Title
Ordinance To Amend And Re-Enact Chapter 10 Of The Zoning Ordinance Of The City Of Hampton, Virginia Entitled “Signs” By Amending Section 10-18 Pertaining to Phoebus Business (PH-1) District Sign Regulations
Purpose
Background Statement:
PH-1 was specifically adopted along Mellen and Mallory Streets, bounded by Mercury Boulevard to the east and Interstate 64 to the west. The intent, as described in the Phoebus Master Plan (2007, as amended) is to support the revival of the heart of Phoebus as a pedestrian oriented, downtown village center. In order to achieve this intent, the City of Hampton adopted special zoning regulations, including those related to signage, for the commercial core of Phoebus.
In adopting the signage regulations, all free standing signs are prohibited on properties governed by PH-1, with the obvious exception of those already in existence. Generally, this regulation makes a lot of sense for areas like Phoebus where historic and future buildings are pulled up to the back of the sidewalk, are used to frame the street, and situated to engage pedestrians rather than cars. However, there are some special provisions that currently exist for other districts that should also exist for Phoebus.
These exceptions include a provision for signs related to drive-thrus, public art displays, and outdoor dining. While the PH-1 district is generally geared toward pedestrian oriented development, it does allow for drive-thrus with an approved use permit. There are also three existing businesses with drive-thrus. In these cases, it is appropriate to permit the same additional signage, which is typically used for a menu board, permitted in other districts. With respect to the signage for art displays and outdoor dining, these are relatively small signs that provide the opportunity to share information, such as a menu, description of the piece, or acknowledgement of donors.
As a reminder, signage regulations cannot govern content of signs, b...
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