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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdjustment - 2013-08-20 - SG COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD AUGUST 20, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: Messrs. A. Head, A. Lise and Ms. J. Meader. OFFICIALS PRESENT: Mr. B. Bateman, Senior Planner, Mr. D. Pimentel, Traffic Technologist, Ms. D. Saunderson, Secretary-Treasurer, and Ms. A. Lacoursiere, Administrative Clerk. Mr. A. Head, Vice-Chair, called this meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. This meeting of the Committee of Adjustment sitting as a Standing Committee of City Council was called to consider applications regarding variances to the City of Kitchener Sign By-law. The Committee will not make a decision on these applications but rather will make a recommendation which will be forwarded to the Committee of the Whole and Council for final decision. The Chair explained that the Committee's decisions with respect to sign variances are recommendations to City Council and not a final decision. He advised that the Committee's recommendations will be forwarded to City Council on Monday, August 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., and the applicants may register with the City Clerk to appear at the meeting if desired. NEW BUSINESS Submission No.: 1. SG 2013-003 Applicant: Tatiana and Calin Duca Property Location: 251 Highland Road West Legal Description: Part Lots 655 & 696, Plan 230 Appearances: In Support: T. Duca Contra: None Written Submissions: None The Committee was advised that the applicant is requesting permission to construct a ground supported sign with automatic changing copy to be located 0.2m (0.65‘) from the lot line abutting Highland Road West rather than the required 3m (9.84’); located 0m from a residential zone rather than the required 100m (328.08’); located 0.2m from an intersection rather than the required 23m (75.46’); and to have 3 signs on the subject property (one ground supported and two fascia signs) in a residential zone whereas the Sign By-law only permits a maximum of 2 signs. The Committee considered the report of the Planning Division, dated August 12, 2013, advising thatthe applicant is requesting a minor variance to construct a ground supported sign with automatic changing copy to be located 0.2 metres from the lot line abutting Highland Road West rather than the minimum required 3 metres. The applicant also requests permission to locate the sign 0 metres from a residential zone rather than the required 100 metres and 0.2 metres from an intersection rather than the required minimum of 22.8 metres. A variance to the maximum allowance of 2 signs is also requested to permit 3 signs on the property (one ground- supported and two fascia). The variance to reduce the setbacks for the location of a ground-supported sign with automatic changing copy from a lot line, residential zone, and intersection can be considered minor in nature. The subject lands are located on a portion of Highland Road containing various uses including both residential and commercial, thus signs used for business identification and advertisement purposes are highly characteristic of this area. It is also for this reason that it can be predicted the automatic changing copy component of the sign will cause little distraction to motorists and other users of the street. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT AUGUST 20, 2013 7 Submission No.: 1.SG 2013-003 (Cont’d) The variance to permit the installation of 3 signs, one ground-supported and two fascia, in a residential zone can also be considered minor. It is important to note that the new sign with automatic changing copy will be replacing an existing ground supported sign. The existing sign is appropriately situated on the property and well-incorporated into the landscaping of the lawn. The two existing fascia signs have also been appropriately incorporated into the character of the property and they have little impact on the architectural style of the existing mixed use building on which they are mounted. The above noted variances to allow a third sign is appropriate at this location. The property is a corner lot, situated at the Highland Road/Belmont Avenue intersection. As this is a mixed use area with commercial and residential uses, the addition of one more sign on a corner lot has minimal impact on the residential neighbourhood. Also, it can be noted that the landscaping of the property appropriately incorporates all signage into its design, allowing for better compatibility with the surrounding residential uses. The incorporation of automatic changing copy into the new sign will ensure better advertisement and identification of the business, and will be compatible with the commercial and residential character of the street. The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation Planner, dated August 12, 2013, advising that no proposed signage will be permitted in the Highland Road West (Regional Road 06) right of way or within the daylight triangle at the intersection of Highland Road West and Belmont Avenue. Existing and proposed landscaping works in Regional property will be commented on future development applications. Moved by Mr. A. Lise Seconded by Ms. J. Meader That the application of Tatiana and Calin Duca requesting permission to construct a ground supported sign with automatic changing copy to be located 0.2m (0.65‘) from the lot line abutting Highland Road West rather than the required 3m (9.84’); located 0m from a residential zone rather than the required 100m (328.08’); located 0.2m from an intersection rather than the required 23m (75.46’); and to have 3 signs on the subject property (one ground supported and two fascia signs) in a residential zone whereas the Sign By-law only permits a maximum of 2 BE signs, on Part Lots 655 & 696, Plan 230, 251 Highland Road West, Kitchener, Ontario, APPROVED , subject to the following condition: 1. That the owner shall obtain a sign permit from the City’s Planning Division for the proposed ground supported signs. It is the opinion of this Committee that: 1. The variances approved in this application are minor in nature. 2. This application is desirable for the appropriate development of the property. 3. The general intent and purpose of Chapter 680 (Signs) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code is being maintained on the subject property. Carried ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:04 a.m. th Dated at the City of Kitchener this 20 day of August 2013. Dianna Saunderson Secretary-Treasurer Committee of Adjustment