(Report dated May 29, 1998, addressed to Toronto Community Council, from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.)

Subject:416 Victoria Park Avenue, Application No. 998026: Request for approval of a variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by John Humphries, 153 Santamonica Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M1L 4H7, on behalf of Blantyre Park Congregation of Jehova=s Witnesses, 416 Victoria Park Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4E 3T2. (East Toronto)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to permit one non-illuminated fascia sign at 416 Victoria Park Avenue.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1. City Council approve Application No. 998026 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one non-illuminated fascia sign.

2. The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998026, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the west side of Victoria Park Avenue, north of Kingston Road, in a residential (R2) district. The property accommodates a place of worship. The applicant is requesting permission to install one non-illuminated fascia sign on the east elevation of the building (see Figure 1). The sign has a length of 1.9 metres and a height of 0.6 metres, with an area of 1.1 m5.

The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that it will be located 3.6 metres above grade instead of 2.0 metres.

Signs permitted in residential districts are required to be small and low in order to limit any negative impact the sign may have on the streetscape and on neighbouring residential uses. In this instance, the non-illuminated sign would be affixed to a blank side wall of the building which is substantially set back from the property line and would be located so as to be visible from the street, which I consider appropriate.

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

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

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