July 15, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:1615 Dufferin Street, Application No. 998038: Request for approval of a variance
from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application
by Brill-Light Neon Signs Inc., 6380 Northwest Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4V 1J7, on
behalf of 715473 Ontario Inc., 1615 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6H 4H4
(Davenport)
Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to permit
one illuminated fascia sign at 1615 Dufferin Street.
Financial Implications:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
- City Council approve Application No. 998038 respecting a minor variance from Chapter
297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one fascia sign on
condition that the sign be non-illuminated.
- The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998038, 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 Dufferin Street and Rosemount Avenue,
in a residential (R2) district. The property accommodates a two storey medical building. The
applicant is requesting permission to install one illuminated fascia sign on the second floor
level of the building facing Dufferin Street (see Figure 1). The sign has a length of 4.9
metres and a height of 0.8 metres, with an area of 3.9 m².
The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that it is not
permitted in this residential district.
The Municipal Code permits illuminated signs in residential districts in conjunction with
uses that are normally permitted in such districts. Professional office uses are not permitted
in this residential district, hence the variance. The applicant has advised me that a medical
use has existed in this location for approximately 20 years and therefore the use is legal
non-conforming. The new sign would be used to identify additional services (ie. chiropractic
and physiotherapy) that would be provided in the building in conjunction with the existing
medical uses. However, I am concerned about the potential negative impact the illuminated
sign might have on the existing residential uses across Dufferin Street.
Consequently, I am recommending approval of this application, on condition that the sign
be non-illuminated. I have consulted with the applicant and he concurs with this
recommendation.
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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