(Report dated June 16, 1998, addressed toToronto Community Council, from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.)

Subject:337 Queen Street West, Application No. 998032: Request for approval of variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by John Klisouras, 272 Westwood Avenue, on behalf of 547429 Ontario Ltd. c/o Franco Prevedello, 337 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 2Z3.(Downtown)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to maintain two non-illuminated projecting signs at 337 Queen Street West.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1.City Council approve Application No. 998032 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain two non-illuminated projecting signs.

2. The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998032, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the south side of Queen Street West, between Peter Street and John Street, in a mixed-use (commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a three storey commercial building. The applicant is requesting permission to maintain two non-illuminated projecting banner signs on the Queen Street elevation of the building (see Figure 2). The signs each have a length of 0.9 metres and a height of 3.6 metres, with an area of 3.2 m5.

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

1. the aggregate area of the signs (5.1 m5) exceeds the permitted area of 0.6 m5 by 4.5m5; and

2. the signs project 1.3 metres over a public sidewalk instead of 1.0 metre.

The variances relate to the size of the signs and the extent of their projection over the sidewalk. The maximum area for a projecting sign is based on the amount of frontage the unit has on the street.

The banner signs run lengthwise on the building face within the second storey. Although larger than permitted, the signs have been designed to complement the proportions of this narrow three storey building and to align with the adjacent windows and, in my opinion, do not negatively impact upon the building or the streetscape.

Respecting the second variance, the signs are located 2.7 metres above grade and therefore pedestrians are not negatively affected. Further the signs are in keeping with other signs along this section of Queen Street in terms of their projection.

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

(Copies of maps attached, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)

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