Title
Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on a Site Plan for a Freestanding Sign (Adriatica), Located on the Southeast Corner of Virginia Parkway and Adriatic Parkway
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Direction for Strategic Growth
MEETING DATE: May 19, 2015
DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT: Michael Quint, Director of Planning
Brandon Opiela, Planning Manager
Samantha Pickett, Planner II
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
· Staff recommends approval of the proposed site plan with the following condition which must be satisfied prior to the issuance of a building permit:
1. The applicant enter into a hold harmless agreement with the City, as the proposed sign is located within a drainage easement, subject to review and approval by the City Engineer and City Attorney.
ITEM SUMMARY:
· The applicant is proposing to construct a monument sign on the southeast corner of Virginia Parkway and Adriatic Parkway. The proposed monument will consist of approximately 64 square feet of signage with an approximately 20.80 square inch electronic display.
· The proposed sign plan is being considered by the City Council because the governing planned development ordinance (PD) states that the applicant shall receive the City Council's approval of a proposed sign plan. The governing PD does not specify any requirement for the sign plan to be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City of McKinney does not have a typical sign plan process, but have accepted the proposed sign plan in accordance with the requirements of the governing PD.
· The attached sign plan illustrates what the proposed monument sign will look like and where it will be located on the subject property.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Proposed Sign Package:
· The governing planned development ordinance for Adriatica (2005-02-017) states that one half of the total number of allowed signs would be permitted. For example, the Sign Ordinance would allow 9 monument signs while the governing planned development ordinance would allow 5 signs. The governing planned development ordinance goes on to state that while the total number of allowed signs is reduced, the overall area of allowed signage shall not exceed the allowed maximum.
· In November of 2007, the applicant received approval of a sign package for 4 signs, with 3 signs along Virginia Parkway and one sign along Stonebridge Drive. The applicant is requesting approval of the fifth sign along Virginia Parkway near the intersection of Adriatic Parkway. Additionally, the request for additional signage on the property remains less than the total allowable sign area for Adriatica. As such, Staff does not feel the additional sign will add visual clutter to the development and recommends approval.
2. Proposed Effective Sign Area:
· The Sign Ordinance limits electronic displays to 20 square inches; however, the applicant is proposing an electronic display with an increase of less than an inch (20.8 square inches). Additionally, as the proposed sign square footage does not cause the overall effective sign area to exceed the allowed maximum, Staff has no concerns about the requested increase in effective sign area.
3. Proposed Sign Height:
· The City of McKinney Sign Ordinance specifies a maximum monument sign height of 6 feet; however, the proposed monument sign will be a maximum of six (6) feet, seven and one-half inches tall. The previously approved sign plan for the development allowed monument signage up to 8 feet in height. Staff has no concerns about the requested sign height.
4. Miscellaneous:
· If approved, Staff recommends the applicant enter into a hold harmless agreement with the sign, which is located within an easement, subject to review and approval by the City Engineer and City Attorney.
o The sign illustrated on the sign plan is located within a 15' drainage easement. Typically, signs are not permitted to be within a City easement due to the negative impacts these signs may have on the utilities or infrastructure within the easement.
o The 15' drainage easement in question accommodates an underground storm sewer lateral. If the sign were to be constructed in this easement and the City needed to repair the underground pipe, the sign would be removed. Repair or replacement of the sign would be at the owner's expense.
o A hold harmless agreement will protect the City from any liability for the repair or replacement of the proposed monument sign were it to be removed for the maintenance of the easement or its associated infrastructure.
o Staff is comfortable allowing the proposed placement of the sign if the agreement is executed prior to the issuance of a building permit.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
· N/A
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
· N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
· N/A