October 18, 1999

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject: 480 Yonge Street, Application No. 999050: Request for approval of variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Thomas Smith / Mediacom Inc., 377 Horner Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M8W 1Z6, on behalf of Hop Man Leung and Mei Chung, 784 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1V1.

(Ward 24 - Downtown)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations for an application for minor variances to permit the replacement of an existing non-conforming illuminated fascia sign, for third party advertising purposes, on the south elevation of a two-storey commercial building at 480 Yonge Street. The building is listed by Council under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no Financial Implications and Impact Statement resulting from the adoption of the report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) City Council approve Application No. 999050 for minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit the replacement of an existing non-conforming illuminated fascia sign, for third party advertising purposes, on the south elevation of a two-storey commercial building at 480 Yonge Street, on the condition that an existing third party fascia sign on the north elevation of the building is removed prior to issuance of the necessary permits.

(2) The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999050, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

A fascia sign for the purpose of third party advertising is not permitted on a building historically listed by Council. There are two existing third party fascia signs on this building and they have been there for some time. The applicant is proposing to replace an existing third party fascia sign, on the south wall of the building. During discussions with staff, the applicant agreed that as a condition of approval he will remove the other existing third party advertising sign located on the north wall of the building.

The property is located north of College Street, on the west side of Yonge Street in a (CR) mixed-use zone district. The property contains a two-storey commercial building with retail uses at grade level. The building is listed by Council under the Ontario Heritage Act. The applicant is requesting permission to remove an existing " Zanzibar Tavern & Live Adult Entertainment" illuminated fascia sign and to erect a new illuminated fascia sign for third party advertising purposes on the south elevation of the building. The proposed sign is 5.50 metres long and 4.50 metres high, with an area of 24.75 mē (see Figure 1).

The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following ways:

1. a fascia sign for the purpose of third party advertising is not permitted on a building historically listed by Council; and

2. the proposed fascia sign does not meet the required 60 metres separation distance from other third party signs in the surrounding area.

The first variance occurs because a fascia sign for the purpose of third party advertising is not permitted on a building historically listed by Council. In this instance, the replacement sign is designed to compliment and to improve the appearance of the south wall of the building. The proposed sign will be sufficiently set back from the building face, so as not to damage the cornice and corner returns. Further, the owner has agreed that as a condition of approval, he will remove the other existing third party fascia sign, from the north wall of the building, which is desirable.

With regard to the second variance, upon removal of the third party fascia sign from the north wall of the building, the second variance will no longer be required.

Staff of the Toronto Historical Board have reviewed the plans and have advised that they are acceptable.

I am recommending approval of this application with a condition requiring the removal of the third party fascia sign from north wall of the building prior to issuance of the necessary permits. I find the variances requested to be minor and within the general intent and purpose of the sign provisions of the Municipal Code.

Contact: Norm Girdhar

Telephone: (416) 392-7209

Fax: (416) 392-0580

E-Mail: ngirdhar@toronto.ca

Beate Bowron

Director, Community Planning, South District

List of Attachments: Report maps / graphics

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