September 8, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:1001 Queen Street East, Application No. 999075: Request for approval of a variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Tom Connolly / All Image Signs, 1519 O'Connor Dr., East York, ON M4B 2V5, on behalf of George Lam, 9 Limoges Crt., Willowdale Ontario, M2M 4H4. (Ward 25 - Don River)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to erect one illuminated ground sign for identification purposes at 1001 Queen Street East.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

1. That City Council approve Application No. 999075 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to erect one illuminated ground sign for identification purposes at 1001 Queen Street East.
2. That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999075, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the southwest corner of Queen Street East and Pape Avenue in a mixed-use zoning district. The property accommodates a gas station (Global Gas). The applicant is requesting permission to erect one illuminated ground sign for identification purposes. The sign is 1.38 metres long and 1.38 metre high, with an area of 1.90 mē. The sign will be erected at a height of 3.3 metres above grade (see Figure 1).

The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that the proposed ground sign will not be located 2.0 metres from a street line and 6.0 metres from the intersection of two street lines. The proposed sign would be located at the northeast corner of the property and will set back 2.44 metres from the north property line and 1.52 metres from the east property line.

The setback requirements for ground 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 case, the sign is open to a height of 3.3 metres above grade so as not to impair visibility for motorists. Further, an increase in the setback to the 6.0 metres from the intersection of two streetlines required would reduce the manoeuvring room for vehicles on-site. Also, in this case, the positioning and inward orientation of the proposed sign reduces its visual impact on 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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