DateOctober 28, 1998

To:East York Community Council

From:Douglas Walker

Manager, Field Office

Subject:Request for variance from sign By-law requirements for Goodwill, at 3003 Danforth Avenue.

Purpose:The applicant proposes to install a facial sign with an overall height exceeding the height permitted by the Sign By-law of the Community of East York. The sign is proposed to be installed on the north wall of the building, facing Danforth Avenue.

Financial Implications:

There are no financial implications.

Recommendations:

"It is recommended that:

(1)Council deny the variance from the Sign By-law requirements to permit the installation of a facial sign for Goodwill with an overall height of 3.65 metres

(12 feet) at 3003 Danforth Avenue, on the north wall of the building facing Danforth Avenue;

(2)If Council wishes to permit the facial sign, to do so by way of a site specific Sign By-law amendment for 3003 Danforth Avenue; and

(3)The appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto;

Background:

The Municipal Act authorizes Council to pass by-laws for prohibiting or regulating signs and advertising devices. The Act also authorizes Council to grant minor variances from the by-law where such variances, in the opinion of Council, would maintain the general intent of the by-law.

Comments:

The Sign By-law allows signs for buildings in accordance with the zoning designation of the area where the buildings are located and in accordance with the type of the occupancy of the buildings.

The Goodwill store is located in the Shoppers World Plaza in an area designated as Commercial zone. The Sign By-law for the Community of East York allows, for commercial plazas or shopping centres, one facial sign for each occupant, provided the sign does not exceed 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height.

The applicant is proposing to install a facial sign, the Goodwill logo, on the north wall of the building, facing Danforth Avenue, with an overall height of 3.65 metres (12 feet ), which is 2.45 metres (8 feet) or 200% higher than what is permitted by the by-law.

Conclusion:

Staff is of the opinion that the request for variance to install an oversized facial sign for Goodwill, at 3003 Danforth Avenue, be denied. The overall height of the proposed sign is two times larger than what is permitted by the Sign By-law and as such is beyond the parameters for minor variances from the Sign By-law requirements. If Council wishes to allow the variance, it may do so by way of a Site Specific By-law amendment.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Iraklis (Eric) Tsotsos

778-2239