
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10. Any change to the site plan shall require approval by the South Burlington
Department of Planning and Zoning or the Administrative Officer.
Mark Behr — rGe /nay/abstain/not present
Matthew Birmingham — yea/nay/abstain of presen
John Dinklage — ea/nay/abstain not presen
Roger Farley — e nay/abstain/not presen
Eric Knudsen — ea nay/abstain/not resent
Peter Plumeau — yea/nay/abstain of presen
Gayle Quimby — e nay/abstain/not pre ent
Motion carried by a vote of (� - 0
Signed this � day p�
�'-v 0 /-1/C
Mark Behr, Vice Chairman
2007, by
Please note: You have the right to appeal this decision to the Vermont Environmental
Court, pursuant to 24 VSA 4471 and VRCP 76 in writing, within 30 days of the date this
decision is issued. The fee is $225.00. If you fail to appeal this decision, your right to
challenge this decision at some future time may be lost because you waited too long.
You will be bound by the decision, pursuant to 24 VSA 4472 (d) (exclusivity of remedy;
finality).
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