Board of Architectural Review

Town of Vienna 127 Center Street South Vienna, Virginia 22180 p: 703.255.6341 TTY 7111 Meeting Minutes Board of Architectural Review Thursday, December 21, 2023 7:30 PM Council Chambers - Vienna Town Hall Roll Call The Board of Architectural Review met in a regular session on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall, 127 Center St S, Vienna, VA 22180. Chair Mr. Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Roll Call: Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Layer, Ms. van Doorn, and Ms. Hanley. Members Absent: Mr. Cheselka Staff present: Planner Sharmaine Abaied and Board Clerk Yaska Camacho Castillo. Approval of the Minutes The November 16, 2023, meeting minutes and the November 29, 2023, work session minutes were accepted into the record as submitted. Regular Business: BAR23-452 513 Maple Ave W - Troika Gastronom- Signs Item No. 1: Request for approval of new signs for Troika Gastronom, located at 513 Maple Ave W. Ste 100, Docket No. PF-1185061-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Jack Shin of Beltway Sign Team, Inc., Project Contact. Applicant Present: Eager Pascal, Business Owner. The applicant did not have additional information to provide to the board. The application was straightforward. Ms. van Doorn wondered about the lumen and kelvin levels, and staff clarified that they were within the range. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the request for new signs for Troika Gastronom, located at 513 Maple Ave W. Ste 100, Docket No. PF-1185061-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-453 227 Maple Ave E - Jammin Java - Sign Item No 2: Request for approval of a new sign for Jammin Java, located at 227 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1184610-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, Project Contact. Applicant Present: Ruth Vanlandingham Ms. Vanlandingham told the board that she will also be the representative for the following seven items on the agenda. She explained that the owners of Trimark are buying signs to upgrade the center to channel letters. For Jammin Java, they will remove the existing sign cabinet and install channel letters on the raceway. The only concern the board had was the lumen level. The application indicated the lumen level was 39 for the entire sign, which is on the low end. There was a discussion on whether the lumen calculation used on this application was applied to the other applications for consistency. Staff stated that the sign company used the same calculation on all the applications submitted for the center, so they have similar lumen output. Ms. van Doorn asked if they had considered a master sign plan, and it was stated that the business owner did not think it was suitable for their shopping center. Mr. Layer noted that, at some point, the shopping center had some continuity. They had box signs and similar fonts throughout the center. He stated that over the years, the board has tried to stay consistent in asking for continuity of some kind for shopping centers, especially the ones without a master sign plan. From his point of view, the continuity for this center is on Bruster’s due to their white letters and accent. He said that from all the applications, Jammin Java and the Virginian Restaurant align with Bruster’s sign. He noted that this is not to restrict individuality but to offer something with more continuity and consideration to the other sides of the building as a whole. When it comes to the sign for Jammin Java, the only question Mr. Layer had was if the sign would be black in the day and white-bordered at night, to which the applicant said yes. The board agreed the sign was an improvement. With no further comments, a motion was in order. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for a new sign for Jammin Java, located at 227 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1184610-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, as submitted. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-454 153 Glyndon St SE - Natta Thai Cuisine - Sign Item No 3: Request approval of new sign for Natta Thai Cuisine, located at 153 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184519-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, Project Contact. Applicant Present: Ruth Vanlandingham Ms. Vanlandingham said the request is to remove the existing sign cabinet and install a set of channel letters on the raceway as the colors are shown. Mr. Layer stated that for this application, he would recommend the wording “Natta” be white and the “Thai Cuisine” stay orange. Ms. van Doorn said that the green on the wording “Natta” plays off of the green box next to the H&R Block. Mr. Baldwin agreed and said he wouldn’t require the “Natta” to be white. The applicant was told it was up to her to decide which option she preferred. Ms. Vanlandingham said she would like to stick with the green because it ties to H&R Block. Trimak would not have a problem keeping the green and changing the “Thai Cuisine” to white. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the request for the new sign for Natta Thai Cuisine, located at 153 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184519-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, with the provision that the wording “Natta” be in green and “Thai Cuisine” be in white. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried BAR23-455 157 Glyndon St SE- H&R Block - Signs Item No 4: Request for approval of a new sign for H&R Block, located at 157 Glyndon St SE, Docket No. PF-1184491-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, Project Contact. Applicant Present: Ruth Vanlandingham Ms. Vanlandingham stated that the request is to remove the current sign cabinet and install the nationally recognized logo for H&R Block. The logo has a green block. The sign will be black during the day and light up white during the night. The board did not have any concerns or questions about this application. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the request for a new sign for H&R Block, located at 157 Glyndon St SE, Docket No. PF-1184491-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-456 159 Glyndon St SE - Vienna Barbers - Sign Item No 5: Request for approval of a new sign for Vienna Barbers, located at 159 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184541-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, Project Contact. Applicants Present: Ruth Vanlandingham The request is to remove the existing sign cabinet and install the channel letters with the red, white, and blue business logo. Mr. Layer stated that this sign works well with the rest of the shopping center, and the board had no concerns about this application. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the request for a new sign for Vienna Barbers, located at 159 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184541-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried BAR23-457 163 Glyndon St SE - Café Renaissance - Sign Item No 6: Request for approval of a new façade sign for Café Renaissance, located at 163 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184441-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, Project Contact Applicant Present: Ruth Vanlandingham After talking to staff, Ms. Vanlandingham realized that the proposed purple color might not be the best option. So she called Trimak before the meeting, and they decided to change the color to white. The board made a few color recommendations, but the applicant stated she felt that the letters would look better in white. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the request for a new façade sign for Café Renaissance, located at 163 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184441-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, with the provision that the sign be white (#2447) rather than purple, as shown. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-458 165 Glyndon Rd SE - Viet Aroma Asian Cuisine - Sign Item No 7: Request for approval of a new sign for Viet Aroma Asian Cuisine, located at 165 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184561-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, Project Contact. Applicant Present: Ruth Vanlandingham The applicant stated that the request was to remove the existing sign cabinet and install channel letters. She noted that the proposed red is consistent with the shopping center. Mr. Layer recommended that the wording “Viet Aroma” be red and “Asian Cuisine” be white instead of yellow. Ms. Vanlandingham and the other board members agreed with Mr. Layer’s recommendation. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for a new sign for Viet Aroma Asian Cuisine, located at 165 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184561-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, with the stipulation that the sign at the bottom is white to match the Virginian Restaurant sign. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried BAR23-459 169 Glyndon Rd SE - The Virginian Restaurant - Sign Item No 8: Request approval of a new sign for The Virginian Restaurant, located at 169 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184588-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, Project Contact. Applicants Present: Ruth Vanlandingham Ms. Vanlandingham stated the request was to remove the existing sign cabinet and install white channel letters and the business logo. Ms. Hanley said the sign plays well with the shopping center. Mr. Layer agreed and stated the proposed sign is a nice update. Mr. Baldwin noticed that the word “the” from The Virginian Restaurant was removed from the new sign “Virginian Restaurant. " The applicant said they were told to remove it so the new sign could have nice big letters. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the request for a new sign for Virginian Restaurant, located at 169 Glyndon St SE., Docket No. PF-1184588-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-460 330 Maple Ave W - Thai Mom Restaurant - Sign Item No 9: Request for approval of a new sign for Thai Mom Restaurant, located at 330 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1165742-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Justin Kang of Ezsign, Project Contact. Applicants Present: Justin Kang Mr. Kang stated they are removing the existing sign and placing channel letters. He provided samples for the board to review. Ms. van Doorn asked if the lumen level was compatible with the existing level, and the staff stated that tobacco vape (the next-door business) had the same lumen level. Mr. Layer asked for an image to help him visualize how the sign fits with the rest of the signs on the building. After seeing the picture, he recommended changing Thai Mom to white to blend better with the rest of the building. Ms. Hanley recommended keeping the pepper in red. Mr. Baldwin said he was happy with the sign as it was presented. After discussing their recommendations, a motion was in order. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for a new sign for Thai Mom Restaurant, located at 330 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1165742-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district with the following changes: • The wording “THA MOM “ be white. The color white is to be the same one used on the logo’s background. • The pepper symbol is red. • The word “Restaurant” be red. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-461 804 Tapawingo Rd SW - Townhouse - Exterior Modification No 10: Request for approval for installation of solar panels, located at 804 Tapawingo Rd SW, Docket No. PF-1182932-BAR, in the RTH, Townhouse zoning district, filed by Joe Rice, Fusion Solar Services, project contact. Applicants Present: Steven Kaufman After reviewing the application, there was a brief discussion on how the panels get repaired when needed and how the power travels to the panels. Ms. Hanley voiced her concern about the exposure of the conduits in the front of the house, and the applicant assured her that there would be no exposed conduits outside. It’ll be all under the panels. Ms. van Doorn asked if the conduit would be visible coming down from the side of the house. Mr. Kaufman stated that it would be visible from the back of the house and explained that they run it down to where the downspout is to minimize the visibility of the conduit. Mr. Baldwin asked if the homeowner association approved the solar panels, to which the applicant responded they had the Fairfax County and Homeowners Association approval. The only approval pending was from the Board of Architectural Review. With no further comments, a motion was in order. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the request to install solar panels at 804 Tapawingo Rd SW, Docket No. PF-1182932-BAR, in the RTH (Townhouse) zoning district. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-462 201 Maple Ave E - Citibank - Exterior Modification Item No 11: Request for approval of exterior modifications for Citibank, located at 201 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1158213-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Dan Kiser, X-Pediters Plus Inc., Project Contact. Applicants Present: Jennifer Kosmider Based on previous discussions, Ms. Kosmider presented the board with the changes to the exterior modification. The changes included the following: • Extending the amount of brick pier on the adjacent tenant side to match the end-capped pier. • Raise the transom height to increase the windows over the canopy. • Updating both canopies to full-length. • Adding an ethos cornice to the top to better align the overall shopping center look. • Lower the façade sign to the soldier band. Ms. Hanley commented that she liked the changes and appreciated how easy it was to work with the applicant. Mr. Layer thanked Ms. Kosmider for participating in the work session. With no concerns from the board, a motion was in order. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for exterior modifications for Citibank, located at 201 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1158213-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 8 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-463 201 Maple Ave E - Citibank - Signs Item No 12: Request for approval of signage for Citibank, located at 201 Maple Ave. E., Docket No. PF-1155920-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Gary Brent, MG Permits LLC, Project contact. Applicants Present: Gary Brent Mr. Brent provided the board with specifications for the proposed signs. The first sign is a façade sign using channel letters. It is a 17-square-foot sign. The face letters will be made of white acrylic with white aluminum returns, and a logo will be applied in red vinyl on white acrylic. The internal lighting will be no greater than 3000 Kelvins and 150 Lumens. The sign would be centered in the soldier course brick row. The second sign will be installed above the ATM, matching the façade sign but in a smaller size. The board did not have any concerns with the application. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the request for a new sign for Citibank, located at 201 Maple Ave. E., Docket No. PF-1155920-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 9 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-464 100 Maple Ave E - Park Brothers LLC - Exterior Modifications Item No 13: Request for approval for a new landscaping plan located at 100 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1172148-BAR, in the C-2, General Commercial zoning district, filed by Tyler Johnson, Mulch and More, LLC., project contact. Applicants Present: Tyler Johnson Mr. Tyler stated that the proposal for new landscaping includes cleaning up and pruning some of the existing trees, plants, and decorative stones and adding new planting beds. The new plants will be lower with an ornate design and better flow throughout the entire building. Ms. Hanley asked the applicant if he was aware that the nandina has certain varieties that are toxic to birds and pets. Mr. Tyler said he did not. He stated that the domestic nandina that they’re proposing are populated in and around Vienna and noted that they’re not trying to cause any harm. Ms. van Doorn voiced her concerns about the Christmas Fern plants not surviving in the sun. The applicant said that the big crepe myrtles are along the same spot and would provide shade. Ms. van Doorn suggested mentioning her concern to the designer. With no further comments or questions, a motion was in order. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the request for a new landscaping plan located at 100 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1172148-BAR, in the C-2, General Commercial zoning district, as presented. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 10 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-465 830 Follin Lane - NFCU - Exterior Modifications Item No 14: Request for approval for exterior modifications, located at 830 Follin Ln SE, Docket No. PF-1186761-BAR, in the CMP, Industrial Park zoning district, filed by Evan Burch, ASD/SKY, project contact. Applicants Present: Larry Caruso Mr. Caruso stated that the proposal is for a new freestanding canopy connecting the bus shelter to the entry doors of the Navy Federal Credit Union training facility to protect the building occupants and the entry doors. The canopy will have an ACM panel system attached to a steel column structure with concrete footers. Mr. Caruso further explained the scope of work, which included relocating the existing light bollards to accommodate the new canopy and the addition of strip linear light fixtures under the canopy and downlight wall sconces. Ms. Hanley inquired about the Lumens and Kelvin levels. The applicant said the proposed Kelvin level is 4000 and 29 Watts for the Lumens. Mr. Layer commented that there are 13.3 lumens per Watt. It was determined that 29 Watts would equal 385 Lumens. Ms. Hanley noted that they would not restrict the Lumen level for safety reasons but wondered what standard they were using in their evaluation. The discussion about the lumen level continued. Mr. Baldwin stated that the lights would be pointing down, and its purpose is to ensure people have enough light to take their steps. Ms. Hanley asked if there was a possibility of putting the lights on a dimmer switch. To which the applicant said yes. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve exterior modifications located at 830 Follin Ln SE, Docket No. PF-1186761-BAR, in the CMP, Industrial Park zoning district, with the stipulation that the linear lights that are placed in between the fins will have dimmers, the minimal lighting levels be established for the purpose of the covered walkway, and the lights be at 3000K. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Recess 9:09 p.m. - 9:14 p.m. Town of Vienna Page 11 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 BAR23-466 212 Maple Ave E - Wells Fargo Bank - Signs Item No 15: Request for approval for replacement of signs at the property located at 212 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-1179490-BAR, in the C-1A, Special Commercial zoning district, filed by Jessica Murphy, Sign Enterprise, project contact. Applicants Present: Jessica Murphy Ms. Murphy stated that Wells Fargo is currently going through a rebranding process. The request is to remove and replace the existing signs. The board reviewed the application and asked for the locations on certain signs for clarification. Mr. Baldwin asked for samples, to which the applicant stated that she was told the previous permit specialist had submitted them. Ms. Abaied stepped out to recheck if samples were sent/received at the Department of Planning & Zoning. Ms. van Doorn pointed out that the proposed Kelvin level is 3500 and mentioned that the board would prefer it not to exceed 3000. She asked if they could lower the Kelvin levels to 3000, to which the applicant stated she would have to speak with her client. It was explained to the applicant that they could approve the application with the recommended Kelvin level of 3000, and if her clients disagree, she could return to the board. Ms. Abaied returned from double-checking if samples were received and confirmed that the Department of Planning & Zoning did not receive samples from the previous permit specialist. There was a discussion about the yellow and the red color being proposed. The applicant stated that the new face would be acrylic with red 3M translucent vinyl and that the red would be Exxon red MP 99020. After further discussion, the applicant stepped out to call her client and was informed that the proposed colors were more vibrant and different from the current colors. Due to the colors being different and the samples not being available for review, the board deferred the item. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to defer the request for replacement of signs at the property located at 212 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-1179490-BAR, in the C-1A, Special Commercial zoning district, to allow the applicant to adjust the kelvin level and provide samples. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion Carried Election of Board Officers As mentioned, Mr. Baldwin announced that he would be stepping down as the Board of Architectural Review Chair. He noted that it was brought to his attention that a member of the Town Council can still serve on this board. If the Board of Architectural Review is having a delay finding an attorney member, he would be happy to fill in until a new member is chosen and sworn in. The board's clerk noted that Mr. Cheselka wanted to let the board know that he would like to continue serving as its Vice Chair. The following Board officers were elected by acclamation: Ms. Hanley is now Chair of the Board of Architectural Review, Mr. Layer is Vice Chair, and Ms. van Doorn is Secretary. Town of Vienna Page 12 Printed on 1/22/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 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 13 Printed on 1/22/2024