Staff Report
Mount Airy Planning Commission
April 30, 2012
Applicant:
Klimkiewicz Family V – Mount Airy, LLC
3012 Lynndale Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Site Location:
Century Chrysler Dodge Jeep
402 Century Drive
Mount Airy, MD 21771
Zoning:
I – Industrial Zoning
Existing Use:
Car Dealership
Project for Review:
Remove Existing Freestanding Signage
Install Ground Mount Sign
Overview:
The applicant is seeking approval to install a new ground mount sign for the Century Chrysler Dodge
Jeep Dealership.
Background Summary:
The Town Zoning Code permits a single freestanding sign per premise, and allows an additional
freestanding sign by Special Exception. In December 2004, the applicant appealed to the Board of
Appeals for an additional freestanding sign to advertise the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Dealership on the same
parcel as the existing Ford Dealership. The Board of Appeals approved the special exception request.
Proposal for Consideration:
The applicant submitted a proposal in January 2012 to incorporate a “RAM” panel to the existing
freestanding sign that currently exists on the site. Although a blank panel exists on the bottom of the
sign, the additional panel would have caused the sign area to exceed the maximum allowed of
freestanding signage per Town Code. Therefore, this option was not formally presented to the Planning
Commission for consideration.
Mr. Joe Digiorgi, Managing Partner of Century Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, came into speak with
staff regarding his desire to pursue a sign variance to allow an additional panel to be installed on the
existing freestanding signage. After discussion of preferred sign design, specifically pertaining to
freestanding signage, Mr. Digiorgi proposed that the Chrysler Dealership improve on the current pole
mounted freestanding signage and install a ground mount sign, rather than pursuing the sign variance.
Calculations:
The existing freestanding sign measures 10’W x 25’H with a sign area of 100 square feet. The proposed
ground mount sign will be smaller in size, measuring 10’W x 13’H at the outermost dimensions with a
sign area of 96 square feet. The proposed signage continues to comply with the special exception
approval.
Design:
As described in the manufacturing details, the “monument” sign will have a painted aluminum exterior
with chrome accents. The panels with be constructed of the same material and will house clear acrylic
lettering pushed through the cabinet face. The ground monument sign will have fluorescent internal
illumination, however, light will only be emanating from the brand lettering itself. It is important to note
that although black lettering will be visible during the day, the letters will appear clear when illuminated
at night. The proposed signage represents a reduction in the size of the overall sign structure and an
improved sign design. As part of the signage modification plan, a flower bed will be incorporated around
the monument sign when installed.
Location:
The proposed ground mount “monument” sign is shown to be placed on the south lawn area. The sign
will be no closer than 40 feet from the property line; well within the required 20 foot setback. The
existing freestanding sign is proposed to be removed in its entirety. There are plans to place a flag pole
with up-lighting on the pad site where the existing freestanding sign currently sits. Staff is working to
provide the applicant appropriate pole sizes and flag measurements.
Discussion:
The removal of the pole mounted sign will be a marked improvement to the dealership site as will the
installation of the new ground mount sign. The Planning Commission desires the Town transition from
the proliferation of pole mounted signage to ground mount signs that are compatible with the
characteristics of each individual site. Staff is pleased that the applicant has brought forward this
proposal for consideration.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed ground mount sign for the Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram
Dealership located at 402 Century Drive.