Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-13-053 - Amendment to Election Sign Regulations REPORT TO: Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 17, 2013 SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Director of Planning PREPARED BY: Sheryl Rice Menezes, Planning Technician (Zoning) 519-741-2200 ext. 7844 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards DATE OF REPORT: May 31, 2013 REPORT NO.: CSD-13-053 SUBJECT: AMENDMENT TO ELECTION SIGN REGULATIONS CHAPTER 680 OF THE MUNCIPAL CODE RECOMMENDATION: That the proposed by-law attached to report CSD-13-nd the height and width regulations for election signs in Chapter 680 of the Municipal Code (Sign By-law), be adopted. BACKGROUND: The City Sign By-law regulates signs on private property, whereas the Regional Sign By-law regulates signs located on Regional roads. The current City Sign By-law was approved by Council in 2007 with subsequent general amendments approved in 2011. In preparation for future elections, candidate groups contacted the Region to clarify election sign requirements in order to quickly mobilize the printing of signs should an election be called. It was recognized through that process that the Regional election sign requirements were not consistent with industry standards. Consequently, the Region approved changes to the dimensi-law in May 2012. - Sign By-law and industry standards while maintaining reasonable limitations on the size of election signs. REPORT: - law conformed to Regional by-law regulations where there was an overlap of similar sign types. In early 2012, candidates indicated to Regional staff that typical election signs measured 0.8 metre (height) by 1.2 metres (width); whereas the Regional by-law, at the time, permitted a maximum size of 0.9 metre (height) by 1 metre (width) on Regional rights-of-way. In May 2012, the Regional by-law was amended to be consistent with the manufacturing of the typical election sign measurements as noted in Regional staff report E-12-050 (Regional By-law 12-025). -law allows election signs displayed on private property to have a maximum width of 1 metre (3.28 feet) and a maximum height of 0.9 metres (2.95 feet). 13 - 1 -law will decrease the height by 0.10 metre but increase the width by 0.2 m, with no significant difference in the overall size of the sign. This proposed change will be consistent with existing Regional regulations and the our by-law regulations do not conflict with Regional requirements. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The Sign By-law aligns with the Quality of Life community priority by encouraging attractive and safe signage that enhances streetscapes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: N/A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Staff generally encourages open and ongoing feedback with respect to the Sign By-law. Feedback from candidates prompted the amendment to the Regional by-law which in turn -law. Given the nature of this amendment, the public will be informed through the standard practice of providing access to Committee agendas and reports. It is the opinion of staff that the proposed changes for election signs are minor and are consistent with existing Regional sign regulations and industry standards for this type of signage. Notification of this amendment will be forwarded to Regional staff, as well as to a Campaign Manager for a local candidate who has inquired about the City election sign regulations. As well, it is noted that prior to any election, Enforcement staff send information packages to all candidates in advance advising them of provisions associated with election signage. REVIEWED BY:Janine Oosterveld, Manager of Site Development and Customer Service ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO Community Services Department ATTACHMENT r Poposed By-law 13 - 2 BY-LAW NUMBER OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER (Being a by-law to amend Chapter 680 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code with respect to Signs). WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to amend Chapter 680 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code as adopted by By-law 88-100; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener enacts as follows: 1. 2. therefor. PASSED at the Council Chambers in the City of Kitchener this day of , A.D. 2013. _____________________________________ Mayor _____________________________________ Clerk 13 - 3