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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-19 - SGCOMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 MEMBERS PRESENT: Messrs. A. Head and B. McColl and Ms. P. Kohli. OFFICIALS PRESENT: Ms. J. von Westerholt, Senior Planner; Mr. D. Seller, Traffic & Parking Analyst; Ms. D. Saunderson, Secretary -Treasurer; and, Ms. H. Dyson, 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 six 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 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 recommendations will be forwarded to City Council on Monday, September 25, 2017 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 2017-013 Applicant: Waterloo Region District School Board Property Location: 301 Charles Street East Legal Description: Lots 1-8, Plan 303, Part Lots 63 & 64 Part of Cameron Street Plan, Part Lot 25, Plan 365 Appearances: In Support: F. Leung R. Seeley S. Bolden Contra: None Written Submissions: None The Committee was advised the applicant is requesting permission to replace the existing sign with a ground -supported sign having automatic changing having a sign area of 3.36 sq.m. rather than the permitted maximum 3 sq.m. The Committee considered the report of the Planning Division dated September 8, 2017, advising the subject property is zoned Major Institutional Zone (1-3) in the Zoning By-law. The applicant is requesting permission to install a ground -supported sign with automatic changing copy. The applicant is seeking relief from Section 680.11.9 of the Sign By-law to allow a sign area of 3.36 metres squared rather than the permitted maximum of 3 metres squared. The intent of Section 680.11.9 of the Sign By-law is to ensure that signs located in an institutional zone are not excessively large and do not dominate the streetscape as these properties are often within areas that are primarily residential. In the opinion of staff, the proposed increase in sign area will not dominate the streetscape and is not considered to be excessively large for the following reasons: 1. The proposed increase in sign area is just 0.36 square metres and is considered to be minor by staff. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT -14- SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 1. Submission No.: SG 2017-013 (Cont'd) 2. Permitted sign area is determined by lot width when not in an Institutional zone. If these lands were located within any other zone other than Institutional, the large size of the lot would allow for the sign to be 20 square metres in size, and the sign would comply. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed sign is an appropriate size for the size of the lot. The sign complies with all other regulations of the Sign By-law such as sign height, setbacks, and minimum distance separation from a residential zone. Based on the above comments, staff is of the opinion the proposed variance to the sign is minor and meets the general intent of the Sign By-law and is appropriate for the lot and surrounding neighbourhood. Heritage Planning Comments: The property is listed as a non -designated property of cultural heritage value or interest on the City's Municipal Heritage Register. At this point in time, no formal heritage approvals are required to install the new sign. However, Heritage Planning staff suggest that the sign consider: bringing in elements that complement the school (i.e. brick material); and, a different base or landscaping. Consequently, Heritage Planning staff has no formal concerns with the proposed sign variance. Note that the subject property is located within the Cedar Hill Secondary Plan. The City will be commencing a Secondary Plan review in 2018. The land use and zoning of the property is subject to change. The Committee considered the report of the Region of Waterloo, Transportation Planner, dated September 8, 2017, advising they have no concerns with this application. Messrs. F. Leung, R. Seeley and S. Bolden were in attendance in support of the subject application and staff recommendation. Moved by Mr. B. McColl Seconded by Ms. P. Kohli That the application of Waterloo Region District School Board requesting permission to replace an existing sign with a ground -supported sign having automatic changing copy with a sign area of 3.36 sq.m. rather than the permitted maximum 3 sq.m., on Lots 1-8, Plan 303, Part Lots 63 & 64 Part of Cameron Street Plan, Part Lot 25, Plan 365, 301 Charles Street East, Kitchener, Ontario, BE APPROVED, subject to the following conditions: 1. That the owner shall obtain a sign permit from the Planning Division. 2. That the owner shall ensure messages displayed on the automatic changing copy portion of the sign remain static for at least 6 seconds. 3. That the owner shall ensure automatic changing copy portion of the sign be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. 4. That Condition 1 shall be completed prior to April 1, 2018. 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 all of 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 -15- SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:12 a.m. Dated at the City of Kitchener this 19th day of September, 2017. Dianna Saunderson Secretary -Treasurer Committee of Adjustment