May 7, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:393 University Avenue, Application No. 998025: Request for approval of a variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of
the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Dominic Rotundo, 453 Chancellor Drive, Woodbridge,
Ontario, L4L 5E1, on behalf of Elliott & Page Ltd., 393 University Avenue, Suite 2100, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1E6.
(Downtown)
Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to permit two illuminated fascia signs.
Financial Implications:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1. City Council approve Application No. 998025 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of
Toronto Municipal Code to permit two illuminated fascia
signs.
2. The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998025, 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 University Avenue between Dundas Street West and Armoury Street, in a
mixed-use (commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a 23 storey commercial building.
The applicant is requesting permission to install two illuminated fascia signs in the form of a corporate logo on the north
and south elevations of the building (see Figures 1 & 2). The sign on the north elevation has a length of 3.0 metres and a
height of 3.3 metres, with an area of 9.9 m5, and the sign on the south elevation has a length of 7.6 metres and a height of
3.0 metres, with an area of 23 m5.
The signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following ways:
1. the height of sign on the north elevation (3.3 metres) will exceed the maximum height permitted of 3.0 metres by 0.3
metres; and
2. the sign on the south elevation will not be located on the uppermost storey of the building.
The property is also subject to University Avenue By-law No. 13409 which regulates signs along University Avenue
between Front Street and College Street. Under By-law No. 13409, the proposed signs are not permitted and the applicant
has applied to the Committee of Adjustment for a variance which was considered on April 22, 1998. The Committee=s
decision has been reserved pending the outcome of City Council=s decision on this report.
The proposed signs consist of a company name and logo. The first variance occurs because the height restrictions of the
logo and name combined will be exceeded. In this instance, however, the sign only slightly exceeds the maximum
permitted and is in keeping with other corporate logo signs along University Avenue.
Respecting the second variance, the Municipal Code requires corporate logo signs to be located within the uppermost
storey of buildings in order to reduce their visual impact on the streetscape , on the buildings to which they are attached and
on adjacent uses. In this instance, the uppermost storey of the building is recessed from the main front wall and therefore I
consider the proposed location on the 22nd storey to be appropriate.
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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