Item - 2023.SB3.1

The Sign Variance Committee:

1. Granted the requested variances to section 694-21D(5)(a) required to allow for the issuance of permits respecting the erection and display for each of the Proposed Signs at the property municipally known as 130 King Street West, as described in Attachment 1 to the report (June 9, 2023) from the Project Director, Business Transformation, 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.

Priority Permits Ltd. (the "Appellant") has been authorized by the representative of the property owner of the premises located at 130 King Street West, (the "Subject Premises") to appeal the decision to refuse a Sign Variance application, Application No. 22-151137. This application sought a variance from the Sign By-law to allow for the issuance of permits for two first-party wall signs, (the "Proposed Signs") to be installed and displayed above the second storey of the building.

The Proposed Signs are intended to be installed on the fourth storey of the Subject Premises, with one on the north elevation ("Proposed Sign North") and one on the west elevation ("Proposed Sign West"). Both Proposed Sign North and Proposed Sign West would have a sign face area measuring 1.11 meters vertically by 6.88 meters horizontally, at a height of 17.24 meters. The Proposed Signs would be illuminated and display static sign copy. These signs would identify "National Bank," a tenant in the building at 130 King Street West.

Upon reviewing the Sign Variance application, the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building (the "CBO"), made the decision to refuse the requested variances for the installation and display of the Proposed Signs. Subsequently, the Appellant filed an appeal of the CBO's decision in accordance with the Sign By-law requirements.

The CBO has thoroughly examined all the materials submitted in relation to this Appeal and has determined that the Appellant has not provided sufficient information to establish that either of the two Proposed Signs satisfies all nine criteria outlined in section 694-30A of the Sign By-law. The establishment of all nine of these criteria is the required precondition for the approval of a variance. Specifically, it is the CBO's opinion that there is insufficient information to determine whether or not the Proposed Signs would be compatible with the development of the premises, and the surrounding area; would not alter the character of the premises, and the surrounding area; and, would not be contrary to the public interest. Consequently, the CBO does not support the Sign Variance Committee granting the requested variances for the Proposed Signs.