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Vienna BAR to ask staff for illustrative sign guidance and review options for cellular facility rules
Summary
Board members requested staff prepare pictorial sign guidelines for businesses and flagged an upcoming work session on possible changes to how cellular facilities are reviewed, including a potential administrative/design‑standards path; Director Levy to present options.
At the close of its May 21 meeting the Vienna Board of Architectural Review asked staff to prepare illustrative, pictorial sign guidance for local businesses and to schedule a work session to discuss potential changes to the town’s review process for cellular facilities.
Board members said that small businesses are often unsure what the BAR expects when they submit sign applications. One member recommended a visual guide — similar to the town’s outdoor dining guidance — showing examples of signs that meet BAR objectives for contrast, placement and kerning. The board asked staff to produce examples and suggested inviting the business community to a work session so applicants understand what will pass administrative review versus cases that must return to the board.
Separately, staff previewed options director Levy is weighing for cellular facility review after new state or county frameworks changed administrative paths for siting equipment. Options include codifying a set of design and siting standards that, if met, would allow staff‑level approval, or maintaining design review by the BAR for cases that depart from the standards. Members emphasized balancing the need for network coverage with protection of historic rooflines and streetscapes.
Next steps: staff will prepare a draft illustrative sign guide and bring options for cellular facility review to a future work session; the BAR asked to be involved in drafting any changes to chapter 4 of the town code related to signage.
