September 14, 1998

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:1800 Bayview Avenue, Application No. 998046: Request for approval of variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Vincent Planning, 250 The Esplanade, Suite 302, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1J2, on behalf of Shell Canada Products Ltd., 90 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6Y2. (North Toronto)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to permit one illuminated ground sign, four illuminated "outrigger" signs and two non-illuminated pedestal signs at 1800 Bayview Avenue.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1. City Council approve Application No. 998046 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one illuminated ground sign, four illuminated "outrigger" signs and two non-illuminated pedestal signs.

2. The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998046, 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-west corner of Bayview Avenue and Roehampton Avenue, in a mixed-use (commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates an automotive service station. The applicant is requesting permission to install one illuminated ground sign, four illuminated "outrigger" signs and two non-illuminated pedestal signs in conjunction with the renovation of an existing gas station (see Figure 1). The signs have dimensions as follows:

Ground sign "A", has a length of 1.9 metres and a height of 6.0 metres, with an area of 11.4m²;

Outrigger signs "B", each have a length of 1.6 metres and a height of 0.5 metres, with an area of 0.8 m²; and

Pedestal signs "C", each have a length of 0.7 metres and a height of 1.0 metres, with an area of 0.7 m².

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

1. the ground sign will not be set back a minimum distance of 2.0 metres from the streetline and 6.0 metres from the point of intersection of two streetlines;

2. the "outrigger" signs are not defined under the Municipal Code and are therefore not permitted; and

3. more than one pedestal sign will be erected within both frontages of the lot.

The first variance occurs because the sign would be set back 1.5 metres from the east property line instead of 2.0 metres. At its meeting of April 2, 1996, the former City of Toronto Council passed By-law No. 1996-0172 to increase the separation and setback requirements for ground and pedestal signs throughout the city. These regulations are aimed at ensuring that, where possible, commercial streetscapes and view corridors are preserved and enhanced and sight lines for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are improved. In this instance, the applicant proposes to remove the existing ground sign and install a new ground sign in the same location within a curbed landscaped area using the existing concrete base. The sign cannot be set back any further because of existing underground utilities and its slightly reduced setback would not interfere with motorists or pedestrians entering or existing the site.

The second variance is caused because the outrigger signs are not a sign type defined under the Municipal Code. The signs would be suspended 0.9 metres below the underside of the service canopy and would be oriented north/south parallel to the pump island. These signs are small in size and illumination from these signs would be minimal. Further, the closest residential dwelling is located approximately 50 metres away and across Roehampton Avenue. In my opinion, the signs are necessary for vehicles manoeuvring within the gas pump area.

The third variance occurs because leader boards would be installed on either end of the gas pumps totalling two pedestal signs per frontage. The leader boards are used to identify the type of fuel being sold at the pump and are non-illuminated and low in height which I consider acceptable.

At its meeting dated January 21, 1998, Toronto Community Council requested that I report back on design guidelines of gas stations and gas bars within the context of the urban environment. In this instance, the signs are necessary and in my opinion, their approval will not prejudice the results of the study currently being undertaken by staff.

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, Community Planning, South District

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