The North York Community Council recommends that the following report (February 5, 1998) from the Chief Building Official/Building Commissioner, which was deferred by the North York Community Council at its meeting held on February 18, 1998, not be adopted and that the request by Omni, The Outdoor Company, for a variance from the Sign By-law be approved:

Purpose:

Evaluate and make recommendations concerning a request by Omni, The Outdoor Company, for a variance from the sign by-law to permit an off premise roof sign oriented to face east and west bound traffic on Finch Avenue West.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) The request by Ingrid V. Brooks, of Omni the Outdoor Company, be denied as a minor variance from the sign by-law.

Council Reference/Background/History:

In a letter dated January 20, 1998, Ingrid V. Brooks of Omni the Outdoor Company, is requesting permission to erect an off premise roof sign oriented to face east and west bound traffic on Finch Avenue West. The sign will be approximately 242 feet from an existing roof sign located on a separate portion of the building to the south and facing Bathurst Street . Both signs are located on the same property at the south east corner of the intersection of Finch Avenue and Bathurst Street.

Section 5.2.1.1. of North York Sign By-law No. 30788 permits off premise roof signs having a maximum sign area of 349.8 square feet to be erected on the roof of a commercial building provided that no such roof sign will be closer than 500 feet from another roof sign on the same side of the street.

Although the proposed sign is well within the area limitations set fourth in the by-law, it is closer than 500 feet from an existing roof sign on a separate portion of the building and therefore contravenes the by-law.

The owner contends that the layout of the plaza is large enough to accommodate two roof signs and that the signs are in keeping with the intent of the by-law. The owner has also expressed that the second sign will help to offset rising operation costs associated with the plaza.

Conclusions:

It is the opinion of this department that the variance is not minor and that the intent of the sign by-law is not served by the erection of this sign as it will have a negative impact on the area. Therefore it is recommended that this request be denied as a minor variance from the sign by-law.

The North York Community Council also reports having before it a communication (April 1, 1998) from Ms. Ingrid V. Brooks, Operations Manager, Omni, The Outdoor Company, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, North York Civic Centre.

Ms. Ingrid V. Brooks appeared before the North York Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter.