March 28, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:60 Shuter Street, Application No. 999009: Request for approval of a variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Abdul Momin / Carson Woods Architects Ltd., 12 Cumberland Street, Suite 302, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1J5, on behalf of Enzomax Holdings Ltd., 97 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2G2. (Ward 24 - Downtown)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to maintain two non-illuminated ground signs for identification purposes at 60 Shuter Street.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

1. That City Council approve Application No. 999009 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain two non-illuminated ground signs for identification purposes at 60 Shuter Street.

2. That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999009, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The subject property is located on the northeast corner of Shuter Street and Church Street in a mixed-use zoning district. The property accommodates an existing parking lot. The applicant is requesting permission to maintain two non-illuminated ground signs, one on the Shuter Street frontage and another on the Church Street frontage for identification purpose. The existing ground sign on the Shuter Street frontage has a length of 1.48 metres and a height of 4.22 metres, with an area of 6.25 mē. The existing sign on the Church Street frontage has a length of 1.22 metres and a height of 3.56 metres, with an area of 4.34 mē (see Figure 1).

The signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that ground signs are required to be set back 2.0 metres from the property line. The setback requirement for ground signs is aimed at ensuring that, where possible, an open, uncluttered view corridor is maintained along commercial streets and that sight lines for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are improved.

As the two adjacent buildings are built to the lot line, these signs have been also placed close to the lot line to ensure visibility to motorists. An increased setback would only marginally improve the view corridors and sight lines along Shuter and Church Streets. In this instance, I am willing to accept the maintenance of these signs in the current locations.

I am 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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