Item - 2013.PG29.4

This purpose of this report is to provide the Planning and Growth Management Committee and City Council with the results of, and recommendations resulting from, the recent inter-divisional review of electronic signs, as well as signs using projected images and illuminated signs within residential districts. The impetus for this study was a series of requests from City Council and the Planning and Growth Management Committee in considering requests for amendments to the Sign Bylaw ("Chapter 694") with respect to the regulation of illuminated and electronic signs.

Toronto Building and Transportation Services, in collaboration with staff from City Planning and external consultants, recently concluded research into the impact of electronic and illuminated signs including:

-    A Planning and Design Review;

-    A Traffic Safety Study;

-    A Public Opinion Poll; and,

-    A Series of Public and Stakeholder Consultations.

The amendments proposed in this report would permit signs displaying electronic static sign copy in Employment, Commercial and Utility Sign Districts, as well as smaller, street-level electronic signs in Commercial-Residential Sign Districts. Sign Districts generally relate to zoning designations. These signs would be subject to stricter controls than would apply to traditional (non-electronic) signage with respect to location, separation distance(s) and, in the case of Commercial Residential Sign Districts, size.

This report also recommends that signs for institutional uses located in or adjacent to Residential Sign Districts have reduced hours of illumination (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and a limited ability to display readograph sign copy (no electronic).  This report recommends a reduction of 40% in the maximum level of night time illumination for all signs, regardless of their display technology.

Staff have identified the need to bring consistency to the process for applications where a third party electronic sign is not permitted in a Sign District. Currently, the applicant may tailor an application so that it will be considered by either the Sign Variance Committee or the Planning and Growth Management Committee.  This report proposes to create new sign types for electronic signs.   This would have the result that third party electronic signs not permitted in a Sign District could only be considered as an amendment to the Bylaw through the Planning and Growth Management Committee.

Currently, applications for amendments are considered individually by the Planning and Growth Management Committee throughout the year.  As a result, it is difficult for staff and Councillors to consider the broader implications of amendment proposals.  This report proposes that all amendment applications be considered together by the Planning and Growth Management Committee on an annual basis.  This would allow Council to consider the impact of these applications in a comprehensive manner.