Sign By-law Variance Request - Michael A. Cohen -

619 Lawrence Avenue West -

North York Spadina

 The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (April 21, 1998) from the Chief Building Official/Building Commissioner, North York Civic Centre:

 Purpose:

 Evaluate and make recommendations concerning a request by Michael A. Cohen for a variance from the sign by-law to permit a double sided ground sign that exceeds the permitted sign area to be located on private property facing east & west bound traffic on Lawrence Avenue West directly across from Bathurst Heights Secondary School.

 Recommendation:

 It is recommended that:

 (1)The request be denied as a minor variance from the sign by-law.

 Council Reference/Background/History:

 In a letter dated March 31, 1998, Michael A. Cohen is requesting permission to erect a double sided ground sign having a sign area of 24 square feet (each side).

 Section 5.1.1. of Sign By-law No. 30788 permits one identification sign not exceeding 4.3 square feet in sign area in a residential zone indicating the name of a lawful business or profession located therein.

 The proposed sign is 24 square feet in sign area and therefore contravenes the by-law.

 The proposed sign will be used to advertise acupuncture and holistic medicine neither of which is a permitted use in an R4 zone.

 The proposed sign is to be erected in a small front yard and is almost six times the size permitted by the sign by-law.

Conclusions:

 It is the opinion of this department that the variance is not minor in nature and that the sign would have a negative impact on the surrounding area in particular the adjacent houses. As the intent of the sign by-law would not be served by the erection of this sign, it is recommended that this request be denied as a minor variance from the sign by-law.