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Sign Variance Committee

The Sign Variance Committee is a City board that hears appeals of the Chief Building Official's decisions on variance applications for first party signs and makes decisions on variance applications for third party signs.

Committee responsibilities

The committee conducts itself in accordance with a procedures by-law and is also governed by the provisions of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 694 - Signs, General.

In addition to participating as a member of the committee, the chair is responsible for:

• ensuring fair and timely public meetings
• addressing matters concerning the operation and conduct of the members

Term of office

The term of office is four years.

Composition

5 members of the public appointed by City Council.

Qualifications

In addition to the general eligibility requirements set out in the Public Appointments Policy, members should collectively bring the following skills and expertise to the committee:

• demonstrate a strong interest in the complexities and challenges of city building
• bring an understanding of the diverse neighbourhoods and communities across the city
• have knowledge in one or more areas of: law, planning, architecture, government, economic development, community development, land development, or citizen advocacy
• demonstrate decision-making, communication, and mediation skills to facilitate an open and fair meeting process
• at least 3 members should have adjudication experience and 2 members should have public speaking and organization skills to be able to chair public meetings and maintain order in conflict situations

Public members are ineligible for appointment to the committee if they are an owner, employee, or agent of an advertising, communications, or media relations agency or a business which owns, controls, or has shares in a media outlet.

Former Council members who served in the immediately preceding term of Council are ineligible for appointment as public members.

Meetings

Public meetings are generally scheduled six times a year depending on the application volume. Meetings are held at Toronto City Hall.

Remuneration

• Chair: $2,500 annually, plus full-day per diem of $460 and half-day remuneration (3.5 hours or less) of $275 for hearings, business meetings or training sessions.
• Members: $1,500 annually, plus full-day per diem of $460 and half-day remuneration (3.5 hours or less) of $275 for hearings, business meetings or training sessions.

Related links

• Toronto Building - Sign Variance website
• Sign Variance Committee agendas and minutes