COMMITTEE REPORT - BYLAW No. 950 - SIGN BYLAW FINAL DRAFT BYLAW PRESENTATION
Report presenting the final draft of the new Sign Bylaw following legal review and analysis of light levels.
TO: Committee of the Whole DATE: March 22, 2018 FROM: J. Davison, MCIP RPP, Planner MEETING DATE: April 10, 2018
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Committee receive the report titled “Bylaw No. 950 – Sign Bylaw Introduction of a Draft Bylaw” for information.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS
I concur with the recommendation.
DIRECTOR OF PROTECTIVE SERVICES’ COMMENTS
I concur with the recommendation.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES’ COMMENTS
I concur with the recommendation.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
To present the final draft of the Sign Bylaw No. 950, in preparation for future bylaw readings and adoption.
BACKGROUND
The draft Sign Bylaw came forward to Committee of the Whole on December 12, 2017 for preliminary consideration. The primary outstanding issues for the bylaw emerging from that meeting was the need for a legal review of the bylaw, and an analysis of the maximum daytime and nighttime lighting levels for all signs. Those items have now been completed.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Legal Review
The draft bylaw has been through a high level legal review. Minor routine changes were made as a result of this review. The solicitor made some observations with respect to the provisions around nuisance signs and the balance between signs in public places and freedom of expression, however these observations did not result in any amendments.
Light Levels
The March 20, 2018 lighting demonstration for Council was based on the lighting intensity levels at the Public Safety Building Electronic Messaging Centre:
| Light Intensity Level setting on sign | nits |
|---|---|
| 100% | 5588.9 |
| 50% | 2165.3 |
| 30% | 1070.8 |
| 20% | 587.1 |
| 10% | 220.4 |
| 5% | 88.7 |
It was generally observed by members of Council that 10% at night, or 220 nits, was more or less reasonable as a limit for nighttime lighting intensity on the sign. Staff is comfortable with retaining a 200 nit limit as the maximum recommendation for this sign (and for the maximum lighting levels within the draft Sign Bylaw) with the knowledge that most of these signs will be set on an automatic schedule from a minimum lighting display of 5-10% nighttime level, and close to maximum on bright, sunny days. The signs have light meters, and set the lighting accordingly when on automatic mode.
Based on research, an increase to the level of the daytime intensity is recommended. During a daytime field test, staff observed the Public Safety Building’s lighting levels at 50% and deemed that level to be on the upper end of reasonable for bright daytime lighting; cloudy days will warrant less intensity.
The revised staff recommendations for maximum lighting levels for this sign and for the sign bylaw are as follows:
- Signs must not emit or be lit by light that is brighter than 200 nits between the time of sunset and sunrise (nighttime) and 2000 nits between sunrise and sunset (daytime).
The 2000 nits daytime level is slightly low compared to the real-world intensities likely to be displayed, but it does leave room for enforcement if necessary.
NEXT STEPS
After Committee consideration the next steps are to bring the bylaw forward to Council for bylaw readings. This is anticipated either April 17 or May 1, 2018.
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Committee receive the report titled “Bylaw No. 950 – Sign Bylaw Introduction of a Draft Bylaw” for information.
SUBMITTED BY: J. Davison MCIP RPP, Planner
REVIEWED BY: L. Chase MCIP RPP, Director of Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
- December 12, 2017 Report to Council – Draft Sign Bylaw
- FINAL Draft Sign Bylaw No. 950
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