Gardiner Gateway Special Sign District Public and Stakeholder Consultation May 5, 2014
Outline Background Gardiner Gateway Special Sign District (GG-SSD) Boundaries History Regulations Options for the GG-SSD Questions and Discussion
GG-SSD - Background April 10, 2014 - The Planning and Growth Management Committee: Requested the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building, to report to the June19, 2014 meeting of the Planning and Growth Management Committee on amendments to Chapter 694 of the Toronto Municipal Code required to eliminate the Gardiner Gateway Special Sign District.
GG-SSD - Boundaries
GG-SSD - History Large format signs have been identified as a defining element of the character of the area This was reinforced during the 2008-2009 consultations on the current sign bylaw Gardiner Gateway Special Sign District was created by current sign bylaw in response Largely carried forward existing regulations for electronic signs Legally existing third party signs in this area containing electronic copy may be replaced with a sign containing electronic static copy Limited to ground signs
GG-SSD - Current Regulations The following regulations apply to all third party signs in the GG-SSD: A ground sign containing electronic static copy is permitted provided: The maximum sign face area shall not exceed 50.0 square metres; The maximum height shall not exceed 15.0 metres; It must replace an existing sign that displayed electronic sign copy; and It must have the same number of sign faces as the sign it is replacing. Third party signs displaying static copy and mechanical copy are permitted subject to the underlying regulations for the property designation No restrictions on hours of operation
GG-SSD - Current Regulations The following regulations apply to all first party signs in the GG-SSD: First party sign regulations mirror the requirements for first party signs in other parts of the city depending on land use and sign district designation No restrictions on hours of operation The following regulations also apply: Electronic sign copy shall be displayed for a minimum ten second duration Electronic sign copy transition shall not exceed one second Maximum brightness of 500 nits between sunset and sunrise Maximum light spill of 6.5 lux above ambient light levels
GG-SSD - Existing Signs There are 25 third party signs in the GG-SSD Four of these signs have been issued permits under the current (Ch. 694) Sign Bylaw 21 of these signs were permitted by previous Sign Bylaws or Community Council/Council approvals Sign regulations cannot be applied retroactively Lawfully existing signs are grandfathered Signs approved prior to the enactment of the current Sign Bylaw can remain indefinitely
GG-SSD - Options 1. Eliminate the GG-SSD and re-designate the affected properties 2. Modify the regulations for the GG-SSD 3. Modify the boundaries of the GG-SSD 4. Change the location of the GG-SSD 5. Do nothing
GG-SSD - Option 1 Eliminate and re-designate the GG-SSD Eliminate permissions for large-format electronic third party signs Re-designate the properties within the GG- SSD area based on their underlying use and/or land use designations To Consider: What is the most appropriate sign district designations for the affected properties? Permit any third party signs in the area at all?
GG-SSD - Option 2 M odified regulations for the GG-SSD Maintain the area as a Special Sign District Modify permissions for first party signs in the area Modify permissions for third party signs in the area To Consider: How should the regulations for signs in the area be modified? Why? Continue to permit electronic signs subject to revised regulations?
GG-SSD - Option 3 Modify the boundaries of the GG-SSD To Consider: How should the boundaries be modified? Why? Additional changes to regulations?
GG-SSD Option 4 Change the location of the GG-SSD To Consider: Where should it be re-located to? Why? Additional changes to regulations?
GG-SSD - Option 5 Do nothing Maintain Status Quo Continue to permit large-format third party signs with electronic copy Maintain current provisions for first party signs To Consider: Few, if any, opportunities for new third party signs without a sign variance or an amendment application Variance or amendment application require public notifications and are decided in a public forum. Is this sufficient?
GG-SSD - Transition Provisions When should any new regulations or modifications to the GG-SSD be made effective? Immediately? End of year? Are there any opportunities to remove or move existing signs? Third party signs with time-limited permits in the area and renewal of those permits?
Questions and Discussion