August 31, 1999
To:Chairman and Members
North York Community Council
From:Edward Tipping, P.Eng.
Director & Deputy Chief Building Official
Subject:Proposed Off-Premise Ground Signs in the Hydro CorridorEast and West side of Bayview Ave. & North of Ruddington Drive
(Sign Application Nos. S99-01993 & S 99-01994)
(Ward 12 - Seneca Heights)
Purpose:
Evaluate and make recommendations regarding a request by Roy Dzeko, Market Development, Urban Outdoor Trans Ad,
for a variance from the Sign By-law to permit the erection of two off-premise, double-sided, illuminated, billboard ground
signs in the Ontario Hydro Corridor. It should be noted that the applicant has obtained approval from Ontario Hydro to
erect these signs on their properties. Refer to attachments for details.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)The request for a minor variance from the Sign By-law be refused.
Council Reference/Background/History:
The proposed illuminated ground signs are 10ftx23ft in size and 23 ft in height. The signs will be located in the Ontario
Hydro Transmission Corridor on both sides of Bayview Avenue.
Approximately 164ft (50m) to the south of the proposed sign location on the east side of Bayview Ave., there is a
residential apartment building located in a RM6 zone. The proposed ground sign would be in the view of the tenants living
in the apartments situated in the north side of that building.
Approximately 196ft (60m) to the northwest of the proposed sign location on the west side of Bayview Ave., there are
single family dwellings on Gustav Cres. which are located in a R3 zone. The proposed sign would be in the view of several
of these homes.
In addition, there is an existing off-premise roof sign on the commercial building located approximately 200ft (61m) to the
north of the proposed signs.
In summary, the proposed ground signs are located approximately 164 ft (50m) and 196ft (60m) respectively from lands
zoned residential whereas Section 4.10.1 of the Sign by-Law requires these signs to be setback a minimum of 500 ft
(153m) from residential lands.
The Ward Councillors have been notified of this request and have been provided with a copy of this report and attached
plans.
Conclusions:
It is the opinion of this Department that the proposed ground signs would have a negative impact on the neighbouring
residential areas mainly due to the sign size and the fact that the signs will be illuminated. Furthermore, the City has no
jurisdiction over the content of advertising displayed on off-premise signage.
Contact Name:
Magda Ishak P.Eng.Tel: (416) 395-7555
Manager, Plan ReviewFax: (416) 395-7589
Edward Tipping, P.Eng.
Director & Deputy Chief Building Official
copy to:Councillor Joan King
Councillor David Shiner
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