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Home My WebLink AboutStaff Report(*Orq" CITY OF COLLEGE STATION Plmming & Development Services 1101 Texas Avenue, P.O. Box 9960 College Station, Texas 77842 Phone 979.764.3570 / Fax 979.764.3496 MEMORANDUM DATE: April 7, 2011 TO: Members of the Planning & Zoning Commission FROM: Matthew Hilgemeier, Staff Planner mhilgemeier@cstx.gov SUBJECT: UDO — Overlay Sign Requirements Item: Public hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance, Section 5.8.A.(2) "Corridor Overlay Districts, Signs." Background: At their January 11, 2011 meeting, Council gave staff direction to pursue various amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that were identified by a subcommittee of the Mayor's Forum on Development. These items were presented to the Commission at the December 16, 2010 meeting. This item is being brought forward in connection with this effort. Section 5.8.A "Corridor Overlay District" of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) currently outlines the standards for development within the City's Corridor Overlay. Originally adopted in 1991, these standards were implemented as part of the City's University Drive Corridor Study. The sign requirements developed at the time were to ensure harmonious signage that promoted an attractive University Drive as a primary gateway into the community. Since the development of these standards, the City has enacted a more comprehensive sign ordinance (2003) and non-residential architectural standards making the Corridor Overlay District sign requirements less necessary to maintain the visual appeal of the corridor. This amendment will remove sign font and color limitations for signs in the overlay, except for colors expressly prohibited by the City of College Station Color Palette. Currently, the standard allows only two fonts and three colors be used on a sign. The amendment will continue to maintain the height requirement that restricts the maximum height of a sign in the overlay to the height of the adjacent building to keep with the intent of the original ordinance of maintaining a sense of openness and continuity along major gateway corridors and entry points into the City. Attachments: 1. Section 5.8.A "Corridor Overlay District" — Redlined Proposed Changes Article S. District Purpose Statements and Supplemental Standards Section 5.7 Design District Dimensional Standards Notes: (A) Lot line construction on Interior lots is allowed where access to the rear of the building is provided on the site or by dedicated right-of-way or easement. (0) Minimum/maximum setback from the back of any curb, including lots with single frontage, lots with double frontage, and corner lots with multiple frontages, (C) If the width of any public easement or right-of-way is in excess of the maximum setback, the maximum setback will be measured from the edge of the public easement or right-of-way. (D) Maximum setback from back of curb for University Drive is 25 feet, Wellborn is 35 feet and 100 feet for South College. (E) When cafe seating is between the cafe's building and a right-of-way, the building may be setback a maximum of 35 feet. (F) This area calculation shall not include any lot area encumbered by required easements, setbacks, sidewalks, detention, or area dedicated to civic features. The area of a porch or arcade fronting a public street is included in the calculation of lot coverage. (G) The 2-story requirement shall not apply to structures existing on or before April 2, 2006. (H) Minimum front setback may be reduced to fifteen feet (15') when approved rear access is provided or when side yard or rear yard parking Is provided. 5.7 Overlay Districts In the event that an area Is rezoned to apply overlay district provisions, this district shall apply to all multi -family, commercial and industrial property, and where applicable, to single-family, duplex or townhouse development. The underlying district establishes the permitted uses and shall remain in full force, and the requirements of the overlay district are to be applied in addition to the underlying use and site restrictions. A. Corridor Overlay (OV) District This district is established to enhance the image of gateways and key entry points, major corridors, and other areas of concern, as determined by the City Council, by maintaining a sense of openness and continuity. The following supplemental standards shall apply to this district: 1. Setbacks All buildings will be set back 40 feet from the right-of-way. Where parking is located In the front of the building, there shall be a front setback of 20 feet from the right-of-way to the parking area and all drive aisles. 2. Signs a. Signs shall lHelude Fie FneFe than thicee eeleFs and twe IeLteiring (fent) styles. At least one ef the colors must Fnateh the predominant EGIeFs ef the building. FeF th-e puFpeses of this Week OF white shall net be eensideFed as EeleFs unless - «_be __by applicant Signs shall utilize only colors not expressly prohibited by the City of College Station Unified Development Ordinance. b. Freestanding signs shall be limited to the restrictions of Section 7.4 Signs, but shall not exceed the height of the building. 3. Building Colors Building colors shall be neutral and harmonious with the existing man-made or natural environment, and only compatible accent colors shall be used. All colors shall be approved by the Administrator. The applicant must provide elevation drawings and color samples. 4. Special Restrictions for Retail Fuel Sales In cases where the underlying zoning district permits gasoline service stations and a station is proposed, the following restrictions shall apply: a. Activities Restricted 1) No major emergency auto repair; and 5-26 Unified Development Ordinance 03/07/11 City of College Station, Texas Article 5. District Purpose Statements and Supplemental Standards Section 5.7 Design District Dimensional Standards Notes: (A) Lot line construction on interior lots is allowed where access to the rear of the building is provided on the site or by dedicated right-of-way or easement. (B) Minimum/maximum setback from the back of any curb, including lots with single frontage, lots with double frontage, and corner lots with multiple frontages. (C) If the width of any public easement or right-of-way is in excess of the maximum setback; the maximum setback will be measured from the edge of the public easement or right-of-way. (D) Maximum setback from back of curb for University Drive is 25 feet, Wellborn is 35 feet and 100 feet for South College. (e) When cafe seating is between the cafe's building and a right-of-way, the building may be setback a maximum of 35 feet. (F) This area calculation shall not include any lot area encumbered by required easements, setbacks, sidewalks, detention, or area dedicated to civic features. The area of a porch or arcade fronting a public street is included in the calculation of lot coverage. (G) The 2-story requirement shall not apply to structures existing on or before April 2, 2006. (H) Minimum front setback may be reduced to fifteen feet (15') when approved rear access is provided or when side yard or rear yard parking is provided. 5.8 Overlay Districts In the event that an area is rezoned to apply overlay district provisions, this district shall apply to all multi -family, commercial and industrial property, and where applicable, to single-family, duplex or townhouse development. The underlying district establishes the permitted uses and shall remain in full force, and the requirements of the overlay district are to be applied in addition to the underlying use and site restrictions. A. Corridor Overlay (OV) District This district is established to enhance the image of gateways and key entry points, major corridors, and other areas of concern, as determined by the City Council, by maintaining a sense of openness and continuity. The following supplemental standards shall apply to this district: 1. Setbacks All buildings will be set back 40 feet from the right-of-way. Where parking is located in the front of the building, there shall be a front setback of 20 feet from the right-of-way to the parking area and all drive aisles. 2. Signs a:—Signs-st+al+-in- -'� no meFe than three _-leis-and-twe-letterfng (fent)sty+es. At least-e e of the s RIIs ateh tFe p edet'colors of the building. Far tke peigeses of tk s se o �black e vdhite 1" • hr s dfe _s eelers Unless requested to be se by the applicant. a;Freestanding signs shall be limited to the restrictions of Section 7.4 Signs, but shall not exceed the height of the building. 3. Building Colors Building colors shall be neutral and harmonious with the existing man-made or natural environment, and only compatible accent colors shall be used. All colors shall be approved by the Administrator. The applicant must provide elevation drawings and color samples. 4. Special Restrictions for Retail Fuel Sales In cases where the underlying zoning district permits gasoline service stations and a station is proposed, the following restrictions shall apply: a. Activities Restricted 1) No major emergency auto repair; and 2) No body, fender, or paint work. 5-26 Unified Development Ordinance 02/07/11 City of College Station, Texas a 3 ® c ± « $«1�3- \ \ \ rA _�d 4 ...) / .� 2 { \= \