Sign Variance Committee
The full agenda, as filed
All 5 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
SB17.1received
Overview of Sign By-law and City Policy and Procedures
The Manager, Sign Bylaw Unit, Toronto Building will provide an overview of the Sign By-law and City Policy and Procedures.
The Sign Variance Committee received the presentations for information and directed that the powerpoint presentations remain confidential as they relate to the education and training of its Members.
SB17.2adopted
Norm Girdhar (the "Applicant") has stated that they have been authorized by the owner of the property municipally known as 2 St. Clair Avenue East (the "Subject Premises"), to apply for three variances, required to allow for a permit to be issued for one third party illuminated wall sign with a single sign face, displaying static copy (the "Proposed Sign") at 2 St. Clair Avenue East. The Subject Premises is a relatively unique location within the City, as it is one of the few locations that is subject to one of the 74 separate area specific restrictions enacted by City Council, which specifically prohibits any third party signs from being erected within 100 metres of St. Clair Avenue between Bathurst Street and Inglewood Drive. The Proposed Sign will be approximately 60 metres north of St. Clair Avenue. The Proposed Sign would be located at 9th to 13th storey of north elevation of the 14-storey office building located on the Subject Premises which can be seen from Yonge Street, looking in a southerly direction. It will have a maximum height of 49 metres, and will contain one rectangular sign face with a maximum horizontal measurement of 12.20 metres (centre line) and maximum vertical measurement 17.90 metres (bisecting line), with a sign face area of 218.38 square metres. The Proposed Sign is described further in Attachment 1. Three variances to Chapter 694 are required to allow the Chief Building Official ("CBO") to issue the sign permit for the Proposed Sign. The requirements in Chapter 694, which have been requested to be varied, and proposed new requirements are as below: 1) § 694-24.A(26)- A third party sign shall not be erected or displayed or caused to be erected or displayed in whole or in part within 100.0 metres of any limit of St. Clair Avenue, from the westerly limit of Bathurst Street to the easterly limit of Inglewood Drive be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to be erected or displayed or caused to be erected or displayed in whole or in part within 60.0 meters of northern limit of St. Clair Avenue, from the westerly limit of Bathurst Street to the easterly limit of Inglewood Drive. 2) § 694-25.B (1)(a)- A CR - Commercial Residential sign district may contain a wall sign provided the sign face area shall not exceed 3.0 square metres be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to have a sign face area not exceeding 218.4 square meters. 3) § 694-25.B(1)(b)- A CR - Commercial Residential sign district may contain a wall sign provided the height shall not exceed 3.0 metres be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to have a height not exceeding 49.1 meters. Included in the Applicant's submission are documents concerning support from third-parties for an application, for variances which would appear to be subject to multiple conditions. These documents make reference to support for the replacement of a roof sign with a wall sign as well as "that the sign be removed by the time that the construction of the southwest tower is completed". It is not entirely certain what this letter is referring to as there are currently no roof signs at 2 St. Clair Avenue East or in the surrounding area, nor are there any redevelopment plans for the property at 2 St. Clair Avenue East. Following a review of the Applicant's submissions and the results of research and investigation by Sign By-law Unit staff, the CBO has determined that the Applicant has not provided sufficient information to determine that the Proposed Sign meets all nine of the criteria established in §694- 30A of the Sign By-law. Further, the information provided with respect to the application actually made and submitted to the Sign Variance Committee, by the Applicant, has not established that the Proposed Sign is compatible with the development of the premises and surrounding area; supports the Official Plan objectives for the premises and surrounding area; does not alter the character of the premises and surrounding area; does not adversely affect adjacent premises; and, is not contrary to the public interest. Therefore, the CBO does not support the Sign Variance Committee granting the three requested variances for the Proposed Sign.
The Sign Variance Committee: 1. Refused to grant any of the three requested variances to Sections 694-24.A(26), 694-25.B(1)(a) and 694-25.B(1)(b), which would be required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign at the property municipally known as 2 St. Clair Avenue East as described in Attachment 1 of the report (May 19, 2022) from the Manager, Sign By-law Unit, Toronto Building .
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, recommends that: 1. The Sign Variance Committee refuse to grant any of the three requested variances to Sections 694-24.A(26), 694-25.B(1)(a) and 694-25.B(1)(b), which would be required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign at the property municipally known as 2 St. Clair Avenue East as described in Attachment 1 of this report.
SB17.3adopted
OUTFRONT Media Canada (the "Applicant") has been authorized by the owner of the property municipally known as 271 Progress Avenue Scarborough (the "Subject Premises") to apply for three variances, subject to four conditions, required to allow for a permit to be issued to construct a third party electronic ground sign, with two sign faces, each displaying electronic static copy ("The Proposed Sign"). The Proposed Sign will replace an existing third party ground sign with one sign face displaying electronic static sign copy ("The Existing Sign"), in the same location on the Subject Premises. The Existing Sign has one rectangular sign face, measuring 8.69 metres horizontally by 2.30 metres vertically, and faces in a north-westerly direction along Midland Avenue. The Proposed Sign will replace the Existing Sign and will contain two sign faces in a 'v-shaped' configuration, directed in a south-easterly and north-westerly direction along Midland Avenue. The Subject Premises is designated as an Employment ("E") Sign District, which allows third party electronic ground signs. The Proposed Sign will have a maximum height of 9.98 metres from the grade, and will contain two rectangular sign faces measuring 8.69 metres horizontally by 2.30 metres vertically, with a sign face area of 19.99 square metres on each side. The Proposed Sign is described further in Attachment 1. The Proposed Sign requires three variances to Chapter 694, each subject to four conditions, to allow the Chief Building Official ("CBO") to issue the sign permit. The requirements in Chapter 694 which have been requested to be varied, and the proposed requirements are summarized below: 1) § 694-25.C(2)(f) - An Employment "E" Sign District may contain a third party electronic ground sign, provided where it is located within 250 metres of an R, RA, CR, I or OS Sign District, the sign cannot face any premises in the R, RA, CR, I or OS Sign District, be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to face an Open Space (OS) sign district approximately 212 metres from its location, subject to Conditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 below; 2) § 694-25.C(2)(k) - An Employment "E" Sign District may contain a third party electronic ground sign, provided where the sign has two faces, the sign faces shall be back-to-back, be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to have a 'v-shaped' configuration, subject to Conditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 below; and, 3) § 694-25.C(2)(h) - An Employment "E" Sign District may contain a third party electronic ground sign, provided there shall be no more than one ground sign or electronic ground sign erected on the premises, be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to be erected on a premises containing one first party ground sign, subject to Conditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 below. If granted, each of the three requested variances would be subject to the following conditions: 1) The Proposed Sign shall operate with the south-westerly facing sign face at a maximum level of illumination of 150 NITS during the period between sunset and sunrise. 2) The Proposed Sign shall have the two digital sign faces synched to have their content transitioned simultaneously. 3) The interior angle of the sign faces not exceed 45 degrees. 4) Any and all existing third party signs located at 271 Progress Avenue shall be removed and all associated permits revoked prior to the construction the Proposed Sign. Following a review of the Applicant's submissions and additional information provided by the Sign By-law Unit staff, the CBO has determined that there is a sufficient basis to conclude that the nine required criteria in §694-30A of the Sign By-law have been established with respect to the four variances, subject to the noted conditions as described further in Appendix 1 to this report.
The Sign Variance Committee: 1. Granted the requested variances to sections 694-25.C(2)(k),694-25.C(2)(f) and 694-25.C(2)(h), subject to four conditions, as required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign at 271 Progress Avenue, as further described in Attachment 1 to the report (May 19, 2022) from the Manager, Sign By-law Unit, Toronto Building.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, recommends that: 1. The Sign Variance Committee grant the requested variances to sections 694-25.C(2)(k),694-25.C(2)(f) and 694-25.C(2)(h), subject to four conditions, as required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign, as further described in Attachment 1 to this report.
SB17.4amended
Metrolinx (the "Applicant") has made an application for two variances (the "Subject Premises"), subject to four conditions, required for a permit to be issued to allow the erection and display of one third party electronic ground sign displaying electronic static copy (the "Proposed Sign") to be located on a specific portion of the premises defined by the Sign By-law as the Belleville Subdivision, north of Ellesmere Road and east of Warden Avenue (the "Proposed Location"), as further described in Attachment 1. The Proposed Location is a portion of the Belleville Subdivision, an area which functions as a railway corridor, and is a Utility ("U") Sign District, which allows third party electronic ground signs. The Proposed Sign would have a height of 10 metres from the grade, and would contain one rectangular sign face, facing to the east and measuring 5.79 metres horizontally by 2.90 metres vertically, with a sign face area of 16.79 square metres. The Proposed Sign is described further in Attachment 1. The Proposed Sign would require two Variances to Chapter 694, subject to four conditions, to allow the Chief Building Official ("CBO") to issue the sign permit. The requirements of Chapter 694 which have been requested to be varied, and the proposed varied requirements are summarized below: 1) § 694-25D(3)(f) - A Utility Sign District may contain a third party electronic ground sign, provided where a sign is located within 250 metres of an R, RA, CR, I, or OS sign district, the sign cannot face any premise in the R, RA, CR, I or OS sign district, be varied to allow for the Proposed Sign to be located approximately 30 metres from an Institutional ("I") and 75 metres from an Open Space ("OS") sign districts while facing them, subject to Conditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 below; 2) § 694-25D(3)(g) - A Utility Sign District may contain a third party electronic ground sign, provided sign be located a minimum of 500 metres from any other third party electronic sign located on a street which forms an intersection with the street on which the sign is located, be varied to allow for the Proposed Sign to be located closer than 500 metres to another electronic ground sign proposed by the applicant, on Warden Avenue which makes an intersection with Ellesmere Road, subject to Conditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 below; If granted, each of the two requested variances, would be subject to the following conditions: 1) The existing third party ground sign containing one sign face displaying static copy, located within the Belleville Subdivision as defined, north of Ellesmere Road, and approximately 5.0 metres to the northeast of the Proposed Location, be removed and all associated permits revoked.- 2) The existing third party ground sign containing one sign face displaying static copy, located within the Belleville Subdivision as defined, south of Ellesmere Road, and approximately 70.0 metres to the southwest of the Proposed Location, be removed and all associated permits revoked.- 3) That the maximum brightness of the Proposed Sign not exceed 150 NITS between sunset and sunrise; 4) That the third party electronic ground sign located no closer than 295.0 metres to the Proposed Sign, and on a street which forms an intersection with the street on which the sign is located, is located on Warden Avenue Following a review of the Applicant's submissions and additional information provided by the Sign By-law Unit staff, the CBO has determined that there is a sufficient basis to conclude that the nine required criteria in §694-30A of the Sign By-law have been established with respect to the two variances, subject to the noted conditions as described further in Appendix 1 to this report.
The Sign Variance Committee: 1. Granted the requested variances to sections 694- 18E(5), 694- 25D(3)(f) and 694-25D(3)(g) each subject to conditions, as required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign on the Belleville Subdivision, North of Ellesmere Road, East of Warden Avenue, as further described in Attachment 1 to the report (May 19, 2022) from the Manager, Sign By-law Unit, Toronto Building, and as amended below: 4. That the third party electronic ground sign which would be no closer than 295.0 metres to the Proposed Sign is located on Warden Avenue - which is a street which forms an intersection with the street (Ellesmere Road) on which the Proposed Sign is located.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, recommends that: 1. The Sign Variance Committee grant the requested variances to sections 694- 18E(5), 694- 25D(3)(f) and 694-25D(3)(g) each subject to conditions, as required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign, as further described in Attachment 1 to this report.
SB17.5amended
Metrolinx (the "Applicant") has made an application for three variances (the "Subject Premises") each subject to five conditions, for a permit to be issued to allow the erection and display of one third party electronic ground sign displaying electronic static copy (the "Proposed Sign") to be located on the premises known as 1416 Warden Avenue (the "Subject Premises"). The Subject Premises is within a Utility ("U") Sign District, which allows third party electronic ground signs. The Proposed Sign will have a height of 10 metres from the grade, and will contain two rectangular sign faces in a back to back configuration and northerly - southerly direction. Both sign faces are measuring 5.8 metres horizontally by 2.90 metres vertically, with a sign face area of 16.85 square metres. The Proposed Sign is described further in Attachment 1. The Proposed Sign would require three Variances to Chapter 694, each subject to five conditions, to allow the Chief Building Official ("CBO") to issue the sign permit. The requirements of Chapter 694 which have been requested to be varied, and the proposed varied requirements are summarized below: 1. § 694-25D(3)(f) - A Utility "U" Sign District may contain a third party electronic ground sign, provided where a sign is located within 250 metres of an R, RA, CR, I, or OS sign district, the sign cannot face any premise in the R, RA, CR, I or OS sign, be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to be located: approximately 90 metres to a Residential Sign District, approximately 110 metres to a Commercial Residential Sign District, approximately 90 metres from an Institutional Sign District, and, approximately 14.75 metres form an Open Space Sign District, while facing them, subject to Conditions 1 -5 below. 2. § 694-25D(3)(g) - A Utility "U" Sign District may contain a third party electronic ground sign, provided sign be located a minimum of 500 metres from any other third party electronic sign located on a street which forms an intersection with the street on which the sign is located, be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to be approximately 295 metres to another proposed electronic ground sign by the applicant, in Warden Avenue which makes an intersection with Ellesmere Road, subject to Conditions 1 -5 below. 3. § 694-25D(3)(e) - A Utility "U" Sign District may contain a third party electronic ground sign, provided the shall not be erected within 60 metres of any premises located, in whole or in part, in an "R", "RA", "CR", "I" or "OS" sign districts, be varied to allow the Proposed Sign to be closer than 60 metres to an Open-Space sign district, subject to Conditions 1 -5 below. If granted, each of the three requested variances, would be subject to the following conditions: 1. The existing third party ground sign containing two sign faces displaying static copy, located within the Belleville Subdivision as defined, south of Ellesmere Road, and approximately 165.0 metres to the southeast of the Proposed Sign, be removed and all associated permits revoked. 2. The existing third party ground sign containing one sign face displaying static copy, located within the Belleville Subdivision as defined, south of Ellesmere Road, west of Warden Avenue and approximately 85.0 metres to the southwest of the Proposed Sign be removed and all associated permits revoked. 3. The existing third party ground sign containing two sign faces displaying static copy, located on the premises municipally known as 1416 Warden Avenue be removed and all associated permits revoked. 4. That the maximum brightness of the Proposed Sign not exceed 150 NITS between sunset and sunrise; 5. That any third party electronic ground sign which is located no closer than 295.0 metres to the Proposed Sign, and on a street which forms an intersection with the street on which the sign is located, is located on Ellesmere Road. Following a review of the Applicant's submissions and additional information provided by the Sign By-law Unit staff, the CBO has determined that there is a sufficient basis to conclude that the nine required criteria in §694-30A of the Sign By-law have been established with respect to the three variances, subject to the noted conditions as described further in Appendix 1 to this report.
The Sign Variance Committee: 1. Granted the requested variances to sections 694- 18E(5), 694- 25D(3)(f) and 694-25D(3)(g) each subject to conditions, as required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign at 1416 Warden Avenue, as further described in Attachment 1 to the report (May 19,2022) from the Manager, Sign By-law Unit, Toronto Building, and as amended below: That condition 5 of Attachment 1 be replaced with the following: 5. That the third party electronic ground sign which would be no closer than 295.0 metres to the Proposed Sign is located on Ellesmere Road - which is a street which forms an intersection with the street (Warden Avenue) on which the Proposed Sign is located.
Staff recommendation as filed
The Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, recommends that: 1. The Sign Variance Committee grant the requested variances to sections 694- 25D(3)(f) and 694-25D(3)(g) each subject to one condition, as required to allow for the issuance of a permit respecting the erection and display of the Proposed Sign , as further described in Attachment 1 to this report.