HomeMy Public PortalAbout2007_04_24_r077
The Town of
Leesburg,
Virginia
PRESENTED: April 24. 2007
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-77
ADOPTED:
April 24. 2007
A RESOLUTION: ADOPTING A UNIFORM DESIGN STANDARD FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND PEDESTRIAN
CROSSING SIGNALS IN THE OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) reviews and decides upon
applications for Historic District Permits in the H-I Overlay District and the H-2 Overlay District
in accordance with Zoning Ordinance Section 2.3.7 Powers; and
WHEREAS, the Town Attorney has determined that Section 46.2-1312 of the Code of
Virginia precludes review and action by the BAR on the installation of traffic signals and
pedestrian crossing signals; and
WHEREAS, on February 20, 2007 the Town Council dismissed appeal case TLAP-2007-
0003 on the grounds that the Board of Architectural Review did not have the authority to take
action on the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of West Market Street and
Memorial Drive; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council requested that the BAR meet with Town staff and
property owners in the Old and Historic District to seek input on the design options for traffic
signals that are permitted pursuant to standards established by the Virginia Department of
Transportation (VDOT) and in doing so, create a uniform look to the downtown area; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Architectural Review met in a work session with
representatives from the Historic District Residents' Association and the neighborhood of West
Market Street and Memorial Drive on March 29,2007 to discuss the aesthetic design options for
traffic signals that are permitted per VDOT standards, focusing on integral and applied ornament
as well as texture and finish; and
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A RESOLUTION: ADOPTING A UNIFORM DESIGN STANDARD FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND PEDESTRIAN
CROSSING SIGNALS IN THE OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Board of Architectural Review held a public hearing on April 16, 2007
to gain additional pub, the Board of Architectural Review passed Resolution 2007-0002 on 16
April 2007, recommending that the Town Council adopt a uniform design standard for the
installation of traffic signals and pedestrian crossing signals in the Old and Historic District.
THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia that
future traffic signals and pedestrian crossing signals installed in the Old and Historic (H-l
Overlay) District will conform to the following standards:
SECTION 1. Wherever possible and permitted within the applicable regulations, based on
engineering design factors, such as geotechnical studies and available right-of-way, the size and
number of traffic signal support structures should be reduced so that they have the least visual
impact on the character and integrity of the Old and Historic District.
SECTION II. Wherever possible and permitted within the applicable regulations, the
number of ancillary support structures, such as pedestrian crossing signals and signposts, should
be reduced by eliminating those structures or mounting fixtures on the traffic signal poles to limit
impact on the pedestrian way.
SECTION III. The ornament for all structures should comply with the following
criteria:
a. All vertical posts for traffic signals and pedestrian crossing signals must be
fluted, with all mast arms or other large horizontal elements smooth (unfluted).
b. An applied ornamental base may be accommodated where possible:
1. The applied base must not have an adverse impact on the available right-of-
way-specifically the pedestrian right-of-way.
2. The applied base must be scaled to the surrounding neighborhood context.
3. The applied base may be no more ornamental than the example of the
National Family (base styles 726 and 738) set forth in the Union Metal
Corporation's product catalog.
-3-
A RESOLUTION: ADOPTING A UNIFORM DESIGN STANDARD FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND PEDESTRIAN
CROSSING SIGNALS IN THE OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT
c. In the event that an applied base may not be accommodated, cast metal bolt
covers will be placed over the mounting hardware at the base of the shaft.
SECTION IV. The final coating shall be a black powder-coated finish and shall be
applied to the following fixtures and elements:
a. All traffic signal and pedestrian crossing signal support structures.
b. All housings for traffic signals and pedestrian crossing signals.
c. The backs of all signs mounted to any traffic signal and pedestrian crossing signal
support structures.
SECTION V. The Town Council encourages the Engineering Department to engage the
BAR and/or the Preservation Planner in the Department of Planning, Zoning & Development in
an advisory capacity when alternative signal types are feasible for installation at an intersection
based on the completed engineering studies and all applicable regulations.
PASSED this 24th day of April 2007.
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\'Kr' . mstattd, Mayor I
Town of Leesburg
ATTEST:
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R07: BAR Traffic Signal Design