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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-18 - SG COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 18, 2014 MEMBERS PRESENT: Messrs. D. Cybalski,A. Head and A. Lise. OFFICIALS PRESENT: Mr. B. Bateman, Senior Planner, Mr. D. Pimentel, Traffic Technologist, Ms. D. Saunderson, Secretary-Treasurer, and Ms. H. Dyson, Administrative Clerk. Mr. D. Cybalski, Chair, called this meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. This meeting of the Committee of Adjustment sitting as a Standing Committee of City Council was called to consider an application regarding a variance to the City of Kitchener Sign By-law. The Committee will not make a decision on this application 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, March 3, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., and the applicants may register with the City Clerk to appear at the meeting if desired. NEW BUSINESS 1. Submission No.: SG 2014-001 Applicant: Vista Waterloo Limited Partner Property Location: 105 King Street East Legal Description: Part Lot 4 and Lot 5, South Side of King Street, Plan 364, being Part 1 on Reference Plan 58R-2957 Appearances: In Support: D. Pearce Contra: None Written Submissions: None The Committee was advised that the applicant is requesting permission to legalize a ground sign in a D-1 Zone whereas the By-law does not permit ground signs in a D-1 Zone; and, to be located in the driveway visibility triangle with a clearance of 1.45m (4.76`) from the ground rather than the required 2.44m (8.005'). The Committee considered the report of the Planning Division, dated February 6, 2014, advising that the ground supported sign is located at the southerly side of the property on Charles Street East in the parking area. The applicant is requesting a minor variance to legalize a ground supported sign in a D-1 Zone whereas the By-law does not permit ground supported signs in a D-1 Zone; and, to be located in the driveway visibility triangle with a clearance of 1.45 metres (4.76 feet) from the ground rather than the required 2.44 metres (8.005 feet). Staff consulted with the applicant and both parties decided that the minor variance will also request permission to allow the sign to be installed without the full municipal address or civic number labeled on the ground supported sign whereas, the By-law requires all ground supported signs located between a front lot line or side lot line abutting a street to contain the civic number and/or full municipal address. In considering the requested variances to the Sign By-law, Planning staff offer the following comments. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT -4- FEBRUARY 18,2014 1. Submission No.: SG 2014-001 (Cont'd) Ground support signs are not permitted in the D-1 Zone. However the ground supported sign is existing and the sign has been used by previous owners to advertise their business location and facility's parking. The existing signs height of 2.74 metres (9 feet) and total area of 2.64 square metres (28.42 square feet) is small in scale and the ground supported sign will not affect the overall neighbourhood. The applicant is proposing to renovate the existing sign to reflect a change in ownership of the property. During renovation of the sign the existing base will be used to support the new sign. The existing sign is currently located within the driveway visibility triangle. Relocating the sign outside of the driveway visibility triangle would result in fewer parking spaces and would not adequately indicate the entrance of the parking lot. The existing sign located within the driveway visibility triangle with a clearance of 1.45 metres (4.76 feet) does not meet the required 2.44 metres (8.005 feet). The intent of the driveway visibility triangle regulation in the sign by-law is to allow for pedestrian and vehicles views to be unobstructed by ground supported signs. However the sign is existing and a height reduction of 0.99 metres does not majorly affect pedestrian or vehicle visibility. Traffic staff have no concerns with the sign. The sign by-law requires all ground supported signs located between a front lot line or side lot line abutting a street to contain the civic number and/or full municipal address. However staff suggest that the sign not include the civic number or the full municipal address because the location of the sign will be located on Charles street east whereas the municipal address is known as 105 King street East. Labelling the full civic address on the ground support sign would create confusion as the sign is located on Charles Street rather than King Street East. The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo Transportation Planner, dated February 4, 2014, advising that they have no concerns with this application. Moved by Mr.A. Head Seconded by Mr.A. Lise That the application of Vista Waterloo Limited Partner requesting permission to legalize a ground sign in a D-1 Zone whereas the By-law does not permit ground signs in a D-1 Zone; to be located in the driveway visibility triangle with a clearance of 1.45m (4.76`)from the ground rather than the required 2.44m (8.005'); and, to permit the ground supported sign to be installed without a municipal address whereas the By-law requires all ground supported signs to contain a municipal address, on Part Lot 4 and Lot 5, South Side of King Street, Plan 364, being Part 1 on Reference Plan 58R-2957, 105 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario, BE 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 sign no later than April 30,2014. 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 10:07 a.m. Dated at the City of Kitchener this 18th day of February, 2014. Dianna Saunderson Secretary-Treasurer Committee of Adjustment