STAFF REPORT

February 1, 2000

To: East York Community Council

From: Douglas Walker, Manager East District Field Office

Subject: Request for variance from Sign By-law requirements

for 25 Bermondsey Road

Purpose:

The applicant proposes to relocate an oversized Pylon sign, at 25 Bermondsey Road.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) Council grant the variance from the Sign By-law to permit the relocation of an oversized Pylon sign, at 25 Bermondsey Road.

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 sign 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 in accordance with the zoning designation of the area where the buildings are located and in accordance with the type of occupancy of the buildings.

The subject property is located in an area designated as Industrial zone. Section 4 of the by-law, titled "Permitted Signs", allows one pylon sign per site provided it is erected in the front yard a minimum of 1.5 metres ( 5'-0") from any lot line, has a sign area of 9.3 square metres (110.10 sq. ft.) and has a height not exceeding 7.6 metres (24.93 ft).

The subject pylon sign was installed under sign permit No. 97S21256, issued January 09, 1998, not in compliance with the permit drawings. The height of the pylon sign is in compliance with the permit drawings, while the setback and sign area requirements are not. The applicant is requesting a variance from the sign area requirements, and is stating that he will re-install the sign in compliance with the set back requirements of the by-law.

Conclusions:

Staff is of the opinion that the requested variance, to re-install an oversized pylon sign, at 25 Bermondsey Road, be granted. This sign, installed more than a year ago, did not create any adverse effects in the general "signscape" of the area due to its larger sign area, as it would have been verified by complaints from the neighbours. It is safe to assume, similarly, that granting of this variance request would not create any adverse situation with the neighbours. At the same time, it would save the owner considerable expenses.

Contact:

Iraklis(Eric) Tsotsos

Senior Field Officer

(416)397-4482

Douglas Walker

Manager, Field Office

List of Attachments:

Letter from Applicant, D.Maniates, Architect

Site and Sign Drawing