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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-18 SG COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD APRIL 18, 2017 MEMBERS PRESENT: Messrs. D. Cybalski and A. Head and Ms. J. Meader. OFFICIALS PRESENT: Ms. J. von Westerholt, Senior Planner; Barry Cronkite, Interim Manager, Transportation Planning; Mr. S. Ryder, Traffic Technologist; Ms. D. Saunderson, Secretary-Treasurer; and, Ms. H. Dyson, Administrative Clerk. Mr. D. Cybalski, 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 one 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 recommendations 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 recommendation will be forwarded to City Council on Monday, April 24, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., and the applicant may register with the City Clerk to appear at the meeting if desired. NEW BUSINESS 1. Submission No.: SG 2017-001 Applicant: Waterloo Region District School Board Property Location: 225 Thomas Slee Drive Legal Description: Block 52, Registered Plan 58M-584 Appearances: In Support: R. Smith Contra: None Written Submissions: None The Committee was advised the applicant is requesting permission to install a ground- supported automatic changing copy sign having a sign area of 3.1 sq.m rather than the permitted maximum 3 sq.m.; to be located 21.8m from a residential zone rather than the required 100m; and, to be located 4.2m from the nearest intersection rather than the required 23m setback. The Committee considered the report of the Planning Division, dated April 12, 2017, advising the property is zoned Institutional One (I-1) in By-law 85-1 and has a designation of Institutional in the new Official Plan. The applicant is requesting permission to install a ground-supported sign containing automatic changing copy to have a sign area of 3.1 square metres rather than the permitted maximum of 3 square metres; to locate the automatic changing copy 21.8 metres from a residential zone rather than the required 100 metres; and, to locate the automatic changing copy 4.2 metres from an intersection rather than the required 23 metres. The proposed variances meet the intent of the Sign By-law and can be considered minor for the following reasons. The intent of minimum sign area is to ensure the sign does not dominate the streetscape. The subject property has frontage along Thomas Slee Drive of over 160 metres and a lot area of over 27,800 square metres. The proposed sign area is an increase of 0.1 square metres and does not negatively affect the streetscape. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT APRIL 18, 2017 - 2 - 1. Submission No.: SG 2017-001 (Cont’d) The intent of the separation distance for automatic changing copy from residentially-zoned properties and from intersections is to ensure that residents and drivers are not negatively impacted or distracted by the automatic changing copy. The area of the automatic changing copy is 0.305m by 2.311 metres and is less than 50% of the sign face. This is not an excessively large area for changing copy and the impact on the neighbouring residential properties and the intersection would be minimal. It is noted that Transportation Planning staff has no concerns with the proposed sign. In regards to the impact on the neighbouring properties, it is noted there may be some automatic changing signs seen in the City that may display scrolling and/or flashing automatic changing copy. This is not permitted by Section 680.3.29 of the Sign By-law, which states the “automatic changing copy shall not contain flashing, intermittent or moving lights. The rate of change in the content of the copy shall be static for a minimum of six seconds”. Therefore, to ensure the display of automatic changing copy is not distracting to the surrounding residents, staff recommends that this regulation be specifically noted as a condition of the sign variance. Based on the above comments and proposed conditions, staff is of the opinion that the requested variances are appropriate for the development of the property and surrounding streetscape. The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo, Transportation Planner, dated April 12, 2017, advising they have no concerns with this application. Mr. R. Smith was in attendance in support of the subject application and staff recommendation. Moved by Mr. A. Head Seconded by Ms. J. Meader That the application of the Waterloo Region District School Board requesting permission to install a ground-supported automatic changing copy sign having a sign area of 3.1 sq.m. rather than the permitted maximum 3 sq.m.; to be located 21.8m from a residential zone rather than the required 100m; and, to be located 4.2m from the nearest intersection rather than the required 23m setback, on Block 52, Registered Plan 58M-584, 225 Thomas Slee Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, BE APPROVED, subject to the following condition: 1. That the owner shall obtain a sign permit for the new ground supported sign from the Planning Division. 2. That the owner shall ensure the automatic changing copy shall not contain flashing, intermittent or moving lights and that the rate of change in the content of the copy shall be static for a minimum of six seconds. 3. That the owner shall ensure the automatic changing copy portion of the sign be turned off between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. 4. That the owner shall fulfill the above noted Condition 1 no later than September 1, 2017. Any request for a time extension must be approved in writing by the Manager of Development Review (or designate) prior to the completion date set out in this decision. Failure to fulfill these conditions will result in this approval becoming null and void. It is the opinion of this Committee that: 1. The variance approved in this application is 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 COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT APRIL 18, 2017 - 3 - ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:04 a.m. Dated at the City of Kitchener this 18th day of April, 2017. Dianna Saunderson Secretary-Treasurer Committee of Adjustment