Area-Specific Amendment to the Sign Bylaw: 2075 Lawrence Avenue East

This report is in response to an application for an amendment that would facilitate the replacement of an existing third party ground sign that was established under a previous Bylaw with a third party electronic ground sign displaying static copy east and west along Lawrence Avenue East. Under the current Sign Bylaw, neither the existing third party ground sign nor the proposed third party electronic ground sign is permitted in a Commercial Residential (CR) Sign District. The applicant's proposal would require that the existing third party ground sign be removed prior to the sign permit being issued. The proposed amendment also seeks to modify the applicable sign permit term by extending the initial permit from five to ten years. Toronto Building, in consultation with City Planning and Economic Development and Culture, conducted a thorough review of the application, and does not believe that the applicant's rationale is consistent with the objectives of the Sign Bylaw. Toronto Building does not recommend approval of this amendment as the proposed sign is likely to have a negative impact on a number of residential properties to the south, as well as an 11-storey residential apartment building approximately 145 metres to the west. In addition, the proposed sign adds to sign clutter in the area and conflicts with existing first party signs.

regulations to allow for, and regulate, a single third party electronic ground sign, as described in Attachment 1 of this report.