Architectural Advisory Board

Architectural Advisory Board Council Chambers July 8, 2015 7:45 p.m. Meeting called to order at 7:47 p.m. 1. Roll Call: Mr. Fritsch, Mr. Way, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Friedlander and Mr. Wong were present. 2. Petitions: There were no petitions. 3. Consent Calendar: a. AAB ##2015-0673 – installation of an awning with signage for Super Cuts at 444 W. Broad St Unit C. Mr. Way made a motion to approve as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously approved. b. AAB #2015-0572 – installation of multiple wall signs for US Penny Coin Services at 901 W. Broad St. The board questioned the requirement to include business name on the sign and discussed with staff. While the board is aware that the sign is already in place, the board does feel that the signs do not adequately represent the business. Staff stated they will speak to the business owner to provide board feedback and address changes to the signage. c. AAB #2015-0702 – installation of an awning with signage for My Thrive Pilates at 444 W. Broad Unit B. Mr. Way made a motion to approve as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Friedlander and unanimously approved. 4. Other Business: The board discussed a proposal for the AAB to become regulatory instead of advisory. Board and staff will explore ways to revise the board’s role and responsibilities, the process, and the board’s relationship with city regulatory bodies. 5. Old Business: There was no old business. 6. New Business: a. Variance application V1570-15 by Koons Falls Ch Properties LLC a variance to Sec. 48- 1265 (1) to allow four [4] wall signs instead of two [2] and to Sec. 48-1265 (1)(a) to allow a total sign area of approximately 139 square feet instead of 50 square feet on the showroom building, referred to as 1051 East Broad St; and a variance to Sec. 48-1265 (1) to allow four [4] wall signs instead of two [2] and to Sec. 48-1265 (1)(a) to allow a total sign area of approximately 214 square feet instead of 50 square feet on the service building, referred to as 1031 East Broad St, on premises known as 1101 East Broad Street, RPC # 53-218-145, zoned B-3 General Business, said property owned by Koons Falls CH Properties, LLC. Prior to this hearing, this item will be reviewed at a public  meeting by the Architectural Advisory Board on July 8, 2015 for recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals. After presentation by the applicant, the board, staff and applicant discussed the variance application and the aspects of this particular property. Based on the discussion and consideration, Mr. Way made a motion to accept the variance application based on the unique setting of the building on this property elevated and away from the street as well as the needs for way-finding for drivers once on the property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously approved. b. Variance application V1571-15 by Lincoln FChurch VA, LLC to Sec. 48-1265 (10) to allow four (4) building identification signs instead of one (1), with a total building identification sign area of 289 square feet instead of 80 square feet, to be partially composed of non-individually stylized lettering, and for one such sign, exterior sign 02 (labeled as EX.02) to be mounted on a non-street-facing side of the building; a variance to Sec. 48-1265 (1) to allow eleven [11] wall signs instead of two [2], and Sec. 48-1265 (1) (a) to allow a total wall sign area of 365 square feet instead of 50 square feet; a variance to Sec. 48-1265 (2) to allow three [3] projecting signs instead of one [1], and Sec. 48- 1265 (2)(a) to allow a total projecting sign area of 79 square feet instead of 10, and Sec. 48-1265 (2)(b) to allow placement of the signs above the lower sill line of the second floor windows and to project approximately 5 feet from the building instead of 4 feet on premises known as 455 South Maple Ave, RPC #52-308-009 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned B-3, General Business, said property owned by Lincoln FChurch VA, LLC. Prior to this hearing, this item will be reviewed at a public meeting by the Architectural Advisory Board on July 8, 2015 for recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals. After presentation by the applicant, the board, staff and applicant discussed the variance application and the aspects of this particular property. While the applicant did address the board’s early concerns and comments, the submitted package lacked enough documentation of actual planned signage so as to allow the board to make an effective and informed judgement. Based on the submitted materials, Mr. Way made a motion that the board table the variance proposal, requested a revised submission for tenant signage to see all tenant signs in their proposed final state; requested to see sign EX.11 with actual design in place to assess scale and fit, and provided the following recommendations for the documented signage: remove signs EX.01 and EX.02 as they are excessive and unnecessary; move EX.03 to the adjacent broader masonry vertical section; remove sign T1.08 as it is for a tenant at the other end of the building an would be confusing in its proposed location; and reduce the height of the directional signs (EX.06, EX.08, EX.10) to 1’8” to better match other similar signs proposed for the property. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Friedlander and unanimously approved. 7. Minutes from the May 6, 2015 AAB meeting were reviewed. Mr. Way made a motion that they be accepted as submitted, seconded by Mr. Wong, and passed unanimously. 8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m.