Variances from Chapter 297, Signs,
of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code
(High Park, Downtown, East Toronto, North Toronto)
The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following reports from the Commissioner
of Urban Planning and Development Services: (May 20, 1998)
Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to maintain one illuminated fascia
sign at 1390 Queen Street West.
Funding Sources; Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 998008 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain one illuminated fascia sign.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998008, 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 side of Queen Street West, between O'Hara Avenue and Brock Avenue, in a
mixed-use (commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a three storey mixed-use building with
residential units on the uppermost storey and commercial uses below.
The applicant is requesting permission to maintain one illuminated fascia sign on the first floor of the building (see
Figure 3). The sign has a length of 5.2 metres and a height of 1.2 metres, with an area of 6.2 m².
The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that it is not located entirely on a wall that is
part of the commercial unit.
The Municipal Code requires signs to be located on the portion of wall belonging to a particular commercial unit so
that each commercial unit is allowed to be identified. In this instance, the sign extends over the doorway which
provides access to the second and third floors. However, its location does not preclude the provision of appropriate
signage for other commercial tenants in this building.
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:
Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca
(Copies of the four maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
(June 10, 1998) Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to permit one non-illuminated fascia
sign at 48 Yonge Street.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 998039 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one non-illuminated fascia sign.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998039, 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 Wellington Street West, in a mixed-use
(commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a 12 storey commercial building. The applicant is
requesting permission to install a new fascia sign consisting of individual letters and corporate logo on the east
elevation of the building (see Figure 1). The new sign would reflect a change in the name of the commercial
operation from "Sun Alliance" to "Royal & SunAlliance" and would be located in the same location as the existing
sign which is to be removed. The sign has a length of 6.1 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, with an area of 9.7 m².
The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that it will be located above the second storey
of the building. The intent of this provision is to prevent oversignage and to limit the possible negative impact of
signage on the streetscape. In this instance, no reasonable opportunities for signage exist within the fist two storeys.
Further, the modestly sized sign would be non-illuminated and would be in keeping with other signs along this
section of Yonge Street, which I consider acceptable.
I am, therefore, 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:
Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca
(Copies of three maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
(May 22, 1998)
Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to maintain two non-illuminated
projecting signs at 337 Queen Street West.
Funding Sources; Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 998032 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain two non-illuminated projecting signs.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998032, of the requirement to obtain the necessary
permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.
Comments:
The property is located on the south side of Queen Street West, between Peter Street and John Street, in a mixed-use
(commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a three storey commercial building. The applicant is
requesting permission to maintain two non-illuminated projecting banner signs on the Queen Street elevation of the
building (see Figure 2). The signs each have a length of 0.9 metres and a height of 3.6 metres, with an area of 3.2
m².
The signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following ways:
1.the aggregate area of the signs (5.1 m²) exceeds the permitted area of 0.6 m² by 4.5m²; and
2.the signs project 1.3 metres over a public sidewalk instead of 1.0 metre.
The variances relate to the size of the signs and the extent of their projection over the sidewalk. The maximum area
for a projecting sign is based on the amount of frontage the unit has on the street.
The banner signs run lengthwise on the building face within the second storey. Although larger than permitted, the
signs have been designed to complement the proportions of this narrow three storey building and to align with the
adjacent windows and, in my opinion, do not negatively impact upon the building or the streetscape.
Respecting the second variance, the signs are located 2.7 metres above grade and therefore pedestrians are not
negatively affected. Further the signs are in keeping with other signs along this section of Queen Street in terms of
their projection.
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:
Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca
(Copies of two maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
(June 9, 1998)Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to maintain one illuminated
projecting sign at 14 Duncan Street.
Funding Sources; Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 998029 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one illuminated projecting sign, on condition that the sign does
not contain flashing lights.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998029, 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 Duncan and Pearl Streets, in a reinvestment area (RA) district.
The property accommodates a four storey commercial building. The applicant is requesting permission to maintain
one illuminated projecting sign along the Duncan Street frontage of the building (see Figures 1 and 2). The
projecting sign identifies the ground floor tenant of the building. The sign has a length of 1.83 metres and a height
of 3.3 metres, with an area of 6.03 m².
The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that:
1.the sign exceeds the permitted area of 0.1 square metre for each metre of the building frontage of the commercial
unit. The permitted area is 0.92 square metres and the actual area is 6.03 square metres;
2.the sign exceeds the permitted thickness of 0.5 metres with an actual thickness of 0.939 metres; and
3.the sign overhangs a pedestrian walkway by more than 1 metre, with the actual projection being 2.13 metres.
Two other variances relating to animation of the sign and height from grade, which previously existed, have been
eliminated by the applicant, who will be modifying the sign to bring it into closer compliance with the Municipal
Code requirements.
The maximum area for a projecting sign is based on the amount of frontage the unit has on the street. The original
proposal has been revised to reduce the area variance. Any further reduction of the area would require a new sign to
be built, rather than a modification to the existing sign. The proposed area is acceptable.
The variances relating to thickness of sign and projection over the pedestrian walkway are acceptable. Neither
variance will affect pedestrian movement or views.
I am recommending approval of this application, on condition that the sign not contain flashing lights, as I find the
variances requested to be acceptable in this instance and within the general intent and purpose of the sign provisions
of the Municipal Code.
Contact Name:
Raymond David
Telephone: (416) 392-7188
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: rdavid@city.toronto.on.ca
(Copies of three maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
(May 19, 1998) Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to maintain one illuminated fascia
sign at 400 King Street West.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 998034 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain one illuminated fascia sign.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998034, 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-east corner of King Street West and Charlotte Street, in a reinvestment area
(RA)district. The property accommodates a two storey commercial building. The applicant is requesting permission
to maintain one illuminated fascia sign on the south elevation of the building (see Figure 1). The sign has a length of
7.6 metres and a height of 1.3 metres, with an area of 10.1m².
The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that it is not mounted wholly against the wall
of the building.
The sign consists of individual cut out illuminated letters and logo affixed to an aluminum bar which projects 0.47
metres from the wall of the building and runs across the commercial unit frontage. In this instance, the sign is
located 4.7 metres above grade and therefore pedestrians are not negatively affected. Likewise, in my opinion, the
sign does not negatively impact upon the streetscape.
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:
Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca
(Copies of two maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
(June 1, 1998) Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to maintain one illuminated awning
sign at 2014 Queen Street East.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 998021 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain one illuminated awning sign.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998021, 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 side of Queen Street East, in a mixed-use (commercial/residential) district. The
property accommodates a three storey mixed-use building containing residential uses on the upper storeys and
commercial uses on the ground floor. The applicant is requesting permission to maintain one illuminated awning
sign on the south elevation of the building (see Figure 1). The sign has a length of 5.5 metres and a height of 1.2
metres, with an area of 6.6m².
The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following ways:
1.the sign is not entirely located within the tenant's commercial unit frontage;
2.the sign exceeds the maximum area of sign permitted of 30% of the first storey building face; and
3.the sign is located within 20 metres from a lot in a park district.
The first variance occurs because the sign extends over the doorway which provides access to the second and third
floors. The Municipal Code requires signs to be located on the portion of wall belonging to the particular
commercial unit so that each commercial unit is allowed to be identified. In this instance, however, residential uses
occupy the two upper storeys and the sign does not adversely affect the tenants' enjoyment of these units.
The second variance relates to the maximum sign area permitted on the ground floor. The Municipal Code permits
signs to be located within the first two storeys of a building and regulates the area of signs to 30% of the building
face on the first floor and 15% of the building face on the second floor. The intent of these provisions is to limit the
possible negative impact of signage on buildings and on the streetscape. In this instance, the awning sign is
consistent with many of the existing signs that have been erected along this section of Queen Street and is not, in my
opinion, unnecessarily prominent.
The third variance occurs because the sign does not meet the required 20 metre minimum separation distance for
illuminated signs adjacent to parks. This provision respecting minimum separation distance is intended to reduce the
negative impact of illuminated signs adjacent to parks. In this instance, the sign is located only 0.45 metres closer to
the park than permitted and it is well within the permitted 25 m² size limit for awning signs in this district.
Therefore, I consider the variance to be 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:
Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca
(Copies of three maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
(May 29, 1998) Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for a variance to permit one non-illuminated fascia
sign at 416 Victoria Park Avenue.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 998026 respecting a minor variance from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit one non-illuminated fascia sign.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 998026, of the requirement to obtain the necessary
permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.
Comments:
The property is located on the west side of Victoria Park Avenue, north of Kingston Road, in a residential (R2)
district. The property accommodates a place of worship. The applicant is requesting permission to install one
non-illuminated fascia sign on the east elevation of the building (see Figure 1). The sign has a length of 1.9 metres
and a height of 0.6 metres, with an area of 1.1 m².
The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that it will be located 3.6 metres above grade
instead of 2.0 metres.
Signs permitted in residential districts are required to be small and low in order to limit any negative impact the sign
may have on the streetscape and on neighbouring residential uses. In this instance, the non-illuminated sign would
be affixed to a blank side wall of the building which is substantially set back from the property line and would be
located so as to be visible from the street, which I consider appropriate.
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:
Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca
The Toronto Community Council reports for the information of Council, having also had before it during
consideration of the foregoing matter, the following communication (June 23, 1998) from Mr. John Humphries, a
copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
(Copies of three maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
(June 9, 1998) Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to maintain one illuminated fascia
sign at 20 Eglinton Avenue East.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 9930063 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to maintain one illuminated fascia sign on condition that the sign only be
illuminated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and that this be controlled by means of an automatic
timing device.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 993063, 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 side of Eglinton Avenue, east of Yonge Street, in a mixed-use
(commercial/residential) district. The property accommodates a five storey commercial building. The applicant is
requesting permission to maintain one illuminated fascia sign on the east elevation of the building for the purposes
of third party advertising (see Figure 1). The sign has a length of 5.8 metres and a height of 7.6 metres, with an area
of 44 m².
The sign does not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in the following ways:
1.the area of the sign (44 m²) exceeds the maximum permitted area of 25 m² by 19 m²; and
2.the sign extends above the fourth storey of the building.
The first variance occurs because the sign is larger than permitted by the Municipal Code. The size of sign is
regulated in order to reduce the visual impact of signs on the streetscape and on the buildings to which they are
attached. The property is situated mid-block along a commercial section of Eglinton Avenue which is characterized
by tall buildings and a variety of sign types. The sign is located on a blank side wall of the building and is
appropriately sized in order to be visible in this mid-block location.
The second variance occurs because the sign is higher than permitted by the Municipal Code. On October 6 & 7,
1997, the former City of Toronto Council amended the sign regulations of Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code to
limit the height of third party fascia and mural signs on the side walls of buildings to a maximum of four storeys or
15 metres above grade in CR and MCR districts. This new regulation is aimed at preserving the appearance of the
commercial streetscape and minimizing the negative impact of illuminated signs on adjacent residential uses. The
sign is located within the upper three storeys of this five storey building and does not, in my opinion, adversely
impact the streetscape or the surrounding commercial uses. There are no existing residential uses in the immediate
vicinity from which the sign is visible. However, the lands abutting Eglinton Avenue East are zoned to permit
residential development and residential use is likely to occur on the south side of the street. Therefore, it would be
appropriate to limit the hours of illumination of the existing sign.
I am recommending approval of this application with controls on the hours of illumination, 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:
Lora Mazzocca
Telephone: (416) 392-0421
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: lmazzocc@city.toronto.on.ca
(Copies of two maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
(June 11, 1998) Purpose:
To review and make recommendations respecting an application for variances to permit two illuminated fascia signs
and four non-illuminated projecting banner signs at 152 St. Patrick Street.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council approve Application No. 997075 respecting minor variances from Chapter 297, Signs, of the
former City of Toronto Municipal Code to permit two illuminated fascia signs and four non-illuminated projecting
banner signs, on condition that:
(i)the fascia signs are located on the building substantially in accordance with the attached Figures 1 and 2;
(ii)the fascia sign in the form of a globe is front lit;
(iii)the fascia sign in the form of a globe has a maximum projection from the face of the building of 0.26 metres;
and
(iv)the copy on the fascia sign in the form of a globe and the banner signs not include letters or numbers.
(2)The applicant be advised, upon approval of Application No. 997075, of the requirement to obtain the necessary
permits from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services.
Comments:
The property is located on the south-west corner of Dundas Street West and St. Patrick Street, in a mixed-use
(MCR) district. The property accommodates a newly constructed building containing commercial and residential
uses. The applicant is requesting permission to install two illuminated fascia signs and four projecting banner signs.
The proposed signs will identify the main entrance to the commercial component of the building (see Figures 1 and
2).
The fascia sign, comprised of individual letters, has an overall length of 8.4 metres and a height of 1.4 metres, with
an area of 11.76 m². This sign will be back lit. The fascia sign in the form of a globe has a width of 8.4 metres and a
height of 3.43 metres, with an area of 28.81 m². The 'globe' fascia sign will be front lit. The projecting banner signs
each have a length of 0.9 metres and a height of 7.8 metres, with an area of 7.02 m² each.
The proposed fascia signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that:
1.the proposed fascia sign in the form of a globe will be erected above the second storey of the building and more
than 10 metres above grade;
2.the area of the proposed fascia sign in the form of a globe will exceed the maximum area of sign permitted of 25
m², with an area of 28.81 m²; and
3.the proposed fascia signs will exceed the maximum aggregate area of sign permitted of 15% of the second storey
building face.
The proposed projecting banner signs do not comply with Chapter 297 of the Municipal Code in that:
1.the proposed projecting banner signs will be erected above the second storey of the building and more than 10
metres above grade; and
2.the aggregate area of the proposed projecting banner signs of 28.08 m² will exceed the maximum area of signs
permitted of 0.1 m² per metre of building frontage by 25.94 m².
The proposed signage has undergone numerous revisions. The latest revision addresses the concerns of planning
staff, respecting the size of the originally proposed sign, the height of the sign above grade and the internal
illumination of the entire sign. Specifically, staff were concerned that because of these attributes the sign would
detract from the prominence of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) tower when viewed from the east along Dundas
Street, which view corridor is protected in the City's Official Plan (see Location Map).
The applicant's response to the concerns of staff was to split the originally proposed sign into two components - a
back lit fascia sign comprised of individual letters spelling "Village by the Grange" and above that a front lit fascia
sign in the shape of a globe covered with decorative graphic images but no text. These signs are placed lower on the
building than the originally proposed sign. Further, the globe is now more decorative and reads less like a
commercial sign. Consequently, the 'visual weight' of the sign has also shifted downward. As a result of these
changes the proposed fascia signs meet staff's minimum requirements, while providing a prominent identification
for the new retail entrance to the "Village by the Grange".
The variance for the projecting banner signs are not of concern, as the banners are predominantly decorative and
will emphasize the rounded shape of this portion of the building. To ensure that this remains the case, I have
recommended that copy comprised of text not be permitted on the banners.
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:
Raymond David
Telephone: (416) 392-7188
Fax: (416) 392-7536
E-Mail: rdavid@city.toronto.on.ca
(Copies of three maps attached to the foregoing report, are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)
