Historic Review Board

HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD MEETING 112 Confedera te S tree t August 9th, 2022 4:30 PM AGENDA CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. HRB Meeting: June 14th, 2022 [Pages 2 - 3] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FOR TODAY’S MEETING 1. Fort Mill Historic District Signage Guidelines [Pages 4 – 12] NEW BUSINESS 1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) [Pages 13 - 25] Applicant Name: Shanon Little (You, Me, & The Dog) Owner Name: Michael W. Chase Property Address: 231/233 Main Street Purpose: Certificate of Appropriateness request for proposed wall sign Property information: Town of Fort Mill Historic Preservation District LC, Local Commercial Zoning District 2. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) [Pages 26 - 32] Applicant Name: Kathy R. Hayworth (Sign Systems, Inc.) Owner Name: L & C Land Holdings, Inc. Property Address: 134 N. White Street Purpose: Certificate of Appropriateness request for proposed ground sign Property information: Town of Fort Mill Historic Preservation District LC, Local Commercial Zoning District ADJOURN The following press was notified of the meeting by email or fax in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act: The Herald; CN2; WRHI; Fort Mill Times, and WBTV. The agenda was also posted at the entrance to Town Hall the required length of time and on the Town website. The Town of Fort Mill is committed to assuring accessibility with reasonable accommodation, of Town services and facilities for all individuals, in compliance with federal law. Please contact the Town Manager’s Office at 803-547-2116 if you need assistance. 1  MINUTES TOWN OF FORT MILL HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD June 14th, 2022 112 Confederate Street 4:30 PM Present: Chairman Louis Roman, David Booth, Megan Brinton, Scott Couchenour, Elizabeth Leventis, Jessica Scarlett, Nikki Todaro, Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, Planner I Tim Kramer, Senior Planner Alex Moore Absent: N/A Guests: Joseph Brennand, Tracey Roman CALL TO ORDER Chairman Louis Roman called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Louis Roman entertained a motion to approve the minutes. David Booth made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 26th, 2022, meeting as presented. Megan Brinton seconded the motion to approve the minutes. The minutes were then approved by a vote of 7-0. NEW BUSINESS Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) The only item on the agenda included a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) submitted by Joseph Brennand of Seaboard Signs, on behalf of 215 N. Main St, LLC, to install a wall sign and a projecting sign at 215 Main Street. Senior Planner Alex Moore noted the location of the property as being within the town’s historic district along with the zoning of LC, Local Commercial. Senior Planner Moore then provided the parameters for a wall sign within the town’s historic district. This included discernable and appealing graphics, an appropriate location on the façade, compatibility with the architecture and scale of the building, compatibility with the building and surrounding businesses. Moore then stated that the zoning ordinance allowed for a wall sign could not exceed an area equal to 15% of the area of the wall to which it is affixed. Moore then provided the parameters for a projecting sign. These parameters included the same as for the wall sign as noted above. He then stated that the zoning ordinance requires that a projecting sign shall not exceed an area of 12 square feet and may not extend more than three feet from the façade to which it is affixed. Senior Planner Moore then introduced Joe Brennand with Seaboard Signs to answer any further questions that board members might have regarding the proposed signs. 2 Mr. Brennand stated that this was the second location of “Whitaker’s” that his company had made signs for, the first one being in Conway, SC, and located within a historic district. As with the Whitaker’s location in Conway, the signage would consist of aluminum and be painted matte black. The sign lettering would be aluminum plate, cut by a router. Thus, the signage would not look as “flat.” Chairman Roman then asked board members if there were any questions. Scott Couchenour asked if either of the signs would be lighted. Mr. Brennand stated that neither sign would be lighted. There being no further questions or comments, Chairman Roman entertained a motion Elizabeth Leventis made a motion to approve the wall sign and projecting sign as presented. David Booth seconded the motion. Then, by a vote of 7-0, the HRB approved the wall sign and projecting sign as presented for 215 Main Street. Planning Director Penelope Karagounis then introduced Mr. Tim Kramer, the new planner within the Fort Mill Planning Department. She noted that Mr. Kramer had a good deal of experience with trails and that the town was very happy to have him. Mr. Kramer indicated that he was looking forward to working with the town as well as the historic review board in the future. Chairman Roman and the historic review board welcomed Mr. Kramer as well. There being no other business, Chairman Roman adjourned the meeting at 4:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Alex J. Moore, AICP Senior Planner July 29th, 2022 3 Design Guidelines for New and Modified Signs Signs are used to identify the location of a business and attract customers. Signs should be both integral to a building’s design and noticeable to customers. When planning signage for a building: Establish objectives for signage Signage should provide clear, legible information about a business while also appealing to prospective customers. A signage plan should demonstrate forethought in the design, size, placement and graphic format of each sign to ensure an integrated signage strategy and design. Every proposed sign should have a purpose. Limit impacts on character-defining features Signage should provide clear, A building’s historic architecture, such as its pilasters and decorative legible information about a business banding, is important to protect. These features may also be a major while also appealing to prospective draw to customers and provide a unique business identity. Plan signage customers. to highlight, rather than cover or physically impact, these elements. Find original sign locations on a building Step back and examine a building from across the street. Does it have a recessed or framed horizontal band over the storefront or below the roof parapet? Does the building have large shop windows? Many historic and even modern buildings are designed with sign bands. Similarly, large shop windows were intended for pedestrian-scale advertising. Use of these originally designed sign spaces will ensure that new signage Appropriately placed and sized is well integrated into a building’s architecture. signage, crafted of durable materials, can reinforce the architecture of a historic building Ensure sign compatibility with building and site and its surroundings, and attract Consider what type and size of signage would best fit the architecture customers. and scale of a historic building. What signage would best relate to a building’s original vertical and horizontal patterns? Are the proposed signs made of high quality materials that correspond with the building and its surroundings? Appropriately placed and sized signage, crafted of durable materials, can reinforce the architecture of a historic building and its surroundings, and attract customers. Conversely, maximizing signage may often lead to visual clutter that does not promote business activity. Appropriately placed and sized Consider impacts on the block signage, crafted of durable Is the building located in a historic district next to other historic materials, can reinforce the buildings? Is the building in a residential setting? Consider placing architecture of a historic building and its surroundings, and attract signs at the same height and similar façade locations as adjacent customers. commercial buildings to provide an integrated block appearance. When located next to residential uses, consider the visual impact, as well as the potential “light spray” impacts, of signage. Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines 101 4  Create graphic interest A generic sign box does little to acknowledge a business’ location in a unique historic district or on a historic landmark site. Ensure that any proposed signage lives up to its historic landmark or district location, and is distinctive. In most cases, this translates into signage that is creative and visually interesting, providing pedestrians with a sense of curiosity and delight. Sign Character A new sign should be in character with the materials, colors and details of the building. The integration of the sign with the building or building façade is important and should be a key factor in its design Encourage signage that is creative and installation. and visually interesting, providing pedestrians with a sense of curiosity and delight. 5.3 A sign should be subordinate to the overall building composition. • Design a sign to be simple in character. • Scale a sign to fit with the façade of the building. • Locate a sign to emphasize design elements of the façade Itself. • Mount a sign to fit within existing architectural features using the shape of the sign to help reinforce the horizontal lines of the building. • Rooftop, animated and message board signs are inappropriate. Sign Content A simple sign design is preferred. Sign content should be designed to be visually interesting and clearly legible. 5.4 A simple sign design is preferred. • Typefaces that are in keeping with those seen in the area traditionally are encouraged. • Avoid hard-to-read or overly intricate typeface styles. 102 Chapter 5: Guidelines for Signs 5 Sign Lighting The sign illumination source should be shielded to minimize glare. Light intensity should not overpower the building or street edge. Small and discreet modern light fittings may provide an unobtrusive alternative to traditionally styled lamp units. 5.5 Use shielded lighting source on a sign. • Directing lighting at signage from an external, shielded lamp is appropriate. • A warm light, similar to daylight, is appropriate. • Strobe lighting is not appropriate. • Internal illumination is not appropriate. Use shielded lighting source on a sign. 5.6 Silhouette lighting may provide an effective and subtle form of lighting which can be used to accentuate both sign and building. • This form of lighting can be used with either wall or sign panels or individual letters. • The light source should not be visible. Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines 103 6  Sign Installation The installation of a sign is an integral aspect in the retention of key architectural features and in minimizing damage to the building. 5.7 Avoid damaging or obscuring architectural details or features when installing signs. • Minimize the number of anchor points on the wall when feasible. Sign Materials A sign should exhibit qualities of style, permanence and compatibility with the natural and built environment. 5.8 Use sign materials that are compatible with the building façade and site. • Use colors, materials and details that are compatible with the overall character of the façade. • Permanent, durable materials that reflect the Fort Mill context are encouraged. • Avoid highly reflective materials. Sign Color Color should be used both to accentuate the sign design and message and also to integrate the sign or lettering with the building and its context. Avoid damaging or obscuring 5.9 Use colors for the sign that are generally compatible architectural details or features with those of the building front. when installing signs. • Limit the number of colors used on a sign. In general, no more than three colors should be used, although accent colors may also be appropriate. Use colors for the sign that are generally compatible with those of the building front. 104 Chapter 5: Guidelines for Signs 7 Appropriate Sign Types Sign types that are considered generally to be appropriate are defined here. While selecting a sign, an important design principle to consider is that signs should not overwhelm the architecture of the building. Consistent placement of signs according to building style, type, size, location and materials creates a sense of visual continuity. Awnings or Canopy Sign This is a sign located on the face of a canopy or awning. 5.10 A sign located on or under a canopy or awning may be considered. • These are most appropriate in areas with high pedestrian use. • Consider sign lettering centered on a building canopy where a flush-mounted sign would obscure architectural details. Awning and canopy signs are most appropriate in areas with high pedestrian use. Consider sign lettering centered on a building canopy where a flush- mounted sign would obscure architectural details. Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines 105 8  Window Sign This is a sign painted on the surface of, or located on the interior of, a display window. 5.11 Design a window sign to: • Minimize the amount of window covered. • Be painted on the glass or hung inside a window. Wall Sign This is an attached sign painted on or attached to the wall or surface of Design a window sign to minimize a building or display surface which is parallel to the supporting surface. the amount of window covered. 5.12 Flush mounted wall signs may be considered. • Place wall signs to align with nearby buildings. • Determine if decorative moldings exist that could define a sign panel. If so, locate a flush-mounted wall sign to fit within a panel formed by moldings or transom panels. • Do not obstruct character-defining features of a building with signage. Design a window sign to be painted on the glass or hung inside a 5.13 Design a wall sign to minimize the depth of a sign panel window. or letters. • A wall sign should be relatively flush with the building façade. • Design a wall sign to sit within, rather than forward of, the fascia or other architectural details of the building. Design a wall sign to minimize the depth of a sign panel or letters. A wall sign should be relatively flush with the building façade. 106 Chapter 5: Guidelines for Signs 9 Projecting Sign This is an attached sign which projects and has one end attached to a building, and which does not employ ground support. 5.14 Design a projecting sign to be similar in character to those seen traditionally. • Design the sign bracket as a decorative or complementary element of the sign. The bracket should appear as part of the sign composition and design. 5.15 Projecting or blade signs may be considered. • Locate small projecting signs near the business entrance, just above the door or to the side of it. • Mount moderately sized projecting signs higher on the building, Design the sign bracket as a centered on the façade or positioned at the corner. decorative or complementary • Small hanging signs are appropriate under a canopy on commercial element of the sign. building types or from the inside of a porch on residential building types. Symbol Sign This refers to a symbol displayed on a sign that portrays a certain word, name, product or idea. This may be located on the interior of a display window and may also be installed on an exterior façade. 5.16 Using a symbol for a sign is encouraged. A symbol sign adds interest to the • A symbol sign adds interest to the street, can be read quickly and street, can be read quickly and is often remembered better than written words. is often remembered better than written words. Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines 107 10  Tenant or Directory Sign A tenant panel or directory sign displays the tenant name and location for a building containing multiple tenants. 5.17 Use a tenant panel or directory sign to consolidate small individual signs on a larger building. • Use a consolidated tenant panel or directory sign to help users find building tenants. • Locate a consolidated tenant panel or directory sign near a primary entrance on the first floor wall of a building. Interpretive Sign An interpretive sign refers to a sign or group of signs that provide information to visitors on natural, cultural and historic resources or other pertinent information. An interpretive sign may be erected by a Use a tenant panel or directory sign non-profit organization or may be a public sign erected by a national, to consolidate small individual signs state or local government agency. on a larger building. Generally, interpretive signs should comply with the design guidelines for the sign type that is the closest match. The guidelines below apply to a common freestanding sign type. 5.18 Design an interpretive sign to be simple in character. • The sign face should be easily read and viewed by pedestrians. 5.19 An interpretive sign should remain subordinate to its context. Design an interpretive sign to be simple in character. 108 Chapter 5: Guidelines for Signs 11 Pole Mounted or Freestanding Sign A pole mounted/freestanding sign is generally mounted on one or two simple poles. 5.20 A pole sign should be appropriate to the context. In a residential context: • The top of the sign should not rise above the typical front porch railing height of a traditional residential building. • A double pole mounted sign or cantilevered sign is preferred. In a commercial context: • The top of the sign should not rise above the typical top of the street level storefront of a traditional commercial building. • Sign panels that stretch to the ground are inappropriate. Ground or Monument Sign These signs are low to the ground and are not attached to any part A pole sign should be appropriate to of the buildings. the context. 5.21 Maintain the visual qualities and ambience of a building, site and surrounding context when adding ground signage. • Place ground mounted signs in a location that is readable from the street and appropriate for the building and it surroundings. • Design ground mounted signs to be subordinate in size to the building and in scale with a building’s architectural elements. • Do not design ground or monument signs to be so elaborate that they replicate or upstage the architecture of a historic building or its surroundings. • When night time illumination is needed, use focused external illumination, particularly in residential settings. • Do not use internally lit plastic or plastic-looking boxes. Maintain the visual qualities and ambience of a building, site and surrounding context when adding ground signage. Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines 109 12  H I S T OR I C R E V I E W B OA R D Applicant: You, Me & the Dog Subject Property: 231 & 233 Main Street Property Owner: Michael Chase Tax Map # 020-02-01-014 Zoning District: Local Commercial, LC/Historic District Zoning Case: 2022-254 REQUEST The Planning Department has received an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from You, Me & the Dog to install one wall sign, apply window signage, and change the color of the two doors at 231 & 233 Main Street. SITE DESCRIPTION AND GENERAL CONSTRUCTION PLAN This property is located within the downtown historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The applicant requests a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Historic Review Board (HRB) to install one wall sign on the building facade, add window signage, and alter the color of the two doors at 231 & 233 Main Street. The Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines have schematic parameters for the implementation of signage. These guidelines are attached. Generally, the historic district signage guidelines indicate that there should be clear objectives established for the signage with limited impacts on defining features of a given building. If the subject building has discernable locations of original signage, such areas should be targeted for new or updated signs. The proposed signage should be compatible with the building and site. The impact on the overall area, including adjacent structures, should also be considered. Window signage should be designed to minimize the amount of window covered and be painted on the glass or hung inside a window. Additionally, the color palette that is preferred in The Fort Mill Historic District is of a traditional or historic feel. If the historic color scheme is not known, then an interpretation of those on similar building is appropriate, matte rather than high gloss paint finishes is preferred. 13 Each signage type and door color alteration as proposed will now be considered with respect to the town’s historic district and zoning guidelines. The applicant has provided color renderings of the planned signage which are included within the HRB packet. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS • The submitted wall sign drawing indicates a clear objective design in that discernable and appealing typeface is used. Importantly, the impacts upon the building’s character defining features are certainly limited. • Additionally, the historic district guidelines indicate that the proposed location of this wall sign is appropriate. Specifically, the illustrative drawing indicates that this wall sign would be placed over the awning of the storefront area taking place of the current sign that is similar in design and size. Based on the design of the façade, the historic district guidelines indicate that this section was in fact likely intended as the signage location for this building. • The proposed wall sign does fit the architecture and scale of the building. The submitted drawing indicates that this sign is in the appropriate location on the façade and is designed to be compatible with the building and surrounding businesses. • The respective zoning regulations for such wall signs shall also be considered. Downtown Fort Mill has the LC zoning designation. The town’s zoning ordinance indicates that a wall sign shall not exceed an area equal to 15% of the area of the wall to which it is affixed. Thus, the wall sign as proposed consists of approximately 31.2 square feet. This wall sign is within the parameters allowed. • The proposed window signage will minimize the amount of window covered, situated primarily on the border areas. Although the applicant plans to locate peel and stick signage and lettering on the exterior of building windows, the planning staff recommends the material for the window signs to be of outdoor grade to with stand UV damage and the elements. • Applicant plans to change the color of the two doors that front Main Street. The color is a darker shade of the current blue along with a matte finish which are consistent with the historic district’s preferred historic or traditional palettes. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Planning Staff recommends that the HRB grant APPROVAL for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed building improvements as submitted with the condition that the window signage material is of outdoor grade. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25  H I S T OR I C R E V I E W B OA R D Applicant: Sign Systems, Inc. Subject Property: 134 N. White Street Property Owner: L & C LAND HOLDINGS INC Tax Map # 020-02-02-007 Zoning District: Local Commercial, LC/Historic District Zoning Case: 2022-0255 REQUEST The Town of Fort Mill Planning Department has received an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Sign Systems, Inc. conveying a request to place one ground/monument sign at 134 N. White Street. S I T E D E S C R I P T I ON A N D G E N E R A L C ON S T R U C T I ON P L A N 134 N. White Street is situated on the eastern corner of the intersection of N. White Street and Clebourne Street and will be the property in which Fort Mill Pharmacy will occupy. This property falls within the Fort Mill Historic Preservation Overlay District (HPOD). Though it is not located within the Town of Fort Mill’s Historic District or on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the Historic Review Board (HRB) must review any proposed changes to this property due to its location within the HPOD and must comply with the Fort Mill Historic Preservation Ordinance and the corresponding design guidelines. The proposal describes the installation of one double sided non-illuminated monument sign mounted on a brick base fronting Clebourne Street. H I S T OR I C D I S T R I C T D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S R E V I E W The Town of Fort Mill Historic District Guidelines indicate that ground signs should maintain the visual qualities and ambience of a building, site, and surrounding context in the following manner which the proposed sign design qualifies to each: • Place ground mounted signs in a location that is readable from the street and appropriate for the building and its surroundings. • Design ground mounted signs to be subordinate in size to the building and in scale with the building’s architectural elements. • Do not design ground or monument signs to be so elaborate that they replicate or upstage the architecture of a historic building or its surroundings. 26  • When night-time illumination is needed, use focused external illumination. • Do not use internally lit plastic or plastic-looking boxes. Z ON I N G G U I D E L I N E S R E V I E W The allowances for ground signs per the Town of Fort Mill Zoning Ordinance and the corresponding design for this sign are noted below: HEIGHT • Maximum permitted height for a ground sign: Eight (8) feet • Proposed height of the ground sign: Six (6) feet NUMBER OF GROUND SIGNS • Maximum number of ground signs: One (1) for each street frontage. • Number of proposed ground signs for the respective street frontage: One (1) MAXIMUM AREA • Maximum square footage for a non-illuminated, ground sign: Eighty (80) square feet • Proposed square footage for this non-illuminated, ground sign: 21.32 square feet MINIMUM SETBACK • Minimum setback required for a ground sign: Fifteen (15) feet from any property line and/or three (3) feet from any right-of-way. • Proposed setback for this ground sign: Three (3) feet from the street right-of-way. ADVERTISING MESSAGE • Letters, symbols, and graphics of a ground sign should not occupy more than 40% of the total sign area. • The lettering of this proposed ground sign, which includes approximately 8.16 square feet, occupies approximately 38% of the total sign area. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Planning Staff recommends that the HRB grant APPROVAL for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed ground sign at 134 N. White Street. 27 28 29 30 31 32