October 18, 1999

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:

280 Spadina Avenue, Application No. 999064 Request for approval of variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, upon application by Barry Alper/BBM Productions, 40 Pleasant Blvd. Suite # 1005, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1J9, on behalf of Dragon City Developments, 280 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1G6.

(Ward 24 - Downtown)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations for an application for minor variances to permit the replacement of an existing legal non-conforming illuminated fascia sign, for third party advertising purposes, on the north-east elevation of the building at 280 Spadina Avenue.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications and impact statements resulting from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) City Council approve Application No. 999064 for minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit the replacement of an existing legal non-conforming illuminated fascia sign, for third party advertising purposes, on the north-east elevation of the building at 280 Spadina Avenue.

(2) The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999064, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Background:

Comments:

The property is located on the south-west corner of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West in a (CR) mixed-use zone district. The property contains an 8-storey commercial building with retail uses at grade level. The applicant is requesting permission to remove an existing 21.44 mē illuminated fascia sign ( Rotomatic Message Centre) and to erect a new (Electronic Message Centre) illuminated fascia sign for third party advertising purposes. The proposed sign is 5.08 metres long and 3.86 metres high, with an area of 19.61 mē (see Figure 1 & 2).

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

1. a fascia sign for third party advertising is not permitted in a (CR) mixed-use zone district, which faces a street;

2. a fascia sign containing electronic message display copy or animated copy is not permitted; and

3. the proposed sign will be erected above the second storey of the building and above 10 metres from grade, which is not permitted.

Fascia signs which contain electronic message display copy are prohibited in (CR) mixed-use zone districts to minimize conflict with the residential uses found both in and adjacent to the city's "Main Streets". I have recommended approval of such signs only for theatres, stadiums, large places of amusement, within the Yonge-Dundas area or in the financial district.

This sign would be slightly smaller, by 1.83 mē, than the existing illuminated fascia sign with rotomatic message display that it replaces. Given the property's location at the heart of Chinatown, replacement of this sign is acceptable.

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.

Conclusions:

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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