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Sign Review Board

Black Eyed Susan Conference Room
September 2, 2009
2:00 PM

Re:  Public Hearings 

SRB2009-00505-799 Rockville Pike, PNC Bank

The applicant is requesting a modification to permit signs to be erected in the shopping center of Wootton Crossing that do not conform to the center's sign concept plan.   The shopping center is one parcel, however, it has two ownership lots.  There will be two separate buildings; one is the existing CVS and the other will be the PNC Bank.  The shopping center's sign concept plan is based on the existing tenant's (CVS) signage.  Their signs are red channel letters outlined in opaque black.  The applicant is requesting approval for two multi-tenant freestanding signs, two building signs and five directional signs that would be located through out the property.  The MXCD Zone where this property is located permits one freestanding sign.  Any freestanding sign that abuts Rockville Pike is subject to the Building Restriction Line section of the Zoning Ordinance.   

Sue Lee-Cho, Attorney with Miller, Miller & Canby, presented the applicant's request.   Ms. Lee-Cho described the colors of the proposed signage.  The corporate colors of the PNC logo are orange, white, light blue and the PNC letters would be darker blue.  Ms. Lee-Cho stated that the applicant is proposing two freestanding signs with same color scheme.  She presented samples of the colors and the signage.  Ms. Lee-Cho clarified the locations and colors of each proposed sign on the site.  She also explained that one freestanding sign would be located on Fleet Street and Wootton Parkway and one would be located at the corner of Wootton Parkway and Rockville Pike.  She explained that the rationale for these signs is so that drivers coming eastbound on Wootton Parkway would be able to see the bank as well as alerting drivers that the PNC bank is in the center and prepare them to get into the left hand lane to enter the main access located off of Wootton Parkway.     

The Board discussed concerns regarding how drivers would safely enter the site; directional signage on the site; the proposed colors for the signs; and the size difference of the two proposed freestanding signs.

Ms. Lee-Cho presented an exhibit that illustrated the unusual circumstance on the portion of the site for the proposed bank.  She explained that the property line of the adjacent Ritchie Shopping Center, which is consistent and follows through to Rockville Pike.  On the applicant's property, the line takes a significant jog and that was before the property was purchased.  When the Planning Commission approved the Site Plan Application in June 2009, the applicant was required to install a sidewalk as well as significant landscaping along the property.  Ms. Lee-Cho stated that the property line takes a significant jog, which significantly impacts the setback and causes the property line to be shorter.  In addition, the site is constrained by a large storm drain easement, which prevents a structure being constructed on top of it.  These constraints cause the signage to be setback further from the property line.   

The Board and staff discussed concerns regarding the property line; setback requirements; no consistency with the colors on the signage; the size and height of the proposed signage and possibly reducing the height by one foot as well as the width.  

Ms. Goehrung felt that the colors should be consistent; the signs should all be white with a dark blue background.  Ms. Lee-Cho stated that the applicant would modify the Rockville Pike freestanding sign to have the background of the PNC sign be the dark blue and the lettering PNC to be white.

Mr. Worthing moved, seconded by Ms. Goehrung to approve SRB2009-00505-799 Rockville Pike, PNC Bank per modifications to the color scheme for two freestanding signs as stated.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Worthing stated that he had issues with the height and size of the freestanding sign facing Rockville Pike. 

On a second motion, Mr. Worthing moved, seconded by Ms. Goehrung to approve the Enter and Exit signs with the PNC Bank name and logo on the signs.  The motion passed unanimously.   

Re:  Minutes

The July 15, 2009 minutes were unanimously approved as written. 

Re:  Adjournment  

The meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm.

The next meeting of the Sign Review Board is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 2:00 PM in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room, located on the 3rd floor of City Hall.