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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-05-114 - Information and Update on New Sign By-law ) ~R Development & Technical Services ~ Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: Development & Technical Services Committee June 27, 2005 Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning Brian Page, Supervisor of Site Plan Development Lisa Thompson, Zoning Officer All Wards June 16, 2005 DTS 05-114 RECOMMENDATION: Information and Update on New Sign By-law That Staff Report DTS 05-114 be received for information and updating purposes. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report outlines the proposed changes and improvements to the Sign By-law. Staff intend to present the proposed recommendations to the sign industry and all interested parties. Through this dialogue, staff will then prepare a new Sign By-law. In the detailed review of the by-law, numerous areas were highlighted that will be improved and/or clarified and the recommendations for these changes are outlined in the following sections. BACKGROUND: Further to Council direction, a staff team with members from Development and Technical Services, Transportation Planning, By-law Enforcement and Legal Services have had the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of the Sign By-law in consultation with the sign industry and public. Staff have prepared proposed recommendations for revisions to the sign by-law, taking into consideration written comments received to date. The sign by-law has a long history of being difficult to implement and cumbersome to utilise. Staff believe the proposed changes will resolve these situations and provide clearer direction on design expectations which will contribute to the City's image. REPORT: The following outlines the areas in which staff are proposing changes and improvements to the sign by-law. Institute General Housekeeoina Chanaes for Claritv and Ease of Use Housekeeping modifications will include changes to titles and department references, removal of redundant sections relating to the "Civic Centre" and "Conversion Areas", deletion of sign types no longer deemed desirable such as Fascia Billboard Signs, and better overall organisation of the chapter to simplify use. Staff are also proposing to have a consistent setback for signage along the streetscape for better continuity. Create New Articles for Sian Tvoes as Deemed Necessarv Staff are proposing to create a new sign type that combines the existing "ground sign" and "pylon sign" sections into one new comprehensive sign type, being "Ground Supported Signs". This change is desired by the sign industry and by property owners to have more flexibility in the design of signage for a site. Mixed Use Corridors Smaller ground supported signs are being encouraged in the proposed Mixed Use Corridors to create a stronger pedestrian environment and improve streetscape appeal. A reasonable level of flexibility is being proposed for larger sites within the corridors requiring larger signs provided the applicant can meet the intent of the proposed Mixed Use Corridor Design Guidelines. Existina Sian Tvoe Imorovements - Proiectina Fascia Roof Staff are promoting the use of projecting signs without limiting the construction materials (within the Downtown and Mixed Use Corridors) to wood or metal. Staff are proposing to limit the width of a fascia sign on a building elevation or individual unit on which the fascia sign is located. This is intended to encourage better sign design and respect for the architectural detail of a building by eliminating "banding" of fascia signs along an entire building elevation. Additionally, staff are proposing to reduce the size of roof signs to make them of a more appropriate scale. Visibilitv/Siaht Lines Transportation Planning recommend keeping all types of signs out of site visibility triangles to ensure unobstructed sight lines and improved safety for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This proposed change reflects current municipal regulations and is also in keeping with the intent of the Urban Design Manual and is intended to be implemented through the proposed new sign by-law. Create New Reaulations Reaardina Illumination of Sians and the Effects of Illumination on Adiacent Prooerties Staff are proposing to define the term "Illuminated" as it pertains to signage to mean lit by any internal or external artificial light source. As well as the definition, a new section to deal with the effects of sign illumination on adjacent residential properties is being added to clearly outline our expectations giving the City the authority to determine what a reasonable amount of illumination is between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Consolidate Similar Sian Tvoes Into a Sinaular Classification The sign by-law previously permitted "canopy" signs. This sign type is proposed to be incorporated into the fascia sign regulations, thereby eliminating the need for canopy signs regulations altogether. As there was continuous confusion between canopy sign and awning signs, staff have clarified the definition of awning sign and permits will now be required for an awning sign. Provide Reaulations for the Installation of Sians Constructed of a Flexible Material (fabric/vinvl) to Recoanise the Desire for These Tvoes of Sians The City of Kitchener has never permitted the use of "banner" type signs, except in locations authorised by Council to advertise cultural or ethnic festivals, conferences, sporting events or other similar occasions. Staff recognise the need for these types of signs, and are proposing to incorporate regulations into the Fascia sign and Projecting sign sections that will permit flexible materials to be utilized provided they comply with specific mounting/installation criteria to ensure they are providing a positive image to the development and the streetscape. Promote Oooortunities for "LivelWork" Soace bv Increasina the Size of a Home Business ~ Over the past several years, the City has undertaken initiatives to create more "live/work" space in Kitchener and has permitted home business in residential zones for many years. To this end, staff are continuing to promote opportunities for home business by augmenting the current regulations for signs. Staff believe the proposed changes will give home business operators more options for signage and still not detract from the residential character of the streetscape. Recoanize the Needs of Institutional Uses in Institutional Zones bv Permittina Portable ~ Portable signs have been the main focus of sign by-law reviews for the past several years. Staff are of the opinion that they presently function very well and require no further restrictive regulations. The one proposed change is to permit portable signs for institutional uses within institutional zones. The permit process would be the same as is for commercial sites, allowing a maximum of 6 sign permits per year. In institutional zones, the types of institutional uses you would typically encounter include religious institutions, educational establishments, hospitals and the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Staff are of the opinion that these types of facilities warrant the use of portable signs to advertise functions or activities that may occur over the course of a year and make for better informed neighbourhoods. Imorove Enforceabilitv of Sian Bv-Iaw There has been difficulty enforcing the current Sign By-law provisions with regard to sign removals and prosecutions. The current By-law provisions reflect a requirement to issue warning notices before any sign can be removed, except for serious safety concerns. Staff are proposing new provisions in the By-law to deal with "Penalties and Enforcement". The effect of these provisions will allow staff to proactively remove signs that are not in compliance with the By-law, with or without prior notification. Staff will use discretion as to the process to follow depending on the respective circumstances, but will have greater flexibility in how and when to apply the provisions. One example would be where repeat offences occur, substantiating removal without prior notice. The option to prosecute offenders will remain intact. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None at this time. COMMUNICATIONS: On June 11, 2004 notice was given in the K-W Record, attached as Appendix A, and on June 2, 2004 individual notice was sent to members of the sign industry. Interested parties were encouraged to submit their written comments to be taken into consideration in the review of the Sign By-law. Some of the preliminary comments relate to: · Size of Roof Signs (presently too large) · Location of ground signs (move closer to property line) · Illumination (effects on adjacent properties) · Allowing banners (presently they are not permitted) · Consistent/better enforcement Following this meeting staff will convene a meeting with the sign industry, homebuilders and interested members of the public to conduct a presentation outlining the proposed changes to the sign by-law and seek further comments to be considered prior to the final preparation of the Sign By-law. CONCLUSION: In an effort to prepare a new sign by-law, staff have concluded a detailed review of the by- law and intend to take the recommendations outlined in this report to the sign industry and all interested parties. Final presentation for approval of a new sign by-law is proposed to be put forth to Council prior to the end of this year. Brian Page, CET, OALA, CSLA Supervisor, Site Plan Development Lisa Thompson, CPT Zoning Officer Jeff Willmer, MCIP, RPP Director of Planning Attachments Appendix A - Newspaper Advertisement