Request for a Variance from Sign By-law No. 64-87 of the former

Borough of East York submitted by Jones Neon Displays for the

IGA Garden Market located at 1015 Broadview Avenue

The East York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (November 27, 1998) from the Manager, Field Office, Urban Planning and Development Services, East York:

Purpose:

The applicant proposes to install two facial signs with an overall height exceeding the height permitted by the Sign By-law of the Community of East York. The signs are proposed to be installed on the north and south walls at the main entrance of the building.

Financial Implications:

There are no financial implications.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that Council approve the variance from the Sign By-law requirements to permit the installation of two (2) facial signs for IGA Garden Market store with an overall height of 8 feet (2.4 metres) at 1015Broadview Avenue, on the north and south walls at the main entrance of the building.

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 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 IGA Garden Market store is located in an area designated as Commercial zone. The Sign By-law for the Community of East York allows, for free standing commercial establishments , one facial sign for each face of wall abutting a street, parking area or a permanent open space in a front or side yard, provided the signs do not exceed 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height.

The applicant is proposing to install one (1) facial sign, on the west wall having an overall height of 2.0 metres (6'-8") and one (1) facial sign on the south wall having an overall height of 1.8 metres (6'-0"). The height of both signs is in excess of what is permitted by the Sign By-law.

Conclusion:

Staff is of the opinion that the request for variance to install facial signs for IGA Garden Market store, at 1015 Broadview Avenue, with overall heights greater than what is permitted, be approved. The aggregate area of the proposed facial signs in comparison to the sign area that could have been installed in compliance with the Sign By-law, is small. Council, in addition, has granted similar variances in the past for the same property. Larger facial signs have been install without creating any adverse effects on the neighbours and on the street scape in general.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Iraklis (Eric) Tsotsos

397-4482

The East York Community Council also submitted the following communication (November16, 1998) from Mr. Dan Bovair, Sales Manager, Jones Neon Displays, Burlington:

"We have been advised by your building department that a variance to the sign by-law will be required for the new exterior signs being proposed for the above said location.

According to your by-law a fascia sign cannot exceed 1.2 meters in height for a free standing commercial establishment. The signs being proposed exceed this height restriction and therefore do not meet your by-law standards.

I would therefore request that a variance to your by-law be granted due to our inability to alter AgoraFood Merchants new national sign layout criteria for Garden Market IGA's. Please note that the signs that were previously erected at this location also exceed your by-laws height restriction and permits were issued for same.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me."