Sign By-law Variance Request -
Ground Signage - Seneca College of Applied Arts
and Technology - 1750 Finch Avenue East -
Seneca Heights
The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report
(February 18, 1999) from the Director and Deputy Chief Building Official:
Purpose:
Evaluate and make recommendations regarding a request by Dominic Rotundo of Neon
Products, for a variance from the Sign By-law to permit a 110 sq.ft. ground sign to replace the
existing sign at Seneca College, Newham Campus at the above noted location. Refer to
attachments for details.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the request for a minor variance from the Sign By-law be approved.
Council Reference/Background/History:
Dominic Rotundo is requesting permission to erect a ground sign at the above noted location.
The property is zoned Open Space (O3) and the sign by-law limits the area of a ground sign
for a school in an open space zone to 25.8 sq.ft.. Therefore, the variance is required to increase
the permitted sign area to 110 sq.ft. .
The existing sign is approximately the same size as the proposed sign and appears to be a
legally non-conforming sign. The proposed ground sign is 110 sq.ft. in area and would include
a 16 sq.ft. electronic message centre to advertise College events and attractions at the Minkler
Auditorium. The sign would be erected at the same location as the existing sign and would
have little impact on neighbouring residential areas. The sign would face the east/west traffic
flow on Finch Avenue.
The Ward Councillors have been notified of this request and have been provided with a copy
of this report and attached plans.
Conclusions:
It is the opinion of this Department that the proposed ground sign would not have a negative
impact on the surrounding areas and is in fact an improvement in appearance from the existing
sign. Furthermore, the proposed size of the new ground sign would be acceptable in relation to
the large size of the campus and the community uses therein. Based on the above, it is
determined that the sign would meet the intent of the Sign By-law and the minor variance be
approved.
Contact Name:
Magda Ishak P.Eng.Tel: (416) 395-7555
Manager Plan ReviewFax: (416) 395-7589
