Board of Architectural Review

127 Center Street South Town of Vienna Vienna, Virginia 22180 p: 703.255.6341 TTY 7111 Meeting Minutes Board of Architectural Review Thursday, July 20, 2023 7:30 PM Council Chambers-Vienna Town Hall Roll Call The Board of Architectural Review met in a regular session on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 7:30 pm in Town Hall located at 127 Center St S, Vienna, VA 22180. Chair Mr. Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Roll Call: Mr. Layer, Ms. Hanley, Mr. Cheselka, and Mr. Baldwin were present. Members absent: Ms. van Doorn. Staff present: Planner Sharmaine Abaied and Board Clerk Yaska Camacho Castillo. Approval of the Minutes June 15, 2023, meeting minutes and work session minutes for June 9, 2023, June 14, 2023, and July 12, 2023, were accepted into the record as submitted. Regular Business: Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 BAR23-416 377 Maple Ave W - The Maple Room - Exterior Modifications (Revision) Request for approval of revisions to previously approved exterior modifications for The Maple Room, located at 377 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-698964-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by John Gaston, Paramount Construction Services, LLC. Project contact. Applicant Present: John Gaston – 21441 Pacific Blvd Ste 230, Sterling, VA 20166. Mr. Gaston gave a brief presentation regarding the revisions that included the outdoor seating furniture for the deck, tree lights, modifications to the previously approved deck, patio bench location, patio landscaping, minor changes to the paver color, and changes to the acoustical wall. Mr. Gaston stated that a sail would be another option besides the umbrella for the deck. One side would be attached to the wall, and the other two sides would be attached to the post. You can reverse it to overlap, with two triangles covering the deck. The colors being considered for the sails are natural colors, greenish colors, and midnight black. Mr. Gaston continued to describe the proposed outdoor seating furniture. The applicant said that Mr. Sarantis wants to be able to put lights on the trees along Lewis Street and Maple Avenue. Part of the application is the specifications for LED Christmas lighting that is dimmable. You can set it to twenty-five percent (25%), Fifty percent (50%), seventy-five percent (75%), and one hundred percent (100%). It is warm white, so it will not be super bright. In the case that it is, it can be lowered. Mr. Gaston stated that in the previous application, the colors for the pavers were reversed. The dark color was in the middle, and the light color was in the border. Due to the material shortage, they are now using the light color for the interior (center) and the dark color for the border. The applicant commented that they had to cut the corner of the deck due to the Washington Gas meter installation. He mentioned that because of that modification, the acoustical wall/fence was moved adjacent to the handicap ramp. The fence will be a ten (10) feet high chain link fence. It will have a sound barrier mat. In front of the wall, they will hang green ivy fake hedges on it. There was a discussion on whether the sound barrier mat should be placed on both sides of the wall. Mr. Layer inquired about the lighting. He stated that the specifications show a big bundle of lights and many features, that included blinking lights. Mr. Gaston responded that the intent is to have solid lights. The lights come with a controller that allows you to dim the lights from twenty-five percent (25%), Fifty percent (50%), seventy-five percent (75%), and one hundred percent (100%). If desired, you can set it to the blinking feature, but the intent is to put it to solid lights. The discussion about lighting continued. The board reviewed the rest of the modifications and commented on the colors submitted for the umbrella. Mr. Layer stated that the board typically asks for samples because they can’t tell what the colors look like from computer-generated information. Mr. Gaston said they wanted to see if the board approved the umbrella or sail options before submitting the samples. Mr. Cheselka asked for clarification on the tree lights. He wondered if the lights would be used only through the Holiday season. Mr. Gaston responded probably Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 throughout the year. Mr. Cheselka and Mr. Layer voiced their concerns about the lighting being on all night and possibly creating competition with other commercial businesses. Mr. Cheselka liked the creativity but stated that the board has been working hard to get consistency with lighting and feels this will be a setback to their progress. The discussion continued. Ms. Hanley asked for clarification on how many benches were being proposed. Mr. Gaston replied six. After discussing the umbrellas, sails, and tables, Ms. Hanley commented on the acoustical wall. She said she would favor the Ivy on one side of the wall vs. on both sides. Additionally, Ms. Hanley stated she loved the idea of the lighting on the tree. It gives it a warm feeling in the back parking lot. She suggested that if the board members are concerned with the lighting, they could put it on a timer. Mr. Gaston said that the lighting does have a timer option. The lighting was back in discussion. Mr. Gaston asked when the Holiday season started. Is there a specific date? Mr. Layer stated it would be during the winter holiday season, beginning around Thanksgiving and ending on January 1st. Mr. Baldwin stated that he had some concerns about the tree lights. He believes this is the first time the board has been asked to consider this type of request. He is unsure what the policies are for lights on trees and feels this may be a request to be presented to the Town Council. After discussing Mr. Baldwin’s tree lighting concern and the landscaping modification, the following motions were made: Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the revisions to previously approved exterior modifications for The Maple Room, located at 377 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-698964-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, for the following items: • Approved the deck chairs & tables. • Upgraded geometry (deck layout) due to the Washington Gas meter installation. • The revised patio bench location indicating the six new approved locations. • The minor changes to the patio geometry to extend the planting area. • The minor changes in paver color due to material availability. • The updated landscape plan that shows the removal of the previously proposed Crepe Myrtle trees. • Relocation of the acoustical wall with both sides treated with acoustic mats and ivy. • Other items addressed in a different motion. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 1 absent Motion Carried Ms. Hanley made a motion to defer the request for approval of the umbrellas and sails to get the material and color sample (for the chosen option)—the integration and location of the support posts for the sails and sample of the tabletop. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Cheselka Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Motion Carried Ms. Hanley made a motion to deny the lighting proposed to allow the applicant to return with a different option to warm the parking lot for the reasons stated in the meeting minutes. Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 Mr. Baldwin seconded the motion for discussion. He stated that this allows the applicant to appeal to the town council if they choose to. The board discussed whether the chair could second a motion. After the discussion, Mr. Baldwin withdrew the motion. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the lights at the lowest setting, illuminated during the holiday season (Christmas holiday season), and off at a reasonable time at the closing of business. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 3-1 Absent 1 Nay: Mr. Baldwin said he voted nay for the lighting because he felt the request should be submitted to Town Council for review for the reasons stated above. Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 BAR23-417 512 Maple Ave W - Tobacco Lion - Signs Item No 2: Request for approval of signs for Tobacco Lion, located at 512 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-1054978-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Syed Zaidi, Azdar Inc., project contact. Applicants Present: Syed Zaidi – 512 Maple Ave W The applicant stated that in the first initial sign submittal, the size of the sign was big. He amended the size as suggested by staff. Ms. Abaied noted that she spoke with the applicant about the size. She mentioned how the board typically likes enough signage space for all tenants. If the initial sign measuring sixty (60) square feet is approved, that won’t allow room for the tenant on the lower level. Ms. Abaied recommended reducing the sign to thirty (30) square feet so that the tenant on the bottom floor could use the remaining thirty (30) square feet. There was a conversation on the proposed roof location for the sign. Board members described the difference between a mansard roof and a hip roof. Ms. Hanley stated that the proposed roof was a hip roof. A hip roof has a structure underneath the roofing material, making it solid. A mansard roof changes slope and it gets steeper as it goes down. The proposed roof (hip roof) is supposed to be an architectural feature meaning you cannot put anything on top of it. The board recommended using the wall adjacent to the space and considering the other signs to help with the design. Mr. Layer suggested using window signs if they were worried about customers not seeing where they’re located. There was a discussion about the color and design. The applicant described the pylon sign. He stated that the face is brand new (new acrylic). The only thing they are doing is applying translucent vinyl onto the existing face. Ms. Hanley stated she didn’t mind the logo but would prefer the lettering to be black like the rest of the tenants. The applicant stated there would be no change to the illumination. Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the façade sign for Tobacco Lion, located at 512 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-1054978-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Syed Zaidi, Azdar Inc., project contact with the following condition: • Follow up with some of the board's recommendations regarding the sign's placement to the left and provide a new design scheme compatible with the building and other signs. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 4-0 Motion Carried Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the pylon sign for Tobacco Lion, located at 512 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-1054978-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Syed Zaidi, Azdar Inc., project contact with the following condition: • Pylon sign to be black vinyl lettering to match the existing. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 4-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 BAR23-418 319 Mill St NE - Vienna Matclub Inc - Sign Request for approval of a sign for Vienna Matclub, located at 319 Mill St NE., Docket No. PF-885357-BAR, in the CM Limited Industrial zoning district; filed by David Krauskopf, Business Owner. Applicant Present: Kevin Hazard – 319 Mill St NE The applicant was initially proposing a five-by-seven vinyl sign. The board had concerns about the durability of the material. The applicant is now proposing a dibond aluminum with vinyl lettering, and because of the manufacturing process, the sign has been reduced to a three-by-five. There was a discussion on placing the sign 12 inches from the door and the height of the sign right at the start of the door. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the sign for Vienna Matclub, located at 319 Mill St NE., Docket No. PF-885357-BAR, in the CM Limited Industrial zoning district, as presented. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 4-0 Motion Carried Recess 9:10 pm – 9:15 pm BAR23-419 139 Church St NW - Bognet Construction - Master Sign Plan Request for approval of a master sign plan for Bognet Construction, located at 139 Church St NW., Docket No. PF-1032538-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial zoning district; filed by Steve Kenney, RV Architecture, Project Contact. Applicant present: Steve Kenney – 139 Church St Mr. Kenney explained that the minor modifications to the application were the specifications of the signage fonts that were requested by the board during the last meeting. The material and the proposed colors were reviewed by the board. With no questions or concerns, a motion was in order. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the master sign plan for Bognet Construction, located at 139 Church St NW., Docket No. PF-1032538-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 BAR23-420 139 Church St NW - Bognet Construction - Exterior Modifications Request for approval of exterior modifications for Bognet Construction, located at 139 Church St NW., Docket No. PF-1032511-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial zoning district; filed by Steve Kenney, RV Architecture, Project Contact. Applicant present: Steve Kenney – 139 Church St NW Mr. Kenney presented the board with the recent modifications to the battens on the east side elevation, additional information on the proposed ramp, the addition of four prefab planters, changes to the mansard roof, landscaping, and lighting, and the material for the railing system. The board reviewed the application and the samples that were provided by the applicant. There was a discussion on the stain color and the color of the mansard roof. Mr. Baldwin and Ms. Hanley stated they liked option two from the east elevation. Mr. Baldwin asked for clarification on what colors will be used. Mr. Kenney said that the roof would be musket gray, the middle would remain white, and the bottom would return to a lighter gray. Mr. Layer commented that the white dormer louvers will not stay white. He suggested changing the color to match the base color. Mr. Baldwin asked about the Trex sample and the railing. Mr. Kenney replied that the trek sample would be used on the ramp, and the railing would be white with black picket aluminum. Mr. Layer suggested changing the Trex color to a charcoal gray. After comments and suggestions, a motion was in order. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the exterior modifications for Bognet Construction, located at 139 Church St NW., Docket No. PF-1032511-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial zoning district; filed by Steve Kenney, RV Architecture, Project Contact, with the following stipulations: • The louvered dormers shown on the East side (option 2) will also be placed on the West side over the windows. • The Mansard roof color be changed to Musket Gray. • The base concrete stain be similar or the same as the proposed Network Gray paint color. • The Trex flooring to the accessible ramp be Charcoal Gray. • The dormers be matching PT3. • The railing as shown. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 4-0 Motion Carried Regular Meeting: Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 BAR23-421 127 Center St S - Recommendations to Town of Vienna for updated Code. Recommendation to Town Council Chapter 18 – Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. The board continued to discuss the draft changes to the zoning regulations under Chapter 18 of the Town Code, which they had started during the July 12, 2023, work session. Below are the additional recommendations made to Town Council: Recommendation #12 The BAR recommends deleting Section 18-420 #2, Section 18-486 #2, Section 18-538 #2 & Section 18-587#2, Applicability, and incorporate into recommendation #1. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: Signage must have context to its location. This is covered in the current code section under, 18-184, C., 1. All such signs shall be used for center and tenant identification purposes only. This is a subset of recommendation #1. Recommendation #13 The BAR recommends putting back 18-186 – (current code), Sign Permit Procedures, and the requirement for a permit in its entirety. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: The requirements of this section provide a uniform basis for sign applications and allows for greater efficacy and objectivity for review. Chapter 4 (current code) Sect. 4-9 Application outlines parameters for application requirements that are more oriented towards buildings, and Section 18-186 (current code), focuses on the application for signs and is more pertinent for those specific applications. The BAR generally reviews many more signs than buildings. Recommendation #14 The BAR recommends clarifying or adding a graphic to explain sign illumination 18-488, 2., 18-540, 3. &18-589, F. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: It is unclear where an illuminated sign is allowed next to residential properties. A graphic would resolve this issue. Additionally, each section does not use a parallel structure, 18-488 uses the word “they” which is vague. Recommendation #15 The BAR recommends not allowing internally illuminated Box signs on Church Street under 18-589, H., Zone CS only. Also applies to 18-540, 5. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: The board believes consistency along Church Street is better achieved by linking Church Street District to Church Street Vision Incentive Overlay District instead of the Avenue Center District. Recommendation #16 The BAR recommends including a time stamp under 18-546 2. & 18-595 2. -Temporary Signs to enable to track 60 allowable time period. Town of Vienna Page 8 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: This recommendation is for the non-residential areas only. Recommendation #17 The BAR recommends putting back in 18-178A., 10 (current code), which restricts telephone numbers, email addresses, internet addresses, etc. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: This is included in the current code to reduce clutter and distraction to motorists, which is a safety concern. Recommendation #18 The BAR recommends to remove from 18-420 #2, Section 18-486 #2, Section 18-538 #2 & Section 18-587#2., “These regulations do not regulate or restrict signs by content…”, etc. in its entirety. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: This invalidates many tools of the current sign code, and opens the door to many applications that could lead to clutter, reduce legibility to motorists and adversely affect property values. Many of these concerns are due to significant deletions and modifications of the current Article 19. Please refer to the attachment highlighting the sections of the current code that were deleted (in red), modified (in blue), and remain the same (in black). Also note that the modified sections do offer some explanation in the form of attached notes. However, the full extend and ramifications are not clear. Recommendation #19 – Chapter 4 (Current code) The BAR recommends clarifying under 4-2 Designations of Architectural Control District that all land areas in the Town which are zoned other than single family detached residential etc. does include the right-or-ways and townhomes, including decks and fences. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: In the past, the above items required BAR review, and recently ambiguity has crept in; please resolve. Recommendation #20 The BAR recommends including under the new lighting section anything that changes the exterior appearance of the building or is easily viewed from the right of way is considered under the purview of the BAR. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: With the advent and advancement of the development of LED lighting, there is a growing ability to erect lighting that yields highly undesirable results as it applies to both esthetics, material integrity, and safety. Recommendation #21 The BAR recommends allowing internally lit ground-mounted signs in the AC district. Vote: 3-1 Town of Vienna Page 9 Printed on 8/21/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes July 20, 2023 Absent 1 Mr. Layer stated that he was inclined to leave it the way it is. He believes that most sites are so close that no one puts anything out of the ground because there’s no space. Note: Restrictions of this type of sign may discourage businesses from updating existing signage. Recommendations #22 The BAR recommends that Town Council be encouraged to review Satellite Antennas restrictions in the proposed code. Vote: 4-0 Absent 1 Note: This is the new language that BAR recommends further review and development. Meeting Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:20 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Yaska Camacho Castillo Board Clerk THE TOWN OF VIENNA IS COMMITTED TO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STANDARDS. TRANSLATION SERVICES, ASSISTANCE OR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FROM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE REQUESTED NOT LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PLEASE CALL (703) 255-6304, OR 711 VIRGINIA RELAY SERVICE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. Town of Vienna Page 10 Printed on 8/21/2023