May 8, 1998

 To:Toronto Community Council

From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:147 Spadina Avenue, Application No. 997096: Request for approval of a variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Alice Liang Architect, 377 Markham Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6G 2K8, on behalf of 458728 Ontario Ltd., 119 Spadina Avenue, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2L1. (Downtown)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to permit seven illuminated projecting banner signs.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1. City Council approve Application No. 997096 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit seven illuminated projecting banner signs.

2. The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 997096, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the north-east corner of Richmond Street West and Spadina Avenue, in a reinvestment area (RA) district. The property accommodates a two storey commercial building. The applicant is requesting permission to install five illuminated projecting banner signs along the Spadina Avenue frontage of the building and two illuminated projecting banner signs along the Richmond Street frontage of the building (see Figures 1&2). The banner signs will identify the municipal address of the property. The signs each have a length of 0.7 metres and a height of 2.9 metres, with an area of 2.0 m5.

The signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that the aggregate area of the signs on Spadina Avenue (10.3 m5) exceeds the permitted area of 3.3 m5 and the aggregate area of the signs on Richmond Street (4.2 m5) exceeds the permitted area of 2.8 m5.

The maximum area for a projecting sign is based on the amount of frontage the unit has on the street. The banner signs will run lengthwise along the columns on the building=s south and west elevations. In my opinion, the signs are appropriately sized for this corner property and will not negatively impact the streetscape or the building.

I am recommending approval of this application, as I find the variance 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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