December 29, 1999

To: East YorkCommunity Council

From: Douglas Walker, Manager, Field Office

Subject: Request for variance from Sign By-law requirements for Enbridge Home Services, at 832 Eglinton Avenue East.

Purpose:

The applicant proposes to install a facial sign with an overall height exceeding the height permitted by the Sign By-law of the Community of East York. The proposed sign would be installed on the front (south) wall of the building facing Eglinton Avenue.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) Council deny the variance from the Sign By-law requirements to permit the installation of a facial sign for Enbridge Home Services with an overall height of 1.93 metres (6'-4") at 832 Eglinton Avenue East, on the south wall of the building, facing Eglinton Avenue.

(2) If Council wishes to permit the facial sign, to do so by way of a Site Specific Sign By-law amendment, for 832 Eglinton Avenue East.

(3) The appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

The Municipal Act authorizes Council to pass by-laws for prohibiting or regulating signs and advertising devices. The Act also authorizes Council to grant minor variances from the by-law requirements where such variances, in the opinion of Council, would maintain the general intent of the by-law.

Comments:

The Sign By-law allows signs for buildings in accordance with the zoning designation of the area where the buildings are located and in accordance with the type of the occupancy of the buildings.

The Enbridge Home Services store is located in an area designated as Commercial zone. The Sign By-law for the Community of East York allows, for commercial buildings in a commercial strip one facial or canopy sign for each ground floor occupant, provided the height of the sign does not exceed 1.0 or 1.2 metres (3'-3" or 4'-0"), respectively.

The applicant proposes to install a facial sign, with the Enbridge logo, on the south wall of the building facing Eglinton Avenue East. The sign will have an overall height of 1.93 metres (6'-4"), which is 0.93 metres (3'-1") higher than what is permitted by the Sign By-law.

Conclusions:

Staff is of the opinion that the requested variance, to install an oversized facial sign for Enbridge Home Services store at 832 Eglinton Avenue East, is excessive. The overall height of the proposed sign is approximately 88% larger than what is permitted by the Sign By-law. As such, it is beyond the parameters for minor variances from the Sign By-law requirements. In addition, it is possible to reduce the height of the sign with minor modifications to the design. If Council wishes to allow the variance, it may do so by way of a Site Specific Sign By-law amendment for this property.

Contact:

Iraklis (Eric) Tsotsos

(416)397-4482