§ 98-1069. Architectural, development and signage standards for all nonresidential uses.

The compatible relationship of architecture along highways within the Bottoms Bridge Corridor Overlay District is of critical concern for any structure or site improvements. The purpose and intent of these architectural guidelines and development standards is not to stifle innovative architecture or development, but to assure respect for and to reduce incompatible and adverse impacts on the visual experience from the rights-of-way.

(a)

The architectural design of structures and their materials and colors shall be visually harmonious with the overall appearance, history, and cultural heritage of New Kent County, with natural landforms and existing vegetation. Specific consideration shall be given to compatibility with adjacent properties where such projects demonstrate the county's character. Design and architectural features shall demonstrate consistency with the following provisions:

(1)

Stucco, natural wood siding, brick, stone, decorative block, neutral colored cementitous siding or other materials with similar texture and appearance are considered appropriate to county character and shall be provided on the main building facades. Nationally recognized and/or trademarked colors, logos, pictures or similar type features may be permitted on the building facades, awnings or other complimentary architectural features with the approval of the zoning administrator. Vinyl siding, flat or corrugated metal and concrete block shall not be used for exterior siding material on any building, except that vinyl siding may be used as trim material. The exterior covering material shall extend to the ground, except that when a solid brick or masonry perimeter foundation is used, exterior covering material need not extend below the top of the foundation.

(2)

No building facade (whether front, side or rear) will consist of architectural materials inferior in quality, appearance, or detail to any other facade of the same building. The intent of this requirement is not to preclude the use of different materials on different buildings' facades (which would be acceptable if representative of good architectural design), but rather to preclude the use of inferior materials on sides which face adjoining property and thus, might adversely impact existing or future development causing a substantial depreciation of property values.

(3)

Not less than 16 percent of the total area of any facade visible from a public right-of-way (excluding work areas) shall consist of windows and doors.

(4)

Large work area doors or open bays shall not open toward or face the public right-of-way.

(5)

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment, duct work, air compressors and other fixed operating machinery shall be either screened from view with either a solid wall, solid fence or landscaping or located so that such items are not visible from the public right-of-way. Utility meters, aboveground tanks, satellite dishes, antennas, etc., shall be similarly treated.

(6)

The exterior of the foundation walls shall be of brick or masonry construction, except when the exterior wall material extends to the ground in accordance with subsection 98-1069(a)(1).

(7)

Fencing along the public right-of-way is discouraged, but if used, such fencing shall be landscaped to minimize visibility from the public right-of-way or be of a style which is harmonious with the rural, agricultural and historical character of the county. Chain link fences shall be prohibited.

(8)

All loading spaces shall be located within the side or rear yards.

(9)

Outside storage of equipment, materials, or supplies if permitted in the underlying district, shall be permitted only in the side or rear yards and shall be screened from view from the public right-of-way with fencing or landscaping.

(10)

All parking areas shall be paved with concrete or asphalt, or other similar material. Traditional curb and gutter systems (or alternative equivalents as approved by the county) shall be used around and within all such parking areas.

(11)

Large trash receptacles, dumpsters and recycling bins, must be completely screened from view from the public right-of-way and any adjoining lot with a solid wall or solid fencing constructed with the building elevation materials referenced in subsection 98-1069(a)(1).

(12)

A pedestrian way (sidewalk) of no less than five feet of clear and unimpeded area shall be provided across the frontage of the property, inclusive of residential public and commercial uses. All pedestrian ways must adjoin one another or connect.

(b)

Signage. Notwithstanding the requirements of article V, division 8 of this chapter, all development proposed in the Bottoms Bridge Corridor Overlay District shall be subject to the following additional requirements pertaining to signage:

(1)

A comprehensive uniform sign plan shall be submitted to the county for approval in conjunction with the site plan submittal. All signs for a proposed development shall be of uniform size, color and design. The plan shall show the size, location, and uniform design for all signage proposed for the development.

(2)

No roof signs shall be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated to the zoning administrator that a façade sign is not possible due to the design of the building. In these instances, a roof sign shall be allowed provided that no portion of the sign extends over or above the ridge line of the roof on which it is located. Roof signs shall be limited to a maximum of ten percent of the roof area on which it is located, or 200 square feet, whichever is less.

(3)

Individual uses not located in a shopping center, office building or complex shall be subject to the following additional requirements regarding signage:

a.

The total area for any free-standing sign shall not exceed 50 square feet;

b.

The maximum height for any free-standing sign shall not exceed eight feet.

(4)

Shopping centers, and office buildings or complexes that contain multiple businesses or tenants shall be subject to the following additional requirements regarding free-standing signs:

a.

The total area for any free-standing sign shall not exceed 120 square feet;

b.

The maximum height for any free-standing sign shall not exceed 16 feet or the height of the principal building, whichever is less.

(Ord. No. O-07-15, 7-6-2015)

(Ord. No. O-07-15, 7-6-2015)