May 27, 1998

 To:Toronto Community Council

From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:1021 Avenue Road, Application No. 997108: Request for approval of variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Petro Canada c/o Wesley Robbins, 3275 Rebecca Street, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 6N5. (North Toronto)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to permit ten illuminated signs of varying types.

 Financial Implications:

 Not applicable.

 Recommendations:

 It is recommended that:

City Council refuse Application No. 997108 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit ten illuminated signs of varying types.

Comments:

The property is located on the south east corner of Eglinton Avenue West and Avenue Road, in a mixed-use (commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates an automotive service station. The applicant is requesting permission to install new identification signage in conjunction with the renovation of the existing service station (see Figure 1). The dimensions and characteristics of each sign are described in Table 1 attached. In addition to the ten signs that are part of this application, there are 20 signs, which are permitted under the Municipal Code, and which will be installed on the site.

The signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following ways:

1. Fuel Centre Signs AA@ are not a sign type defined under the Municipal Code and therefore are not permitted; and

2. two southerly Fuel Centre Signs AA@, Co-Branded Fascia Signs AB@ on the west elevation and 24 hr Fascia Sign AC@ on the west elevation will be located within 20 metres of a lot in a residential district.

The first variance is caused because the Fuel Centre Signs AB@ are not a sign type defined under the Municipal Code. The six signs would be suspended from the underside of the service canopy directly above the gas pumps. Each of these large, illuminated signs would display the same message being the Petro Canada logo and name.

The second variance relates to the proximity of the five illuminated signs to a lot in a residential district. The Municipal Code requires signs to be set back at least 20 metres from a residentially zoned lot in order to reduce the impact of illumination on residential properties.

At its meeting dated January 21, 1998, Toronto Community Council requested that I report back on design guidelines for gas stations and gas bars within the context of the urban environment. The report is currently being undertaken by staff. In my opinion, approval of signs AA@ to AC@ would prejudice the results of the study currently being undertaken and could set an unfortunate precedent. For example, large, illuminated Fuel Centre Signs AA@ which each carry the same message may, as a result of the study, become subject to number and size restrictions. Respecting sign types AB@ and AC@, I have advised the applicant of other options available to display this signage. For example, the signs could be re-located to the north part of the service building. However, the applicant remains unconvinced that the signs would be suitably visible. In my opinion, it is unlikely that changes to the current regulations respecting the proximity of illuminated signs to residential districts will be recommended as a result of the study now underway.

 Given these reasons, I am recommending refusal of the ten illuminated signs.

 Contact Name:Lora Mazzocca

Telephone: (416) 392-0421

Fax: (416) 392-7536

E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca

    Beate Bowron

Director, Development Approval and Deputy Chief Building Official

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