18. ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA. County Board Agenda Item Meeting of March 16, DATE: March 7, 2019

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1 ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA County Board Agenda Item Meeting of March 16, 2019 DATE: March 7, 2019 SUBJECT: Request to authorize advertisement of public hearings by the Planning Commission and County Board to consider proposed amendments to Article 13 of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO) to allow an increase in the maximum sign height for large media screens associated with urban regional shopping centers, and to make other editorial changes to improve clarity. C.M. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the attached resolution to authorize advertisement of public hearings by the Planning Commission on April 8, 2019 and by the County Board on April 23, 2019 to consider proposed amendments to Article 13 of the ACZO to permit an increase in the maximum sign height of up to 55 feet for large media screens when compliant with the sign height standards associated with urban regional shopping centers, and to make other editorial changes to improve clarity, as shown in Attachment 1. ISSUES: This is a request to authorize advertisement of public hearings to consider amending of the ACZO to permit large media screens located in urban regional shopping centers to be installed at up to 55 feet along building facades which meet minimum standards for fenestration and openings currently specified in the ACZO. issues have been identified as of the date of this report. SUMMARY: Staff has conducted a zoning study focused on increasing the maximum sign height for large media screens, which are signs that display their copy and content using a video screen that can display still, scrolling, or moving images such as videos and animation. The current maximum height is 40 feet, measured from the elevation of the finished grade level beneath the sign and the elevation of the uppermost extremity of the sign or sign structure. Staff has developed an ordinance amendment which would allow large media screens to be installed at a maximum height of up to 55 feet at urban regional shopping centers. This amendment would include large media screens in a group of other types of wall-mounted signs that may be installed at 55 feet in height when located along the building façade of an urban regional shopping center County Manager: ##### County Attorney: ***** Staff: Nick Rogers, CPHD - Planning Division 18.

2 that contains: 1) a minimum of 50% fenestration on the ground floor, and 2) a minimum of 25% fenestration on the remainder of the façade. Staff recommends approval of the increased height, as any impacts associated with an increased sign height for large media screens can be mitigated by the use standards specified in which control the location, proximity to residences, design, maximum area, content, and lighting for these types of signs. Large media screens can only be installed subsequent to the County Board s approval of a use permit; moreover, this sign type can contribute to the enhanced placemaking principles specified in the purpose and intent for the ACZO s urban regional shopping center sign standards. These standards contain special sign provisions which are intended to enhance the economic vitality of the County s urban regional shopping centers. Staff also recommends a series of formatting and editorial changes to which would create distinct subsections in the text to better clarify the purpose/intent statement, County Board review authority, review criteria for large media screen use permit applications, and required used standards for large media screens. BACKGROUND: In 2018, FC Ballston Common, LLC, the owner/operator of the Ballston Quarter project located at 4238 Wilson Boulevard, applied for an amendment to Site Plan #193 to permit the installation of a large media screen along Wilson Boulevard. After accounting for the sign height as measured from the below-grade plaza beneath the proposed location, the proposed sign height was calculated as approximately 49.5 feet. Staff concluded, upon consultation with the Zoning Administrator, that the applicant s proposal could not be permitted as it would exceed the maximum sign height prescribed by A.1. for large media screens. On September 25, 2018, the County Board deferred consideration of the site plan amendment since the sign could not be approved in excess of the maximum height standard of 40 feet. The Board s action deferred the site plan amendment until such time as the County Manager could present a recommendation to the Board for allowing increased height for large media screens in instances where the sign would be installed at an urban regional shopping center. DISCUSSION: The following overview covers the regulatory framework for large media screen signs, the special sign provisions for urban regional shopping centers, and the staff analysis completed for this study. Large Media Screens Large media screens were incorporated into the Zoning Ordinance with the adoption of ZOA on December 17, Section of the Zoning Ordinance lists standards which govern the use and approval of large media screens in Arlington County. Definition: Large media screens are a type of automatic changeable copy sign, which are defined in Article 18 as signs that include characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged by electronic or electro-mechanical means. Automatic changeable copy signs are limited to a maximum sign area of either 4 square feet or 12 square feet, depending on the number of instances within a 24-hour period that the message changes. These types of signs are RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens - 2 -

3 subject to a series of use standards which limit the potential for distraction and disruption through prohibition of dynamically changing sign content, such as video displays, and through restrictions on the intensity of the illumination. Large media screens are differentiated from other types of automatic changeable copy signs by their size and the manner in which their sign content is displayed. Article 18 defines large media screens as automatic changeable copy signs which are wall-mounted and which exceed 12 square feet. The sign content is displayed on a video screen as still, scrolling, or moving images, including video, media broadcasts, and animation. The content may be changed remotely through electronic means, and utilizes a series of grid lights such as cathode ray, light emitting diodes (LED), plasma screen, liquid crystal display, fiber optic, or other electronic media or technology. Approval Process: Section lists the use standards applicable to large media screens. Only the County Board may authorize the installation of a large media screen, and only in instances when the building upon which it is to be installed is governed by site plan. The County Board may also approve large media screens for buildings governed by use permit if located within a Public Service District (P-S). Large media screens which would not otherwise meet the use standards for automatic changeable copy signs listed in (included for reference in Attachment 2) can be approved when the County Board makes a number of findings currently listed in A. These findings require orientation to pedestrians at a height below 40 feet, consistency with applicable policies in County master plans and adopted design guidelines, and assurance that the large media screen will not interfere with or distract motorists. The County Board must also find that the large media screen is not visible from another large media screen, located in excess of 2,000 feet from another large media screen, and does not unreasonably impact the monumental core of the District of Columbia or other sides of historic or national interest. Use Standards: Large media screens must meet several use standards to obtain approval and remain in operation. The following summarizes the provisions specified in B: Location and siting: Large media screens can only be installed as wall signs on commercial or public buildings, located in either the P-S district or in a commercial/mixed use district. The building must be located within ¼ mile of a Metrorail station, major bus transfer station, or street car station if it s in a commercial/mixed use district. Proximity to residential districts/uses: A large media screen s sign content must not be visible from a Residential (R) or Multiple-Family (RA) district. The sign s display area shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from any property in an R or RA district. Furthermore, a large media screen must be distanced a minimum of 600 feet from any residential dwelling unless an applicant can demonstrate during the approval process that the display area will not have substantial visual impact on any dwellings located within 600 feet. RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens - 3 -

4 Parks and plazas: Large media screens located to display sign content from a park or plaza may only be installed on building facades immediately abutting the park or plaza. A large media screen displaying sign content in this manner may be located on a building across the street from the park or plaza, so long as the street is not considered a principal or arterial street on the Master Transportation Plan (MTP). Architectural design: Large media screens cannot serve as fenestration for a building, and they must function as a separate element from the building on which it is installed for architectural and design purposes. Restaurant and café viewing: Large media screens may not be designed for viewing within a restaurant or outdoor café, and they may not be placed within restaurants. Maximum area: Large media screens may have a maximum sign area of 750 square feet. Commercial messages: Commercial messaging may not be displayed on large media screens. Lighting: Large media screens must meet all sign illumination standards specified in 13.12, and must feature automatic light level controls which reduce light levels during nighttime and cloudy or darkened conditions. Sound: Large media screens are subject to the ise Control regulations found in Chapter 15 of the Arlington County Code, but may only emit sound when displaying sign content as part of a special event open to the public. Such special events are described below. Approved Large Media Screen: Only one application has been approved in Arlington County for signs which meet the definition of a large media screen. These signs predated the adoption of ZOA , which incorporated the definition, approval process, and use standards for large media screens. These signs were located at 1100 Wilson Boulevard in Rosslyn and broadcasted WJLA newscasts and headlines. The signs were originally approved via a site plan amendment to Site Plan #125 in March 2003, permitting a 363-square foot sign that displayed a news headline ticker and a 118-square foot sign that acted as a video screen. A subsequent amendment in February 2004 amended the site plan s sign condition that reduced the news headline ticker sign down to 340 square feet and increased the video screen sign to 172 square feet. These signs were the subject of another site plan amendment application that was approved by the County Board in 2012 for their replacement. However, a companion request to use 8% of the display area on the video screen for commercial messages was denied due to prohibition of such commercial messages in the ACZO at the time. Ultimately, the applicant did not move forward with the replacement of the signs and removed the original signs in other large media screens have been approved for installation since the adoption of ZOA RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens - 4 -

5 Urban Regional Shopping Center Signs Special provisions for signs associated with urban regional shopping centers were incorporated into the Zoning Ordinance with the adoption of ZOA on vember 5, Section 13.8 of the Zoning Ordinance lists standards which govern the use and approval of signs for this particular use. These standards, and relevant definitions from Article 18 (Definitions), can be found in Attachment 3. Overview: Urban regional shopping centers are defined as commercial centers with a minimum of 500,000 square feet of retail, entertainment and food establishment uses configured in at least two stories that is not bisected by any street. These are shopping centers which by definition must be connected by at least one interior or exterior shared pathway fronted by the aforementioned group of uses. Arlington County has two commercial centers which meet this definition: Pentagon City Fashion Centre and Ballston Quarter. Urban regional shopping centers are eligible for special sign provisions which allow greater flexibility for the amount, types, placement and characteristics of signs. This flexibility is intended to create an enhanced sense of place at these commercial centers when coupled with placemaking elements such as street-level storefronts, multiple points of entry, and activities and attractions that take place both inside and outside of the centers. The special provisions allow increased sign area and more flexible placement options on building facades which meet specified standards for the amount of windows and entrances. Urban regional shopping centers may also install certain sign types which are prohibited or limited in similarly zoned commercial development. Attachment 2 includes the sign standards listed in 13.8 available to urban regional shopping centers. Building Facades: The special sign provisions for urban regional shopping centers are differentiated depending on the type of building façade, as prescribed and defined in Article 18 of the Zoning Ordinance. Figure 1 below displays depictions of the two façade types. A building façade is considered an urban regional shopping center façade when it contains at least 50% retail, entertainment and food establishment uses on each story. Urban regional shopping center facades are classified as one of two types: Façade Type A: Contains a minimum of 50% fenestration on the ground floor and a minimum of 25% fenestration on the remainder of the façade; or Figure 1: Illustrative examples of Facade Types A and B RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens - 5 -

6 Façade Type B: All other building facades which do not meet the minimum fenestration standards to qualify as a Type A facade. The maximum aggregate sign area for urban regional shopping centers is calculated using different formulas depending on whether the façade is Type A or Type B. The formulas result in more allowable sign area for Type A than an equivalently sized building façade that would be considered a Type B façade due to not meeting the minimum fenestration requirement. Permitting increased sign area for Type A facades creates an incentive for façade designs which better relate to the adjacent streets and consequently enhance the surrounding sense of place. Similarly, the maximum sign height for signs installed along Type A facades is 55 feet, and 40 feet for Type B facades. Article 13 uniformly establishes a maximum sign height of 40 feet for all signs, but permits signs higher than 40 feet in limited instances that, in some cases, can require County Board approval. ZOA established the increased sign height for Type A facades of 55 feet to specifically accommodate signs for third story tenants, and to more broadly support the business identification opportunities for urban regional shopping centers. The continued vibrancy of Arlington s urban regional commercial centers was identified in the 2015 Retail Plan as a critical piece of the County s retail infrastructure, and the 2016 adoption of ZOA gives these centers an additional tool to better serve as an activity center for the surrounding neighborhoods and the broader region. Analysis As previously discussed, large media screens must comply with an extensive set of standards that collectively diminish their intrusion and interference on surrounding residential neighborhoods. The standards only permit this sign type for use at locations zoned for commercial/mixed-use that are within ¼ mile of a Metrorail station or similar high-frequency transit station. These restrictions, coupled with the County Board s use permit oversight, make large media screens one of the most regulated sign types in the ACZO. Large media screens are an appropriate tool for use by urban regional shopping centers to create a vibrant sense of place, to enhance outdoor community gathering spaces, and to stimulate economic competitiveness. As part of the background research for the zoning study which recommended the current regulations for large media screens, ZOA , staff documented the successful implementation of these types of signs in a variety of commercial centers within and outside the Washington, DC region. Under the current regulations, large media screens are the only sign type that is excluded from installation at up to 55 feet along a Type A façade due to the separate 40-foot maximum sign height specified in A.1. Staff reviewed the staff reports and background materials associated with urban regional shopping centers zoning study and did not identify documented reasoning to support this exclusion. The large media screen standards and the special standards for urban regional shopping centers were developed separately and should be better integrated for purposes of consistency. Staff sees beneficial placemaking opportunities in allowing large media screens, which can already be approved for installation at a height of 40 feet, to achieve at the same height of 55 feet RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens - 6 -

7 along Type A facades as other types of innovative signs, such as blade signs and projecting image signs, at urban regional shopping centers. The signs can infuse increased interest and activity in areas of pedestrian and retail activity at urban regional shopping centers. As Type A facades are intended to be designed to support dynamic and highly activated adjacent spaces, allowing flexibility to place all sign types including large media screens up to 55 feet will give property owners more opportunity to integrate large media screens with other design elements such as the building s fenestration and other signs. Urban regional shopping centers, which by definition have a minimum of 500,000 square feet are large scale, multi-story structures that accommodate dynamic retail and entertainment land uses. These centers typically use taller floor-to-ceiling heights to distinguish themselves from more traditional retail spaces. Given this scale of these centers, staff considers 55 feet an appropriate height for large media screens on a Type A façade. Staff considers signs placed higher than 40 feet up to 55 feet as visible to pedestrians and not too distant for viewing from adjacent public spaces and sidewalks. Moreover, the County Board will assess at the time of their use permit review, several other zoning ordinance provisions which would prevent a large media screen from creating distractions that pose as hazards to motorists. Thus, given the importance of creating activity and attractions at the County s urban regional shopping centers to maintain their economic vitality, and given the fundamental role they play in the public realm, staff is supportive of allowing the County Board to consider this sign type to be installed at heights of up to 55 feet on a Type A façade at urban regional shopping centers. Proposed Amendment 1. Staff recommends changes to the large media screen use standards in to permit large media screens installed in urban regional shopping centers to have a maximum height of 40 feet when located on a Type B façade, or 55 feet when the sign is located on a Type A façade. This can be achieved through removing the height stipulation in the County Board s required findings in the existing A.1., and relocating this stipulation to a new use standard found in D.3., as shown in Attachment 1, which focuses on sign height. For large media screens located throughout Arlington County, other than those installed on an urban regional shopping center, staff recommends retaining the 40-foot height maximum. This maximum was adopted under the premise that large media screens would only be appropriate for installation in areas with a high concentration of pedestrian activity as a placemaking enhancement oriented toward walkways. 2. Staff recommends specifying that large media screens installed in urban regional shopping centers be subject to the height provisions specified in E. This section references the maximum height of 55 feet for signs on a Type A façade and 40 feet for signs on a Type B façade. Section E also stipulates restrictions for sign installations within close proximity to R and RA districts and for limiting sign height above a building s roofline. Sign heights of up to 55 feet on Type A facades can only be achieved under the following circumstances: RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens - 7 -

8 The urban regional shopping center is governed by an approved site plan; All of the center s signs are shown on an approved comprehensive sign plan; and, The intent to utilize the special provisions is indicated on the comprehensive sign plan. 3. Staff recommends clarifying that the height of large media screens at urban regional shopping centers can only qualify for the increased height provided by E. when the center s signs are subject to the special provisions for urban regional shopping centers which allow increased sign area and more flexible placement options on building facades meeting specified standards for the amount of windows and entrances. 4. Finally, staff recommends language which resolves the discrepancy between the current conflicting standards for maximum height of large media screens in this section, and for maximum height for signs in C and M districts located in (Attachment 4). Staff has incorporated several editorial changes for clarity in Attachment 1 that create distinct subsections for a purpose/intent statement, the Board s review authority, the criteria used for evaluating large media screen applications, and the large media screen use standards. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT: Level of Engagement: Consult The level of engagement is appropriate given the specificity of this zoning study, focused on sign height for a particular sign type in a specific commercial setting. Outreach Methods and Community Feedback Public notice will be given in accordance with the Code of Virginia tices of the Planning Commission and County Board public hearings for this zoning ordinance amendment will be placed in the March 26, 2019 and April 2, 2019 issues of the Washington Times for the April 8, 2019 Planning Commission and April 23, 2019 County Board Meetings. In addition to the above legal requirements, staff conducted public outreach on this study in the following manner: The proposed amendments were presented and discussed with the Planning Commission s Zoning Committee (ZOCO) on February 28, The Commission s discussion included questions about lighting standards for signs and whether pedestrians would have different experiences with large media screens at either 40 feet or 55 feet. The Commission also conferred on the types of façade changes which would be needed at Pentagon City Fashion Centre to allow urban regional shopping center to opt into the special sign provisions. 1 Section G.5. specifies that sign placed above a height of 40 feet shall have any automatic changeable copy element. RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens - 8 -

9 Staff published an overview of the study s scope, goals, and project schedule on the County s website. Staff contact information is available on the website, along with a comment feedback form for submitting comments directly to staff. Staff circulated information on the study to County subscribers who have signed up for updates on ZOCO meetings and zoning ordinance amendments. Staff reached out via to civic association representatives whose neighborhood boundaries are within close proximity to Ballston Quarter and Pentagon City Fashion Centre. Staff distributed information on the study via to sign industry professionals who have submitted sign permit applications in recent years for sign installations here in Arlington. CONCLUSION: Staff sees the proposed zoning ordinance amendment as a focused remedy that enables broader flexibility for the use of large media screens at urban regional shopping centers, and responds directly to the issues identified by the County Board in their direction to the County Manager. Staff recommends that the County Board adopt the resolution to advertise public hearings for the proposed amendment. RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens - 9 -

10 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON APRIL 8, 2019 AND THE COUNTY BOARD ON APRIL 23, 2019 TO CONSIDER AMENDING, REENACTING, AND RECODIFYING THE ARLINGTON COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE , TO PERMIT AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM SIGN HEIGHT OF UP TO 55 FEET FOR LARGE MEDIA SCREENS WHEN COMPLIANT WITH THE SIGN HEIGHT STANDARDS ASSOCIATED WITH URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS, TO MAKE OTHER EDITORIAL CHANGES TO IMPROVE CLARITY, AND FOR OTHER REASONS REQUIRED BY PUBLIC NECESSITY, CONVENIENCE, GENERAL WELFARE, AND GOOD ZONING PRACTICE. The County Board of Arlington County hereby resolves to authorize advertisement of public hearings by the Planning Commission on April 8, 2019 and the County Board on April 23, 2019 to consider amending, reenacting, and recodifying the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance , to permit an increase in the maximum sign height of up to 55 feet for large media screens when compliant with the sign height standards associated with urban regional shopping centers, to make other editorial changes to improve clarity, and for other reasons required by public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice. RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens

11 Attachments 1. Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment ( ) 2. Standards for Flashing, Moving and Changeable Copy Signs ( ) 3. Standards for Urban Regional Shopping Centers Signs ( 13.8.) 4. Placement standards for signs above a height of 40 feet G.) RTA: ZOA for Large Media Screens

12 ATTACHMENT 1 *** Proposed amendments are shown with bold underline to denote new text, and bold strikethrough to denote deleted text. Where paragraphs are added or deleted, all subsequent paragraphs are renumbered accordingly, and all references throughout the Ordinance are updated accordingly. *** 1 Article 13. Signs Large media screens In order to promote public health, safety and welfare by providing opportunities to disseminate emergency broadcast information and public service messages; to promote economic development; and to create a convenient, attractive and harmonious community in accordance with the vision for public spaces identified in master plans in the County and with the vision in adopted sector or small area plans for the subject area, the County Board may approve on buildings governed by site plan as specified in 15.5 or on buildings governed by use permit in P-S districts, and subject to other conditions as the County Board may require, large media screens. A. Purpose The purpose of is to promote public health, safety and welfare by providing opportunities to disseminate emergency broadcast information and public service messages, to promote economic development, and to create a convenient, attractive and harmonious community in accordance with the vision for public spaces identified in master plans in the County and with the vision in adopted sector or small area plans for the subject area Flashing, Moving and Changeable Copy Signs B. Action by County Board The County Board may approve large media screens that do not otherwise meet the standards for automatic changeable copy signs specified in and in the following instances: On buildings governed by site plan as specified in 15.5; or, In P-S districts, on buildings governed by use permit as specified in C. Approval criteria A. Large media screens that do not otherwise meet the standards for automatic changeable copy signs specified inof and , may be approved when the County Board finds, consistent with the purposes outlined in A, that the large media screen is in accordance with the following criteria: The large media screen Iis oriented for viewing by pedestrians at an appropriate height below 40 feet;

13 ARTICLE 13. SIGNS FLASHING, MOVING AND CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS LARGE MEDIA SCREENS The large media screen Iis placed in a location consistent with the vision in County master plans and adopted design guidelines for the area to which it is oriented, where pedestrian activity is encouraged desired, and that the presence of the large media screen in that location will contribute positively to the pedestrian experience and further realization of that vision; 3. The large media screen Ddoes not unreasonably interfere with or create a distraction that poses a hazard to drivers operation of a motor vehicle on streets abutting or fronting the building on and/or plaza in which the sign is placed; and 4. The large media screen Iis located not closer than 2000 feet from another approved large media screen, or in a location where it is visible from another large media screen; and 5. The large media screen Ddoes not unreasonably impact the monumental core of the District of Columbia or other sites of historic or national interest. B.D.Approval Use standards Under no circumstances shall the County Board approve a large media screen that does not meet all of the following standards:large media screens shall comply with the following requirements: 1. Location and siting (a) Large media screens shall be allowed only: (1) In P-S districts; or (2) In commercial/mixed-use (C) districts within one-quarter mile of a metro station, major bus transfer station or street car station: (b) Large media screens shall be wall signs, and may be placed only on commercial or public buildings; (c) Proximity to residential districts and uses (1) The video screen of a large media screen shall not be placed within 200 feet of the common lot line of an R or RA district, and shall be designed to not be visible from an R or RA district; (2) A large media screen shall not be located within 600 feet of any residential dwelling unless the applicant demonstrates that the video screen will not have substantial visual impact on any dwelling unit within 600 feet of the large media screen; (d) Large media screens in parks and plazas: (1) A large media screen designed to be viewed from a park or plaza shall be allowed only on elevations of buildings that immediately abut the park or plaza, or that are not separated from the park or plaza by streets identified as other principal or minor arterial streets on the Master Transportation Plan. (2) A large media screen in a park or plaza shall face inward into the park or plaza such that it is designed to be viewed by persons using the park or plaza as opposed to persons outside of the park or plaza; Effective 10/23/2018 Zoning Ordinance Arlington County, Virginia

14 13.13 FLASHING, MOVING AND CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS LARGE MEDIA SCREENS (e) A large media screen shall function as an element separate from the building, such that the architectural design of the building is not derived primarily from the large media screen nor does it depend on the presence of the large media screen for architectural merit; and the media screen shall not substitute for fenestration on the building; (f) large media screen shall be designed to be viewed from within a restaurant or outdoor café or placed in windows of a restaurant; 2. Sign area large media screen shall be larger than 750 sq. ft. 3. Sign height (a) Large media screens shall have a maximum sign height of 40 feet. (b) twithstanding the maximum sign heights specified above and specified in G.5., large media screens at urban regional shopping centers that have also chosen to have their signs regulated under the regulations set forth in 13.8 may have a maximum sign height in accordance with the placement standards specified in E Messages Commercial messages shall not be permitted on any large media screen Lighting and sound (a) The sign shall meet all standards for lighted signs as set forth in and shall incorporate automatic level controls to reduce light levels at night and under cloudy or other darkened conditions by inclusion of an ambient light monitor that allows automatic adjustment of the brightness level of the sign based on ambient light conditions; (b) Sound shall be permitted only when associated with a scheduled Special Event open to the public, as permitted in D, below, such as, but not limited to movies, art displays or other live programming such as concerts and special events of a national and/or community interest. Volume level of the large media screen during such events shall be in accordance with the noise ordinance. C.E. Large media screens shall not be subject to aggregate sign area limitations in the zoning ordinance, and may be approved by the County Board independently of a Comprehensive Sign Plan; D.F. Large media screens located in parks or plazas that are publicly-owned or have a public access easement and are a minimum of 12,000 square feet in size, may be used for special events associated with a special event permit issued by the County, and for special events sponsored by the County; E.G. The zoning administrator may approve a large media screen located in a park that is publicly-owned or has a public access easement, where such sign meets all standards in B, provided the sign is located such that the face of the sign is not visible from any street or residence on the perimeter of the park; F.H. Operation of any approved large media screen shall be commenced within one year from the date of County Board approval, or the approval becomes null and void. Zoning Ordinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virginia 13-54

15 ARTICLE 13. SIGNS FLASHING, MOVING AND CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS LARGE MEDIA SCREENS G.I. All wall-mounted large media screens approved and installed in the approved location as of [date of adoption] shall be deemed to have been approved under this , but shall be required to operate in compliance with all conditions that govern size, location, sound and operation of the large media screen under which they were initially approved, and with all provisions for lighting in B.45.(a), above. Such signs may be replaced consistent with this G and any amendments to the original approval that were approved prior to December 17, H.J. Signs at athletic fields as permitted by C.4(b) or D.3 shall not be considered a large media screen. Effective 10/23/2018 Zoning Ordinance Arlington County, Virginia

16 ATTACHMENT Flashing, Moving and Changeable Copy Signs General rule Signs that move, flash or simulate movement are prohibited except automatic changeable copy signs as allowed under this and large media screens that meet the standards in below. Size and time limits The following limitations shall apply to the aggregate area of the automatic changeable copy portion of the sign; the overall area of the sign is regulated by other provisions of this Article 13. The message or image on the sign shall change no more than one time per minute, except where changes in a sign occur automatically to reflect changes in temperature, availability of parking spaces, or arrival of transit vehicles: A. An automatic changeable copy sign on which the message changes or is designed to change more than once every 24 hours may not exceed 4 sq. ft. in size; B. An automatic changeable copy sign on which a sign on which the message changes or is designed to change no more than once every 24 hours (as averaged over a 10-day period) shall not exceed 12 sq. ft. in size. Rules for changeable copy signs Automatic changeable copy signs shall be allowed only for sign types and in districts where automatic changeable copy sign allowed by general standards. Automatic changeable copy signs shall be subject to the following additional restrictions: A. There shall be no effects of movement, flashing, or similar effects in the individual images. B. Changes of image shall be substantially instantaneous as seen by the human eye and shall not use fading, rolling, window shading, dissolving or similar effects as part of the change; provided, however, that signs reflecting the arrival of transit vehicles that have letters no more than 2 inches tall may scroll. C. Light emitting diodes and similar lighting are permitted for automatic changeable copy signs. D. In automatic changeable copy signs shall use automatic level controls to reduce light levels at night and under cloudy or other darkened conditions, in accordance with the following standards. 1. All automatic changeable copy signs shall have ambient light monitors that allow automatic adjustment of the brightness level of the sign based on ambient light conditions. 2. Maximum luminance for automatic changeable copy signs shall not exceed the limits in C.

17 ATTACHMENT 3 Window signs A. Defined Any permanent or temporary sign, including any decal, that is legible from the outside, including plazas, public streets, and parking lots, and that is placed on the outside or inside face of a window or mounted within two feet of the inside face of the window. B. General standards Maximum total area per sign Number allowed Permit required? Separate lighting? Automatic changeable copy? Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? 80 sq. ft. or 20 percent of window area, whichever is less, for all buildings except in windows of individual residential dwelling units (see C.2 below) Unlimited ; except commercial messages are not allowed in windows of individual residential dwelling units (see C.2 below). C. Other standards 1. Window signs shall be allowed only for establishments located on the first or second floor of a building up to a maximum height of 40 feet. 2. An unlimited number of temporary window signs with noncommercial messages only, up to 6.5 sq. ft. per sign is permitted in the windows, only of individual residential dwelling units SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS The following signs are permitted for an urban regional shopping center. Buildings or portions of a building in a development project that are not part of or accessory to the urban regional shopping center shall not be eligible for the regulations set forth in this Additional purposes To promote the role of an urban regional shopping center that is a major commercial and activity node for a surrounding neighborhood, the following purposes, supplementing those set forth in 13.1 support the adoption of special provisions for signs for urban regional shopping centers: A. Facilitate the transformation of an existing urban regional shopping center to encourage transparency into buildings and improve the pedestrian environment; B. Reflect the unique character of an urban regional shopping center with regard to the built form and concentration of retail, restaurant and entertainment uses; C. Contribute to a convenient, attractive and harmonious community in a manner consistent with the vision in adopted County plans and policies; D. Maintain traffic safety and improve vehicular circulation on surrounding streets by assisting with wayfinding both within and along the periphery of the development project; E. Manage the flow and circulation of pedestrian traffic among a substantial number of commercial tenants spread out amongst a large land area and attracting customers from throughout the broader region both within and beyond the County; Zoning O rdinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virgi nia 13-25

18 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS APPLICABILITY F. Promote economic development by providing for adequate identification of businesses in a manner that recognizes the active nature of an urban regional shopping center while remaining sensitive to the context of the adjoining neighborhood. Applicability A. Choice of standards 1. An urban regional shopping center may choose to have its signs regulated under the sign regulations applicable to other uses in the same district as the urban regional shopping center or under the regulations set forth in this An urban regional shopping center may use these optional regulations subject to the following: (a) The urban regional shopping center is governed by an approved site plan; (b) All signs are shown on an approved comprehensive sign plan as provided in 13.15; and (c) The intent to utilize the optional regulations of this 13.8 is declared on the comprehensive sign plan. 2. urban regional shopping center may mix and match signs allowed under this 13.8 with signs allowed for other uses in the same district, provided however: (a) Buildings or the portion of a building(s) in a development project that are not part of or accessory to the urban regional shopping center shall use the sign types and regulations and shall calculate aggregate sign area as for uses in the same district as the use. Such buildings or portions of a building(s) shall not be counted toward the urban regional shopping center aggregate sign area. (b) A building in which an urban regional shopping center is located is eligible to use the regulations for additional sign area for specified uses as provided in E, subject to the limitation on total number of signs per building and subject to the following: General (1) The placement standards in G shall apply. Provided, however, for urban regional shopping center façade type A, the placement standards shall apply above a height of 55 feet rather than 40 feet. (2) The hours of illumination for any sign placed above a height of 40 feet shall be as set forth in A. Signs allowed The sign types listed and described in this 13.8 are allowed for urban regional shopping centers, subject to the permit requirements, standards and conditions set forth for each sign type. B. Lighting 1. Signs allowed under 13.8 shall not be separately lighted unless the standard in the table says yes or see standards next to the separately lighted? query. The fact that a sign may be partly or wholly illuminated by a porch light or other light serving another purpose shall not be considered separately lighted. Effective 10/23/2018 Zoning Ordinance Arlington County, Virginia

19 ARTICLE 13. SIGNS 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS GENERAL 2. Except for projected image signs, signs exceeding 500 square feet that are located below 40 feet on façade type B or below 55 feet on façade type A shall not be separately lighted. C. Changeable copy Signs allowed under this 13.8 shall not include automatic changeable copy elements unless the standard in the table says yes next to the automatic changeable copy? query. See for standards that apply to all automatic changeable copy signs under this Article 13. D. Aggregate sign area allowed 1. The maximum aggregate sign area allowed for an urban regional shopping center is the combination of: (a) Ten percent of the sum of areas of each urban regional shopping center façade defined as facade type A; and (b) For portions of the urban regional shopping center not defined as façade type A, the larger of: (1) One square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage; or (2) For a building with one or more establishments with at least one exterior public entrance and less than 60 feet of frontage, 60 sq. ft. for each such establishment plus one square foot per linear foot of building frontage, excluding any frontage occupied by those establishments. E. Placement standards 1. Signs may be placed up to a maximum height of 55 feet on façade type A. 2. Signs may be placed up to a maximum height of 40 feet on façade type B. 3. signs shall be permitted on that part of the side or rear wall of a building within 100 feet of any R or RA district except, where a tenant s primary entrance is located on a side or rear wall of a building, the tenant s sign that otherwise would be allowed on the front wall of the building may be erected on the wall where the primary entrance is located. 4. sign shall extend above the height of the roofline of the building, measured from the actual roofline in the case of a flat roof or from the eaves line in the case of a hip or gable roof; except, on a building that is 24 feet or less in height, up to 20 percent of the sign area may extend up to 1.5 feet above the roofline. Zoning O rdinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virgi nia 13-27

20 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS ARCADE SIGNS SIGNS ALLOWED FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS Arcade signs A. Defined A sign that is suspended underneath an awning, canopy, marquee, overhang, or other structural element of a building that forms a covered passageway for pedestrians. B. General standards Maximum size and number Minimum clearance above sidewalk Permit required? Separate lighting? Commercial messages? Automatic changeable copy? Included in aggregate sign area? As limited by the maximum aggregate sign area as allocated under an approved comprehensive sign plan C. Other standards Allowed only where multiple establishments share a common canopy ceiling over a sidewalk. 8 ft. Awning or canopy signs A. Defined Awning signs: A sign that is painted on or affixed to the surface of an awning. Canopy sign: A sign that is affixed to the flat vertical surface of or sits on top of a canopy. B. General standards Maximum size and number Permit required? Separate lighting? Commercial messages? Automatic changeable copy? Included in aggregate sign area? As limited by the maximum aggregate sign area as allocated under an approved comprehensive sign plan C. Other standards The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for signs on awnings or canopies; installation, design and dimensions of the awning or canopy are determined by applicable provisions of this zoning ordinance and/or from an approved site plan and/or other applicable County ordinance regulation or requirement. Effective 10/23/2018 Zoning Ordinance Arlington County, Virginia

21 ARTICLE 13. SIGNS 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARCADE SIGNS Banners A. Defined A sign applied to cloth or fabric or other flexible, durable material. Flags as defined herein shall not be considered banners. B. General standards Maximum number Maximum size Minimum clearance above sidewalk 8 6 Permit required? Separate lighting? Commercial messages? Automatic changeable copy? Included in aggregate sign area? 2 per pole, as approved on comprehensive sign plan 6 sq. ft. on each side; may be 2-sided, single permit may cover multiple banners C. Other standards 1. Banners in this subsection are allowed only for property included in an approved comprehensive sign plan and only in accordance with the provisions of the approved plan; 2. Banners in this subsection are allowed only on light poles. Such poles shall be: (a) Approved on or consistent with a County-approved site engineering plan for the project; (b) Installed primarily for other purposes, such as site lighting; (c) Located in a parking lot, along a private street or on private property along a public or private plaza or courtyard; (d) Two banners shall be allowed on a pole only if the two banners are of the same size and are mounted at the same height; and (e) Banners on poles must be attached at all corners such that they do not move or flap. D. Other permits or approvals Banners on poles under this subsection will be allowed only with the express consent of the owner(s) of the underlying real property and the pole(s). Zoning O rdinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virgi nia 13-29

22 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS ARCADE SIGNS Blade signs A. Defined Any sign that is attached in a plane approximately perpendicular to the surface of a building or other structure. B. General standards Maximum size Maximum projection Minimum vertical clearance Permit required? Separate lighting? As limited by the maximum aggregate sign area as allocated under an approved comprehensive sign plan 42 inches 10 ft. above finished grade Automatic changeable copy?, subject to standards of Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? Maximum height to top of sign 55 feet for façade type A and 40 feet for façade type B, except a maximum of two wall or blade signs per building may be placed above these heights, subject to the standards in A.2(b). C. Other standards 1. A blade sign may be applied to fabric or other flexible, durable material provided the sign is firmly affixed to prevent movement. 2. A blade sign may require a separate encroachment agreement or permit from the County, subject to established standards. D. Relationship to wall signs A sign that projects 18 inches or less from the wall is considered a wall sign; see Flags A. Defined A piece of cloth or other material affixed to a pole on two corners. B. General standards Maximum number of poles 3 Maximum height of pole Maximum flags per pole 2 Maximum flag size Maximum total flag area Permit required? Separate lighting? Automatic changeable copy? Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? 35 ft. 60 sq. ft. 180 sq. ft. C. Other standards Flagpoles shall be located as shown on an approved site plan. Effective 10/23/2018 Zoning Ordinance Arlington County, Virginia

23 ARTICLE 13. SIGNS 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARCADE SIGNS Freestanding signs A. Defined A sign that is affixed to the ground, or to a wall that is not part of a building, or to a fence; freestanding signs include but are not necessarily limited to signs mounted on monument-style foundations, on poles, or on fences or other approved accessory structures. B. General Standards Minimum height Maximum dimensional envelope (see G.2) 4 ft. 2 ft. long x 2 ft. wide by 7 ft. high, except that 1 sign per street frontage, up to a maximum of 2 signs total, may be 3 ft. long by 3 ft. wide by 14 ft. high Number allowed Permit required? Minimum setback 1 per street frontage; 1 per public vehicular entrance; and 1 per public pedestrian entrance at the grade of the adjacent sidewalk, excluding entrances to individual tenant spaces 5 ft. from other property lines 200 feet from property zoned R or RA Separate lighting? Automatic changeable copy?, subject to standards of Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? C. Other standards 1. more than two freestanding signs per regional shopping center shall have commercial messages that are legible from a distance of more than six feet. 2. Freestanding signs shall be allowed only where shown on an approved landscape plan for the development project. Zoning O rdinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virgi nia 13-31

24 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS ARCADE SIGNS Incidental signs A. Defined A small, noncommerical sign. Examples include, but are not limited to, signs that provide information or directions that are necessary for the physical use of the site, such as warnings, parking rules or way-finding information. B. General standards Maximum size (wall) Maximum size (freestanding) Maximum height (freestanding) Number allowed Permit required? Separate lighting? Automatic changeable copy? Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? 4 sq. ft. 3 sq. ft. per side, may be 2-sided 4 ft. As needed Limited; see standards below C. Other standards 1. One incidental sign per 1 st or 2 nd floor occupant may contain a commercial message. 2. Freestanding signs may be placed only on the perimeter of a parking lot and may be no less than 25 feet apart. 3. Wall or blade signs of a maximum of 6.5 sq. ft., with no dimension exceeding 4 sq. ft., that meet all other standards in subsection B, above, and all standards prescribed in the diagram to the left may be installed on public parking facilities. Compliance with these standards shall be determined by the zoning administrator, based on factors that include but are not limited to: location; color; size; shape and lettering, as shown in the diagram at left. Effective 10/23/2018 Zoning Ordinance Arlington County, Virginia

25 ARTICLE 13. SIGNS 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARCADE SIGNS Projected image sign A. Defined A temporary sign that is produced from rays of light onto a wall or other surface. B. General standards Maximum size Maximum number Permit required? Separate lighting? Automatic changeable copy? Commercial messages? Maximum height Included in aggregate sign area? Limited to the size of the wall or other surface on which it is projected Unlimited 55 feet C. Other standards 1. Temporary signs allowed by this shall be limited to a cumulative maximum of 120 days of any consecutive 365 day period for all projected image signs for the entire urban regional shopping center. On the remaining 245 days of the 365 day period, there shall be no projected image signs located anywhere on the urban regional shopping center. 2. Projected image signs shall not move or change, except as follows: (a) The sign is located more than 25 feet from any street right-of-way line and is located on a wall or other surface that fronts a plaza or park; or (b) The sign is not directly facing a street; or (c) The sign is located on the ground or other floor surface; or (d) The sign is located on a wall or other surface that fronts a street right-of-way that is closed to vehicular traffic while the sign is moving. 3. Any sign or element utilized for projecting the sign found by the zoning administrator to be unsafe or to present a hazard or to impair a required clear walkway, shall be removed immediately. 4. The projected image sign shall not extend beyond the façade or other surface that is part of the urban regional shopping center. Sidewalk signs A. Defined A temporary, self-supporting sign made of durable material and located on the sidewalk in front of a use for which such a sign is allowed. B. General standards Maximum size Maximum height Number allowed Permit required? Separate lighting? Changeable copy? Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? 7 sq. ft. per side (may be two-sided) 3.5 ft. One per public entrance directly from sidewalk into establishment Zoning O rdinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virgi nia 13-33

26 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS ARCADE SIGNS C. Other standards 1. Temporary sidewalk signs shall be permitted only for establishments (but not for home occupations); 2. more than one temporary sidewalk sign is permitted for each public entrance to an establishment. For purposes of this , a parking garage is an establishment and a public entrance includes a vehicular entrance; 3. If an establishment has more than one public entrance and two of the public entrances face the same street and are located within 200 feet or less of each other, then a sign shall be allowed for only one of the public entrances; 4. Such signs may be placed on the sidewalk only during hours the establishment is open; 5. Temporary sidewalk signs shall be permitted only on sidewalks where there is an existing minimum six-foot clear walkway (an unobstructed area serving as circulation space for pedestrians). In order to provide adequate clearance for pedestrians and persons with visual and mobility disabilities, such signs shall not be placed within any required clear walkway for the site, and shall be located either entirely within two feet of the building face, or within the landscape and utility zone such that there is at least one foot between the sign and the edge of the curb (on sidewalks where there is no landscaping, sidewalk signs may be placed within four feet of the edge of the curb if such placement maintains the clear walkway required in this subparagraph and maintains at least one foot between the sign and the edge of the curb); 6. Temporary sidewalk signs shall not be placed in tree pits that are not covered with hard grates; 7. Such signs shall be self-supporting, either with legs or supports that are continuous with the plane of the sign face; or with a solid base no wider than the sign width, protruding no more than 12 inches from the plane of the sign face, and separated by no more than six inches from the bottom of the sign face; and 8. Any sign found by the zoning administrator to be unsafe or to present a hazard or to impair a required clear walkway, shall be removed immediately. Temporary signs For temporary signs allowed in these districts, see projected image signs ( ), window signs ( ) and temporary signs for construction and sale/leasing ( 13.16). Umbrella signs A. Defined A sign painted on or affixed to the surface of an umbrella. B. General standards Maximum size Up to 4 sq. ft. on any individual umbrella Permit required? Automatic changeable copy? Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? Effective 10/23/2018 Zoning Ordinance Arlington County, Virginia

27 ARTICLE 13. SIGNS 13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARCADE SIGNS Wall signs A. Defined Any sign that is affixed directly to or suspended from a building wall, marquee, mansard wall, or parapet wall of a building, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to and projecting no more than 18 inches from the face of the wall. A wall sign may be either of one-piece construction or of individual connected or related letters or symbols. B. General standards Maximum size and number Permit required? Separate lighting? As limited by the maximum aggregate sign area as allocated under an approved comprehensive sign plan Automatic changeable copy?, subject to standards of Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? Maximum height to top of sign 55 feet for façade type A and 40 feet for façade type B, except a maximum of two wall or blade signs per building may be placed above these heights, subject to the standards in A.2(b). C. Other standards Up to 50 sq. ft. of wall signs placed inside of a public parking garage, two feet or more from and mounted approximately perpendicular to the façade on which the vehicular entrance to the garage is located shall not be counted as part of aggregate sign area. Window signs A. Defined Any permanent or temporary sign, including any decal, that is legible from the outside, including plazas, public streets, and parking lots, and that is placed on the outside or inside face of a window or mounted within two feet of the inside face of the window. B. General standards Maximum total area per sign Number allowed Permit required? Separate lighting? Automatic changeable copy? Commercial messages? Included in aggregate sign area? Ground story: 80 sq. ft. or 20 percent of window area, whichever is less 2 nd or 3 rd story: 50 percent of window area (see C.2 below) Unlimited C. Other standards 1. Window signs shall be allowed for establishments located on the first, second or third story of an urban regional shopping center up to a maximum height of 55 feet. 2. Maximum total area per window sign may be aggregated per story on the second and third story. Zoning O rdinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virgi nia 13-35

28 18.2 GENERAL TERMS DEFINED ARTICLE 18. DEFINITIONS General Terms Defined Urban regional shopping center. A building(s) or the portion of a building that includes a minimum of 500,000 square feet of retail, entertainment and food establishment uses configured in at least two stories and that is not bisected by any street. An urban regional shopping center is connected by at least one interior or exterior shared pathway fronted by retail, entertainment and food establishment uses. Urban regional shopping center façade. An exterior vertical plane, face, or side of an urban regional shopping center building that contains a minimum of 50% retail, entertainment and food establishment uses on each story. Neither articulations nor off-sets in the wall of less than five feet shall be considered separate facades. An urban regional shopping center façade is either: (1) Façade type A: an urban regional shopping center façade(s) with a minimum of 50 percent fenestration on the ground story and a minimum of 25 percent fenestration on the remainder of the urban regional shopping center façade; or (2) Façade type B: an urban regional shopping center façade(s) that does not qualify as façade type A. Example of Façade Type A Example of Façade Type B Zoning Ordinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virginia

29 ATTACHMENT Signs in C and M Districts (excluding One- and Two-Family and Townhouse Uses) General G. Placement Standards for signs above a height of 40 feet In order to protect the viewshed for properties in residential districts that face commercial areas of the County, the following provisions are set forth in order to limit visibility of signs placed above a height of 40 feet. 1. Under no circumstances shall more than two signs per building be placed above a height of 40 feet, and under no circumstances shall more than one sign be placed above a height of 40 feet on any building façade directly facing Line B on Map sign shall be placed above a height of 40 feet in a C-1, C-2, C- 1-O, C-O-1.1, or C-1-R district. 3. Horizontally oriented signs shall fit within a sign band that is no more than six feet in height, provided, however, that up to 20 percent of the sign may be no more than nine feet in height. The designated sign band shall be placed within the 20 feet of the building façade below the main roofline or other roofline of the building below the main roofline for a building where there are multiple rooflines. 4. sign shall extend above the height of the roofline of the building, measured from the actual roofline in the case of a flat roof or from the eaves line in the case of a hip or gable roof. 5. sign placed above a height of 40 feet shall have any automatic changeable copy element. 6. All signs placed above a height of 40 feet may be illuminated only by internal lighting and hours of illumination shall be as set forth in Signs placed above a height of 40 feet may be placed on building facades perpendicular to or facing away from the line identified as Line A on Map 13-1, but shall not be placed on facades facing Line A (a façade shall be considered to be facing Line A if it is less than 90 degrees from parallel). Provided, however, that such signs may be placed on building facades abutting streets parallel to Line A, including but not limited to, Wilson Blvd., Clarendon Blvd., Fairfax Dr., S. Randolph St., S. Quincy St. and Campbell Ave, if the building façade is not within 200 feet of an R or RA district, and the applicant demonstrates that view of the sign is substantially blocked from the aforementioned districts by a building or other obstruction of equal or greater height to the height of the sign. Placement of signs above a height of 40 feet may be allowed by the Zoning Administrator as set forth in this paragraph, or may be modified by the County Board, only as set forth in A.2(d). Zoning Ordinance Effective 10/23/2018 Arlington County, Virginia 13-18