March 1, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:267 College Street, Application No. 999008: Request for approval of a variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Ryan Gaul / Steel Art Signs, 37 Esna Park Drive, Markham, Ontario L3R 1C9, on behalf of 267 College Street Ltd., 7 Geddes Crt., North York, Ontario, M3H 2W7. (Ward 24- Downtown)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to install two illuminated fascia signs in the form of individual letters which identify the fast food restaurant "Burger King". The signs will be located on the north elevation and west elevation at 267 College Street.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

1. That City Council approve Application No. 999008 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to install two illuminated fascia signs, in the form of individual letters, on the north elevation and west elevation at 267 College Street.

2. That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999008, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the southeast corner of College Street and Spadina Avenue, in a mixed-use zoning district. The property accommodates a two-storey commercial building. The applicant is requesting permission to install two illuminated fascia signs in the form of individual letters which identify the fast food restaurant "Burger King". The signs will be located on the north elevation and west elevation at 267 College Street (see Figure 1). Each sign will have a length of 4.27 metres and a height of 0.48 metre, with an area of 2.05 mē.

The signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that fascia signs are required to be mounted wholly against the wall of a building. Approval of a sign variance application is required because the individual letters which comprise each proposed sign, will be mounted against a pre-finished metal sleeve with 0.12 metre projection, which is, in turn, mounted against the wall of the building.

The intent of this provision is to limit the possible negative impact of signage on the appearance of buildings to which they are attached and on adjacent uses. The adjacent uses are retail commercial in nature and have similar fascia signs. It is my opinion, that these signs will not adversely impact the building, surrounding uses or the streetscape.

I am, therefore, recommending approval of this application, as I find the variance requested to be minor and within the general intent and purpose of the sign provisions of the Municipal Code.

Contact Name:

Norm Girdhar

Telephone: (416) 392-7209

Fax: (416) 392-0580

E-Mail: ngirdhar@toronto.ca

Beate Bowron

Director, Community Planning, South District

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