Variances from Chapter 297, Signs,

of the Former City of Toronto Municipal Code -

(Downtown, High Park, North Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following reports from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services:

(August 5, 1999)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to permit three illuminated fascia signs for identification and direction purposes on the south elevation of the building at 2300 Yonge Street. (Application No. 999040)

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

(1)That City Council approve Application No. 999040 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit three illuminated fascia signs for identification and direction purposes on the south elevation of the building at 2300 Yonge Street.

(2)That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999040, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the north-west corner of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue West, in a mixed-use zoning district. The property accommodates a multi-storey office building with retail uses at grade and concourse levels of the building.

The applicant is requesting permission to erect three illuminated fascia signs for identification and direction purposes on the south elevation of the building at 2300 Yonge Street. The proposed fascia sign "Yonge Eglinton Centre" is 2.74 metres long and 3.36 metres high with an area of 9.21 mē. The proposed fascia sign "Mall Entrance" is 2.74 metres long and 8.23 metres high with an area of 22.55 mē. The proposed sign "Entrance" is 2.74 metres long and 0.38 metre high, with an area of 1.04 mē, (see Figure 1).

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

(1)the area of the proposed sign "Yonge Eglinton Centre" exceeds the maximum sign area permitted of 15% of the building face of the second storey; and

(2)the proposed fascia sign "Mall Entrance" will be located above the second storey and more than 10 metres above grade.

Regarding the first variance, the area of the proposed fascia sign "Yonge Eglinton Centre" does exceed the maximum sign area permitted of 15% of the building face of the second storey. This provision is in place in order to reduce the visual impact of signs on the streetscape and on buildings to which they are attached. In this instance the sign has been sized and positioned to complement the proportions of this narrow and recessed facade.

The second variance occurs because the proposed fascia sign "Mall Entrance" will be located above the second storey and more than 10 metres above grade. Signs are permitted to be located only within the first two storeys of a building. This provision restricts signs to their traditional locations in order to minimize the impact of signage on the building, on the streetscape and on upper floor residential units in the immediate vicinity. In this case, the sign has been sized and positioned to complement the proportions of this narrow and recessed facade and there is no residential unit in the immediate vicinity.

I am, therefore, 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

(August 6, 1999)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to permit three illuminated encroaching fascia signs for identification purposes on the east elevation of the building at 2300 Yonge Street. (Application No. 999041)

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

(1)That City Council approve Application No. 999041, respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit three illuminated encroaching fascia signs for identification purposes on the east elevation of the building at 2300 Yonge Street.

(2)That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999041, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located on the north-west corner of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue West, in a mixed-use zoning district. The property accommodates a multi-storey office building with retail uses at grade and concourse levels of the building.

The applicant is requesting permission to erect three illuminated encroaching fascia signs for identification purposes on the east elevation of the building at 2300 Yonge Street. The proposed "Yonge Eglinton Centre" fascia sign is 1.23 metres long and 0.72 metres high with an area of 0.89 mē. The proposed multi-tenant fascia sign is 4.99 metres long and 2.13 metres high with an area of 10.63 mē. The proposed "Dominion" fascia sign is 4.57 metres long and 1.07 metres high with an area of 4.89 mē (see Figure 1).

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

Proposed "Yonge Eglinton Centre" fascia sign:

1.the proposed fascia sign will not be mounted wholly against the wall of the building; and

2.the sign will obstruct and interfere with windows of the building.

The first variance occurs because the proposed fascia sign will not be mounted against the wall of the building. In this instance, the sign is mounted in the archway of the building wall. The sign most closely resembles a fascia sign, excepting that it will not be placed against the wall of the building. I consider this variance to be technical in nature and therefore acceptable.

Respecting the second variance, the sign would not impact adversely upon outward views or inward light transmission because the hallway behind the archway /windows is mainly used for the line ups by the movie goers to purchase theatre tickets.

Proposed multi-tenant fascia sign and Dominion fascia sign:

1.The proposed facia signs will not be mounted wholly against the wall of the building;

2.the proposed fascia signs will not be located on a wall that is part of the commercial unit; and

3.the proposed fascia signs will obstruct and interfere with windows of the building.

The first variance occurs because the proposed fascia signs are not mounted against the wall of the building. In this instance, the signs are mounted in the archway of the building wall. I consider this variance to be technical in nature and therefore acceptable.

Respecting the second variance, although the signs are not located on the wall of the tenant's commercial unit frontage, all the advertised tenants are located within the building. All of the retail tenants in the building do not have the opportunity to display signage on their unit frontage, which purpose is then provided by this sign.

For the third variance, the signs would not impact adversely upon outward views or inward light transmission because the hallway behind the archway /windows is mainly used for the line ups by the movie goers to purchase theatre tickets.

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

(August 27, 1999)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations for an application for variances to erect two illuminated fascia signs in the form of individual letters which identify a restaurant use "The Pickle Barrel". The signs will be located on the east and south elevations of the building at 2300 Yonge Street for identification purposes. (Application No. 999062)

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

(1)That City Council approve Application No. 999062, respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to erect two illuminated fascia signs in the form of individual letters which identify a restaurant use "The Pickle Barrel". The signs will be located on the east and south elevations of the building at 2300 Yonge Street for identification purposes.

(2)That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999062, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property known as "Yonge-Eglinton Centre" is located on the north-west corner of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue West, in a mixed-use zoning district. The property accommodates a thirty-storey office building with retail uses at grade and concourse levels below.

The applicant is requesting permission to erect two illuminated fascia signs in the form of individual letters which identify a restaurant use "The Pickle Barrel". The signs will be located on the east and south elevations of the building at 2300 Yonge Street for identification purposes (see Figure 1). Each of the proposed fascia signs is 12.20 metres long and 1.02 metres high with an area of 2.44 mē.

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

1.the proposed fascia signs will not be mounted wholly against the wall of the building;

2.the proposed fascia signs will not be located on a wall that is part of the commercial unit; and

3.the proposed fascia signs will be located above the second storey of the building.

The first variance occurs because the proposed fascia signs will not be mounted against the wall of the building. In this instance, the individual letters which comprise each proposed sign will be mounted against a carrier box with 0.23 metre projection, which is, in turn, mounted against the columns of the building. The signs most closely resemble a fascia sign, excepting that they will not be placed against the wall of the building. I consider this variance to be technical in nature and therefore acceptable.

Regarding the second and third variances, each sign will be located on a wall that is not a part of the commercial unit of the tenant and will be erected above the second storey of the building. These variances are acceptable as, the design of the building facade does not provide any reasonable opportunities for signage on the wall that is part of the commercial unit and on the first or second floor level.

I am, therefore, 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

(August 6, 1999)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to install one illuminated projecting sign on John Street frontage for identification purposes at 172 John Street.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

(1)That City Council approve Application No. 999043 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to install one illuminated projecting sign on John Street frontage for identification purposes at 172 John Street.

(2)That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999043, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property is located north of Queen Street West on the west side of John Street, in a light industrial zone district. The property accommodates a four storey brick building. The applicant is requesting permission to erect one projecting sign on the front elevation of the building to identify the building tenant. The sign is 0.5 metre long and 5.5 metres high, with an area of 2.75 mē (see Figure 1).

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

1.the proposed sign is not a defined sign type; and

2.the proposed sign is not permitted.

The first variance occurs because the proposed sign is not a sign defined by the Municipal Code. The second variance occurs because the Municipal Code prohibits the erection of signs which are not specifically permitted by the Code.

The projecting structure has been designed by an architect to add prominence to the building entrance. The proposed projecting structure projects out a distance of 1.25 metres from the face of the building. However, the sign copy is 0.5 metre long and 5.5 metres high, with an area of 2.75 mē. The sign most closely resembles a projecting sign. Although the projecting structure extends above the second floor and more than 10 metres above grade, all sign copy is located below the second storey level and below a height of 10 metres from grade. It is my opinion that the proposed variances are technical in nature and therefore acceptable.

I am recommending approval of this application, as I find the requested variances 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) 392-7536

E-Mail: ngirdhar@toronto.ca

(August 12, 1999)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to permit one illuminated mural sign on the north elevation and one illuminated mural sign on the south elevation for first party advertising purposes at 193 Yonge Street.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendation:

That City Council approve application No. 999046 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one illuminated mural sign on the north elevation and one illuminated mural sign on the south elevation for first party advertising purposes at 193 Yonge Street.

Comments:

The property is located on the east side of Yonge Street, in a mixed-use zoning district. The property accommodates an eight storey mixed-use commercial building, which is designated historical under the Ontario Heritage Act. The applicant is requesting permission to erect one illuminated mural sign on the north elevation and one on the south elevation of the building for first party advertising purposes. The sign on the north elevation is 3.66 metres long and 6.71 metres high, with an area of 24.56 mē and the "L" shaped sign on the south elevation is 9.76 metres long and 9.76 metres high with an area of 65.49 mē (95.26 mē- 29.77 mē, see Figure 1).

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

1.the first party advertising, illuminated mural sign, if erected above the fourth storey of the building which does not face a street is not permitted.

2.the area of the proposed sign on the south elevation ( 65.49 mē) exceeds by 40.49 mē the maximum 25.00 mē sign area for the illuminated mural sign permitted by the Municipal Code.

The first variance has to do with the height limit of the signs above grade. The regulation is aimed at preserving the appearance of commercial streetscapes and minimizing the negative impact of illuminated signs on the adjacent residential uses. On both the north and the south elevation of the building, the signs are proposed to be painted over the top of the location where mural signs were painted previously. Also, there is no viable opportunity to display the proposed signs below the fourth floor of the building. The surrounding uses are commercial in nature and there are no residential units in the immediate vicinity. It is my opinion that the signs would not impact the commercial streetscape or the surrounding uses.

The second variance relates to the size of the signs on the building. This provision restricts the size of signs in order to minimize their impact on the streetscape and on the buildings to which they are attached. The signs would be installed along the blank portion of the north wall and south wall of the building. The signs have been sized and positioned to compliment the proportions of the side walls and the architectural features of the building.

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

Contact Name:

Norm Girdhar

Telephone: (416) 392-7209

Fax: (416) 392-0580

E-Mail: ngirdhar@toronto.ca

(August 11, 1999)

Purpose:

To review and make recommendations respecting an application for minor variances to maintain five illuminated fascia signs for identification purposes at (St. Joseph's Health Centre) 30 The Queensway.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

(1)That City Council approve Application No. 999045 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain five illuminated fascia signs at (St. Joseph's Health Centre) 30 The Queensway.

(2)That the applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 999045, of the requirement to obtain the necessary permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.

Comments:

The property known as "St. Joseph's Health Centre", an eight storey building is listed by Council under the Ontario Heritage Act. The property is located on a block bounded by Glendale Avenue, Sunnyside Avenue and The Queensway, in a residential zone district. The applicant is requesting permission to maintain five illuminated fascia signs for identification purposes.

The five signs are shown on the attached plans and involve the following words and dimensions:

on the West Elevation:

(a)Fascia Sign # 1 "H" is 3.05 metres long and 3.05 metres high, with an area of 9.30 mē.

(b)Fascia Sign # 4 "The New" is 3.66 metres long and 2.03 metres high, with an area 7.43 mē.

(c)Fascia Sign # 5 "St. Joseph's Health Centre" is 13.72 metres long and 3.15 metres high, with an area 43.22 mē.

on the Southeast Elevation:

(d)Fascia Sign # 2 "The New" is 1.82 metres long and1.02 metres high, with an area 1.86 mē.

on the South Elevation:

(e)Fascia Sign # 3 "The New" is 1.82 metres long and1.02 metres high, with an area 1.86 mē.

on the West Elevation: for Fascia Sign # 1, Fascia Sign # 4 & Fascia Sign # 5

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

1.the area of the sign # 1 (9.30 mē) exceeds by 6.80 mē, the area of the sign # 4 (7.43 mē) exceeds by 4.93 mē, and the area of the sign # 5 (43.22 mē) exceeds by 40.72 mē the maximum 2.50 mē sign area for each of the sign permitted by the Municipal Code;

2.the height of the sign # 1 (3.05 metres) exceeds by 1.05 metres, the height of the sign # 4 (2.03 metres) exceeds by 0.03 metre, and the height of the sign # 5 (3.15metres) exceeds by 1.15 metres the maximum 2.00 metres sign height for each of the fascia sign permitted by the Municipal Code; and

3.only one fascia sign for the purpose of identification is permitted on any frontage of a building.

The first and second variances relate to the area and height of the signs. The area and the height of the signs is regulated in order to reduce the visual impact of signs on the streetscape and on the buildings to which they are attached. In this case, however, the signs are erected on a block long frontage of an eight storey hospital building. Although larger than permitted, it is my opinion that these well designed and properly spaced signs do not adversely impact the building or streetcape.

The third variance relates to the number of signs permitted within a single frontage, which is regulated so as to prevent sign clutter. Given that the west frontage is a block long, these well spaced signs are acceptable.

on the South-East Elevation: for Fascia Sign # 2,

The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that only one fascia sign for the purpose of identification is permitted on any frontage of a building. A small size additional fascia sign does not impact the building or the streetcape.

on the South Elevation: for Fascia Sign # 3

The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that only one fascia sign for the purpose of identification is permitted on any frontage of a building.

The south elevation is also a block long and a small size additional fascia sign does not impact the building or the streetcape.

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

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

(August 17, 1999)

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