BAR approves canopy for Valley Energy on Hearst Road; staff flags lighting and fascia sizing

The Purcellville Board of Architectural Review approved a new canopy over the fueling pumps at Valley Energy (CDA 2603) after staff and applicant representatives described the design, size and ongoing equipment upgrades.

Jordan Andrews and staff described the project as a canopy roughly 54 feet 6 inches long by 40 feet wide with a proposed 38-inch fascia and an overall canopy height just under 19.5 feet. Andrews noted that the town’s 2006 design guidelines provide a 30-inch fascia sizing metric for canopies, and that photometrics, lighting and signage remain subject to zoning and administrative permitting. "The canopy that's proposed is approximately 54 feet and 6 inches long by 40 feet wide, with a proposed 38 inch fascia," staff said on the record.

Tim Murphy, representing Valley Energy, told the board the company has been collecting customer feedback and that patrons have asked for a canopy. "For 26 years, when we pull our customers on what they want, they want a canopy," Murphy said. Contractor Buddy Bayless answered technical questions about the canopy fascia, drainage and lighting; on the record he described the expected light fixtures and scupper overflow detail, saying, "The lights that we expect ... they're 15 0.0625 of an inch tall," and explaining the concealed downspouts and scuppers for storm overflow. Staff also said the applicant is replacing underground fuel tanks and fueling pumps as part of ongoing work; the tanks were described on the record as "20 or or so or more years old" in earlier remarks. After discussion about visual impact, soffit/lens details and concealment of support structure, the board approved CDA 2603 "as submitted," with a motion and a second recorded on the transcript.

Staff reminded the applicant that photometrics and any future fascia signage will require separate permits and compliance with the town’s lighting standards.