Commission unanimously backs Ivy Baptist Church request to replace reader board with electronic sign

The Newport News Planning Commission on Nov. 5 unanimously recommended approval (6‑0) of a conditional use permit (CU2025Tax0008) allowing the trustees of Ivy Baptist Church to replace a reader board with an electronic display sign at 50 Maple Avenue. The recommendation moves the request to City Council for final action on Dec. 9, 2025.

Planning staff presented the request and noted the parcel is designated as a community facility in the 1 City, 1 Future 2040 comprehensive plan and is zoned R‑4. Staff said the proposed display complies with the city sign ordinance’s size and height standards: the sign would be 7.5 feet tall with a 19.9‑square‑foot electronic display area (both below ordinance maximums), and the proposal includes controls to limit illumination between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Staff recommended 14 conditions, including that the sign’s design, size and illumination follow submitted renderings and that the electronic portion be no brighter than 10,000 foot‑candles from sunrise to sunset and no greater than 700 foot‑candles between sunset and sunrise, with flashing and intermittent illumination prohibited.

Gail Chalmers, a trustee of Ivy Baptist Church, confirmed the display will replace the existing reader board in the same location and reiterated the church’s commitment to the proposed hours of operation and brightness restrictions.

A commissioner asked staff to clarify whether the sign would be reduced to 700 foot‑candles between sunset and 10 PM and then dark from 10 PM to 6 AM; staff confirmed it will not be illuminated between 10 PM and 6 AM. After a motion to recommend approval, the commission voted unanimously to forward CU2025Tax0008 to City Council with staff’s conditions.

What’s next: The conditional use permit will be considered by City Council at its public hearing on Dec. 9, 2025.