Attachment 1: Priority Permits Letter to Mayor and Council
A letter from the applicant's agent justifying the requested sign variances based on visibility from the highway and architectural integration.
2024-10-17
Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC, V9B 1A6
ATTN: Development services
Subject: Variance - BC Transit 2401 Burnside Rd W View Royal BC
Dear town of View Royal.
We hope that you will consider allowing relaxation for the installation of the signage at the above address.
Known Deficiencies:
BYLAW NO. 950 (Sign bylaw)
7.2 (b) The maximum character size as sign in the district listed in the lefthand column of the following table is the set out in the center column of the following table, with an allowance for extensions as set out in the righthand column:
- Local Institutional: 45cm Base character size and a character size extension allowance of 70cm for 20% of the message area.
Our proposed sign has a base character size of 63.5cm and a character size extension of 111.1cm
- 6.7 local institutional sign zone permits signs to be located between 2.4 to 4.5m from grade on any building face
The proposed sign on the North Elevation has a height of 5.2m +/- and the sign on the South elevation has a height from grade of 7.1m +/-
Rationale:
Visibility from the Highway for Visitor Orientation: The proposed sign requires larger characters and height from grade to ensure that visitors can easily identify the building from the highway. With increased speed limits and limited time to observe, a larger character size will improve readability, contributing to public safety by reducing last-minute lane changes or sudden stops.
Support for Public Service and BC Transit Operations: The sign is essential for BC Transit, which provides an essential public service. Clear signage improves accessibility and ensures users of the transit system, including new riders, tourists, and locals, can quickly locate the facility, promoting the use of public transportation and minimizing confusion.
Compliance with Other Bylaw Requirements: The design of the sign adheres to all other aspects of the View Royal bylaw, such as lighting, placement, and overall design aesthetics. This demonstrates the project’s commitment to following regulations while only requesting an exception for character size to serve a specific public need.
Architectural Integration with the Building The architect designed the sign locations to complement the building’s architecture, ensuring it blends harmoniously with the overall structure without covering any of its unique features. This thoughtful design enhances the visual appeal and reflects a cohesive, professional look that benefits the community's aesthetic.
In summary, the proposed sign with larger character sizes ensures visibility from the highway, supports BC Transit’s public service operations, and complements the building’s design. With full compliance to other bylaw requirements, this exception will improve accessibility and benefit both the community and transit users. We earnestly seek your backing for relaxation to the sign bylaw for the proposed signs. The signage maintains a high standard while harmonizing with the surrounding area.
Thank you,
Ryan Matthews President/Project Manager for BC Region
Office: 289-389-8951 Email: ryan@prioritypermits.com Eastern Office: 331 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton ON, L8H 5Y1 www.prioritypermits.com