The current sign pointing the way to the Oyster Farm
As drivers enter the Town of Cape Charles, the small sign pointing the way to the Oyster Farm at Kings Creek at the intersection of Fig and Randolph has been replaced by a more substantial one. Bill Parr, Manager for Peacock Holdings, requested permission to build a larger, more permanent sign to help alleviate the challenges of what they perceive to be a remote location. After discussion, Town Council agreed to allow for a temporary sign to be erected; it could stay until the town could build a permanent ‘wayfinding’ sign of its own at the corner of Fig and Randolph. Council directed staff to move forward with plans to erect the permanent ‘wayfinding’ sign.
Peacock Holdings letter to Mayor Proto and Town Council:
Peacock Holdings Va. LLC. dba
THE OYSTER FARM AT KINGS CREEK
500 Marina Village Circle
Cape Charles Va. 23310
January 29, 2016
Cape Charles Town Council
Mayor George Proto
Plum Street
Cape Charles Va
RE: Sign Request for The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek on Town property
Dear Mayor Proto and Council Members
As the owner and operating entity of the 39 acre commercial complex now known as “The
Oyster Farm At Kings Creek”, we have recognized the need for additional signage to identify our
rather remote location within the town. I write you today to request a permit to install a
permanent directional sign at the Fig Street intersection.
According to Town Planner Larry DiRe, Town Code section 6-4 “Erection of signs over, under
or in streets or public places” provides that the town council may grant permission which
designates the exact location, nature and dimensions for signs located on town property. At this
time, we come to you to seek such permission for installation of a directional sign on town lot
#83A4-1-1 on the corner of Fig and Randolph.
In this regard, the sign we are requesting is a modest six square feet in size, with a sign face of
36 inches wide by 24 inches high in a frame standing only 53 inches in height. It would be in a
wood frame. We propose to make a permanent installation of the sign at the corner just inside the
lot lines at a visible location free of utility pole obstructions that is agreeable to the town planner,
which will not obstruct traffic visibility.
We believe that our contribution to the town’s overall economy and the magnitude of our
commercial facilities warrants your favorable consideration for a sign such as this. We are in
effect, requesting one sign to direct traffic to a 39 acre in town complex with several separately
operated business entities, including a restaurant, an Event Center, a bait and Tackle shop, a
Marina, and a Catering company, as well as Vacation Villa Rentals, golf cart rentals, bicycle
rentals, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. This one sign will assist visitors in finding all of
these establishments.
We also feel that our somewhat remote location, removed from the downtown commercial
corridor and on the outer edge of the town, further warrants your favorable consideration of this
request. We hope that you will agree that it is reasonable request in light of our status as both a
major employer and contributor to the finances of the town as well.
I welcome the opportunity to review this request, and answer any questions that you may have.
Thanking you for your favorable consideration of our request, I am
Sincerely
Bill Parr, Manager for
Peacock Holdings Va LLC
Current ORDINANCE 20141009 dealing with signage:
ORDINANCE 20141009
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ENFORCEMENT FOR A PORTION OF THE SIGN
REGULATION FOR BUSINESSES LOCATED ON SIDE STREETS
WHEREAS, on December 19, 2013, the revisions to Cape Charles Zoning Ordinance §
4.1-Sign Regulations were adopted by the Town Council; and
WHEREAS, off-premise signs are defined as billboards which are prohibited in the
Town; and
WHEREAS, a number of businesses are located on side streets, such as Strawberry,
Peach and Nectarine Streets, and are not as visible as those on Mason Avenue, causing them to
lose foot traffic and business without an off-premise sign; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed this issue and recommended temporary
suspension of a portion of the sign regulations, Section 4.1(F)11 to allow businesses on side
streets to place portable signs to attract foot traffic until a way-finding sign can be installed on
Mason Avenue or the sign regulations are revisited; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to support the businesses on the Town’s side streets, Council
agrees with the Planning Commission recommendation, provided that:
- any-off premise signage be limited to ten square feet in area;
- the signage be located at the intersection of Mason Avenue and the street which
the advertised business occupies;
iii. the sign be removed at the end of each business day; now
THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of Cape Charles, this 9th day
of October, 2014, that enforcement of a portion of the sign regulations pertaining to off-premise
signs for businesses located on the Town’s side streets be temporarily suspended, subject to the
above conditions, until such time that a way-finding sign is installed on Mason Avenue or the
sign regulations are revisited.
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Adopted by the Town Council of Cape Charles on October 9, 2014.
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