May 7, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:1497 Yonge Street, Application No.998017: Request for approval of variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Kwality Signs, 454 Aberfoyle Court, Mississauga, Ontario,
L4Z 2J5, on behalf of 791486 Ontario Limited, 43 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B3. (Midtown)
Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to maintain one illuminated fascia sign and
one illuminated projecting sign.
Financial Implications:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1. City Council approve Application No. 998017 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of
Toronto Municipal Code to maintain one illuminated fascia sign and one illuminated projecting sign.
2. The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998017, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits
from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.
Comments:
The property is located on the east side of Yonge Street, north of St. Clair Avenue East, in a mixed-use
(commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a 2.5 storey commercial building. The applicant is requesting
permission to maintain one illuminated fascia sign and one illuminated projecting sign on the west elevation of the building
(see Figure 1). The fascia sign has a length of 1.2 metres and a height of 1.2 metres, and an area of 1.4 m5 and the
projecting sign has a length of 0.5 metres and a height of 0.5 metres, and an area of 0.3 m5.
The signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following ways:
- the signs do not consist only of letters; and
- a projecting sign is not permitted in the Yonge-St. Clair area.
The building is located in the Yonge-St.Clair area for which there are specific sign regulations. Only fascia signs
consisting of individual letters not exceeding a vertical dimension of 0.5 metres are permitted. The purpose of this
regulation is to produce signage which, in terms of its size and design, is appropriate for this secondary commercial node.
The signs have been designed as internally illuminated circular logos consisting of letters and graphic. The fascia sign has
been installed towards the north end of the building beside the company name and the projecting sign has been installed
towards the south end of the building.
Given the modest size of the signs and recognizing the existence of other comparable corporate logo signs in the
immediate vicinity, the signs, in my opinion, are not unnecessarily obtrusive.
I am recommending approval of this application, as I find the variances requested to be minor and within the general intent
and purpose of the sign provisions of the Municipal Code.
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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