Item - 2019.SB3.1

The Sign Variance Committee:

1. Refused the requested variance to subsection 694-21(C)(5)(A) with respect to Proposed Sign 1, and the requested variance to subsection 694-21(C)(5)(A) with respect to Proposed Sign 2 at the premises municipally known as 222 Dixon Road, as described in greater detail in Attachment 1 of the report dated May 2, 2019 from the Manager, Sign By-law Unit, Toronto Building.

A decision of the Sign Variance Committee, in the case of a decision to refuse to grant a variance, is final and binding on the date the decision was issued; and in the case of a decision to grant a variance with conditions, the decision is final and binding 21 days after the date the decision was issued unless an application to consider is filed by the ward councillor in accordance with §694-30S of Chapter 694 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code.

This report addresses an appeal concerning two variances sought respecting two proposed illuminated first party wall signs displaying static copy (the Proposed Signs). The Proposed Signs are to be located along the south and east elevations of the third storey, at an existing three-storey building at 222 Dixon Road (the Subject Premises).

The Proposed Signs each have one sign face, directed towards traffic on Dixon Road. Each of the two sign faces measure 5.33 metres horizontally by 1.52 metres vertically, and will function to identify the medical offices associated with Rexdale Community Health Centre, located within the building at the Subject Premises.

After conducting a review of this application, a decision was made by the Chief Building Official (the CBO) to refuse to grant the requested variance for erecting two first party wall signs above the second storey in a Commercial (C) Sign District. Following this decision, an appeal was filed by the property owner (1116188 Ontario Ltd.) through their agent, Signarama Peterborough.

The CBO has determined that the Applicant has not provided sufficient information to determine that the Proposed Signs meet all nine of the criteria established in §694-30A of the Sign By-law, which are required for a variance approval to be granted.

Specifically, insufficient information was provided to determine that the Proposed Signs: 

• Are compatible with the development of the premises and surrounding area.
• Support Official Plan objectives for the property and surrounding area.
• Do not adversely affect adjacent premises.
• Do not alter the character of the premises or surrounding area.
• Are not contrary to the public interest.