August 17, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:483 Bay Street, Application No. 999047: Request for approval of variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Joseph Loh / B+H Architects, 481 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2H4 on behalf of Trizac Hahn Corporation, 483 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario.

(Ward 24 - Downtown)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to erect three illuminated pedestal signs for identification purposes at 483 Bay Street.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

1. That City Council approve Application No. 999047 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to erect three illuminated pedestal signs for identification purposes at 483 Bay Street.
2. That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999047, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property known as "Bell Trinity Square" is located on the northeast corner of Bay Street and Albert Street in a mixed-use zoning district. The property accommodates a nine-storey office building with retail uses at grade. The applicant is requesting permission to erect three illuminated pedestal signs for identification purposes (see Figure 1).

The sign "A" which is located at the southwest corner of the property is 2.00 metres long and10.00 metres high with an area of 20.00 mē. The sign "B" which is located at the southeast corner of the property is 2.0 metres long and 8.30 metres high with an area of 16.60 mē. The sign "C" which is located at the northwest corner of the property is 2.0 metres long and 7.20 metres high with an area of 14.40 mē.

The signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following ways:

1. the height of the sign "A" (10.00 metres) exceeds by 5.50 metres, the height of the sign "B" (8.30 metres) exceeds by 3.80 metres, and the height of the sign "C" (7.20 metres) exceeds by 2.70 metres the maximum 4.50 metres sign height for each of the pedestal signs permitted by the Municipal Code;
2. only one pedestal sign for the purpose of identification is permitted on any frontage of a property;
3. the proposed sign "A" is not set back 2.00 metres from the street line and it will not be located 6.00 metres from the intersection of two street lines;
4. The proposed sign "C", which is to be located on the north-west corner of the property will be less than 20 metres from a lot in a "G" (park) zone district; and
5. the proposed pedestal signs are not permitted to be illuminated.

The first variance occurs because the height of each of the proposed pedestal signs exceeds the maximum 4.50 metres sign height for pedestal signs permitted by the Municipal Code. The height of the signs is regulated in order to reduce the visual impact of signs on the surrounding buildings and the streetscape. In this case, the signs are architecturally designed to compliment the sculptural quality of the surrounding buildings and the streetscape.

The number of signs permitted within a single frontage is regulated so as to prevent sign clutter. In this instance, each lot frontage is a full block long and these three signs erected on three corners of the block would not cause sign clutter.

The third variance relates to the setback requirement for pedestal signs which is aimed at ensuring that, where possible, commercial streetscapes and view corridors are preserved or enhanced and sight lines for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are improved. In this instance, the signs do not block sight lines or otherwise endanger or inconvenience pedestrians.

Regarding the fourth variance, although the separation distance between the sign and the "G" (park) zone district is not 20 metres, the parkette is located across the road on west side of Bay Street. Also, while visible from the parkette, the sign is directed towards motorists and pedestrians on the Bay Street therefore the sign should not impact the park.

With respect to the fifth variance, the signs are to be internally illuminated, constructed with frosted glass panels. The construction of the signs with frosted glass panels should inhibit the glare from illumination, make the signs translucent and reduce the apparent mass of the pylons.

I am recommending approval of this application, as I find the variances 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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