April 21, 1998

To:Chairman and Members, North York Community Council

From:Mr. E.Y. Uzumeri P.Eng. Chief Building Official/Building Commissioner

 Subject:619 Lawrence Avenue West

Purpose:

Evaluate and make recommendations concerning a request by Michael A. Cohen for a variance from the sign by-law to permit a double sided ground sign that exceeds the permitted sign area to be located on private property facing east & west bound traffic on Lawrence Avenue West directly across from Bathurst Heights Secondary School.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)The request be denied as a minor variance from the sign by-law.

Council Reference/Background/History:

In a letter dated March 31, 1998, Michael A. Cohen is requesting permission to erect a double sided ground sign having a sign area of 24 square feet (each side).

Section 5.1.1. of Sign By-law 30788 permits one identification sign not exceeding 4.3 square feet in sign area in a residential zone indicating the name of a lawful business or profession located therein.

The proposed sign is 24 square feet in sign area and therefore contravenes the by-law.

The proposed sign will be used to advertise acupuncture and holistic medicine neither of which is a permitted use in an R4 zone.

The proposed sign is to be erected in a small front yard and is almost six times the size permitted by the sign by-law.

Conclusions:

It is the opinion of this department that the variance is not minor in nature and that the sign would have a negative impact on the surrounding area in particular the adjacent houses. As the intent of the sign by-law would not be served by the erection of this sign, it is recommended that this request be denied as a minor variance from the sign by-law.

E.Y. Uzumeri P.Eng.

Chief Building Official/Building Commissioner

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