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Sign Review Board
Black Eyed Susan Conference Room
March 23, 2011
2:00 PM
| Members Present: | Doug Worthing, Chair Mary Lou Goehrung Ruth Hanessian Linda Bozzonetti, Alternate |
| Staff Present: | Tamara Dietrich, Inspection Services Division Deane Mellander, Zoning Administrator |
Re: Public Hearings
SRB2011-00525 – 111 Rockville Pike, NIH Federal Credit Union
This modification request is to erect signs that do not conform to the property’s sign concept plan, which is white channel letters. The NIH Federal Credit Union currently has an approved modification for their existing signs, which are dark blue channel letters. The signs are located on the front of the bank entrance. The first sign is the NIH Federal Credit Union sign and the second sign is a small “24 hour ATM” in the window area. The signs are in compliance with the size requirements and placement on the building. NIH Federal Credit Union is updating all of branches to reflect the new corporate identity.
Cassandra Hairston, Vice President of Branch Administration with the NIH Federal Credit Union, presented that applicant’s request. Ms. Hairston explained that the NIH Federal Credit Union has been at 111 Rockville Pike since May 2005. Ms. Hairston stated that the Credit Union would like to replace their existing building signs on the front of the business that would reflect their new corporate colors of gray channel letters with a multi-colored four point logo. She pointed out that through months of research and surveys to their members, and because the current logo is so outdated, a new corporate logo has been selected for the Credit Union, global wide.
The Board discussed the color and design of the proposed logo; the NIH Federal Credit Union membership and who would be able to join the Credit Union.
Mr. Worthing moved, seconded by Ms. Goehrung to approve SRB2011-00525 as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
Re: Minutes
The minutes of February 9, 2011 were approved unanimously.
Re: New Business
Discussion of Sign Ordinance Revision suggestions memo to Rockville Chamber of Commerce
The Board discussed five revisions listed in the memo as follows:
1. Twenty percent or less of the total square footage of a sign should be allowed to be used for a nationally recognized logo or trademark icon. The Board agreed with the revision.
2. Consider allowing two colors and a highlight color as part of the sign concept plan for the property. The highlight color is the only addition. Mr. Worthing, Ms. Goehrung, and Ms. Hanessian agreed with the revision. Ms. Bozzonetti abstained (3-0-1).
Mr. Mellander explained that these revisions were suggested to broaden the sign ordinance to lessen the number of variances required and would help expedite routine signs.
3. Allow permanent ID of the leasing agent or owner on either the freestanding sign or on the building. Details need further discussion. All Board members (4-0) agreed with this revision.
4. Consider allowing A-Frame 2 X 2 portable signs in more zones, as they are directly in front of the business.
In response to the Board, Mr. Mellander explained that the A-Frame signs are for menus/specials of the day. They are currently allowed in the Transit zones. Ms. Bozzonetti pointed out that 2 X 3 signs would be more appropriate and the language should be more specific regarding the location of the sign. The Board members agreed (4-0) with the revision and would prefer 2 X 3 A-Frame signs.
5. Grand opening banners are allowed to be 32 square feet. If the business frontage is greater than 50 linear feet, the business should be allowed a 48 square foot grand opening banner. The Board members agreed (4-0).
Mr. Worthing informed the Board and staff that he is planning on resigning after 28 years old due to his health. Mr. Worthing said he would remain on the Board until a replacement is found. He also nominated Ms. Goehrung as Chair of the Board. Ms. Goehrung accepted the nomination.
Re: Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm.
The next meeting of the Sign Review Board is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room, located on the 3rd floor of City Hall.