Planning staff proposes sign ordinance changes and draft battery storage rules; commission asks for review and outside feedback

Planning staff presented two draft regulatory efforts at the Isle of Wight Planning Commission meeting: a revised sign ordinance and a first draft of a battery energy storage system (BESS) ordinance. Commissioners asked staff to circulate the drafts to emergency services, Dominion Energy and other stakeholders and return with revised language and a proposed public hearing.

On the sign ordinance, staff proposed allowing the total permitted wall-sign area to be split across multiple building walls while retaining a maximum of 10% of the front façade area or 200 square feet, whichever is less. Staff also recommended removing the temporary-sign permit requirement and allowing temporary signs up to 90 days per calendar year if the signs remain in good repair and meet other standards. Nonresidential properties would be permitted two flag signs, one banner sign and one portable/frame sign under the draft. The draft also lists prohibited materials such as plywood, cardboard and scrap metal while allowing durable materials such as aluminum or…