Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Herndon council approves new sign standards, expands caretaker-unit size and withdraws casino zoning proposal
Summary
The Town Council unanimously approved a sign-standards zoning text amendment for the Herndon Transit Oriented Core (Ordinance 26,014), increased maximum caretaker/security-residence size to 1,500 sq ft (Ordinance 26-615), and voted to withdraw a casino-related zoning amendment (Resolution 26 GS 34); all votes were 6–0 with one member absent.
At its May 26 meeting the Herndon Town Council approved three zoning-related actions and completed routine business before adjourning.
Sign standards (Ordinance 26,014 / ZOTA 26-001): Zoning Administrator David Stromberg presented a text amendment to create standards for signage in the Herndon Transit Oriented Core (HTOC), a zone north of the Metro station and the Transit-Related Growth area. Stromberg said the town currently lacks zoning standards for signs in that area, which has stalled permit approval for projects including the near-complete Vannell Apartments at 555 Fern Parkway. He reviewed common sign types (sign bands, awnings, canopy, blade/projecting, freestanding, parapet/tower, banner and plaque signs) and said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. Council moved and seconded the ordinance; the clerk called the roll and the motion passed 6–0 with one absence.
Caretaker/security guard residences (Ordinance 26-615 / ZOTA 26-062): Stromberg also presented an amendment to update provisions for on-site caretaker and security guard residences, increasing the typical maximum size from 1,000 square feet to 1,500 square feet. Staff had proposed 1,400 square feet but the Planning Commission recommended 1,500; the council approved the amendment on a roll-call vote (6–0, 1 absent). Stromberg explained the increase was intended to allow market-competitive two-bedroom units where appropriate for large self-storage or industrial properties.
Withdrawal of casino-related zoning amendment (Resolution 26 GS 34): The council approved a resolution to withdraw consideration of ZOTA 26-03, a proposed text amendment that would have defined casino-related terms and established land-use provisions for casinos. The mayor explained the resolution was prompted by state action (a veto) that obviated the town-level change; the motion passed 6–0 with one absent.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 26,014 (ZOTA 26-001, signage standards): approved by roll call 6–0 (1 absent). - Ordinance 26-615 (ZOTA 26-062, caretaker/security residence size to 1,500 sq ft): approved by roll call 6–0 (1 absent). - Resolution 26 GS 34 (withdraw ZOTA 26-03, casino provisions): approved by roll call 6–0 (1 absent).
Why it matters: The sign standards will enable property owners and developers in the HTOC to obtain sign permits (Stromberg cited a stalled sign package for a completed apartment project). The caretaker-residence change standardizes a larger unit size that staff and the Planning Commission said is appropriate for certain large commercial or industrial properties. The casino-related amendment was withdrawn due to recent state-level action, removing the immediate need for local text changes.
The council also approved the consent agenda and adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
