The Toronto Community Council recommends that:

(1) City Council refuse Application No. 997110 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one illuminated ground sign at 1660 Bayview Avenue; and

(2) the owner be advised that the term of the permit issued for the patio structure has expired.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (February 23, 1998) from the Commissioner, Urban Planning and Development Services:

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to permit one illuminated ground sign.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that:

(1) City Council refuse Application No. 997110 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one illuminated ground sign; and

(2) the owner be advised that the term of the permit issued for the patio structure has expired.

Comments:

The property is located on the west side of Bayview Avenue, in a mixed-use (commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a two storey restaurant. The applicant is requesting permission to install one illuminated ground sign near the north-east corner of the property (see Figure 1). The sign has a length of 2.4 metres and a height of 1.8 metres, with an area of 4.3 m².

The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that it will be set back 0.3 metres from the streetline instead of 2.0 metres.

The setback requirements for ground and pedestal signs are aimed at ensuring that, where possible, commercial streetscapes and view corridors are preserved and enhanced and sightlines for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are improved. In this instance, the sign would be located within a fenced-in patio area. On February 2, 1995, Permit No. 360933 was issued to permit a patio enclosure, on a temporary basis, at the front of the building. This patio is still existing and the owner should be advised that a permit is required to make this enclosure a permanent structure.

In my opinion, a sign in this location which stands at a height of 4.2 metres above grade would have a negative impact on the streetscape and could set an unfortunate precedent for other properties along this section of Bayview Avenue.

I am recommending that this application be refused, as I consider the variance requested to be significant and not 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.