Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-21-11-109 — Walgreens (Mark Brenchley)

Request: Variance in the P-D zoning district to allow 265.83 sq. ft. of wall signage in lieu of 207 sq. ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: SYNOPSIS: Staff described the proposal, including the location of the property, the site plan, and photos of the site. Staff provided an analysis of the six (6) criteria and the reasons for a recommendation for denial. Staff noted that no comments were received in support or in opposition. The applicant stated that the property is a flag shaped lot with limited signage visibility. He also stated that this is the new design for all Walgreens as part of a national branding, and that Orange County is the only municipality that restricts signage behind a window. The applicant felt that they were being deprived of the right to reasonable visibility. The BZA noted that Orange County is the only municipality that restricts signage in an enclosed vestibule. The BZA felt that there are special conditions and circumstances and that the request is not unreasonable, and the also noted that vegetation has grown to block views and that a similar variance had been granted across the street. There was no one present to speak in favor or in opposition to the request. The BZA made a motion to deny the application, which failed. A second motion was made to recommend approval of the requested variances, which passed with a 3-1 vote, subject to the four (4) conditions found in the staff report.