DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE PERMIT 2024-02 - Staff Presentation

DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE PERMIT 2024-02

498 Island Highway

Purpose of Report

• To consider Development Variance Permit Application 2024-02 for 498 Island Highway.
• The applicant is requesting two (2) variances to the Sign Bylaw.

July 9, 2024 – Committee of the Whole Meeting

• At the Committee of the Whole meeting on July 9, 2024, the Committee passed the following motion:
  • THAT the report dated July 2, 2024 from the Community Planner titled “Development Variance Permit 2024-02 – 498 Island Highway” be received for information.

At the time, staff did not support the proposed development, for the following reasons:

• Proposed sign type is prohibited under the Town’s current Sign Bylaw
• Only a handful of electronic changeable copy signs in Town. This sign differs in that the sign will be able to display graphics (images and/or videos)
• Concerns that the residents in the strata may experience light pollution at night from the sign
• Section 7.2 of the Sign Bylaw regulates the character size on any proposed sign. The Town would not be able to regulate character size for the proposed sign

Proposed Variances

1. Replace an existing changeable copy sign located on the second floor of the building with an electronic changeable message sign
2. Increase the maximum height permitted for the location of a wall sign from 4.5 metres to 7.0 metres.

Discussion

• Text-only digital signs are no longer available, as the technology has been replaced by signs that display text and graphics.
• Staff discussed changing the location of the sign with the applicant. However, the applicant prefers the signs current proposed location.

Discussion Continued

Sign display control methods:

• To automatically adjust the brightness of the sign based on the ambient light and time of day;
  • Includes having a timer, that could turn off the sign at night.
• Control the transition time between messages or images
  • 30 seconds
• Text size

Recommendation

THAT Development Variance Permit 2024-02 be approved as per the report dated October 29, 2024, from the Community Planner titled “Development Variance Permit 2024-02 Island Highway” and include the following variances to Sign Bylaw No. 950:

• replace an existing changeable copy sign with an electronic changeable copy sign; and
• increase the maximum height permitted for the location of a wall sign from 4.5 metres to 7.0 metres.

AND FURTHER THAT:

1. The applicant works with Town staff to prepare and execute a legal agreement to restrict the electronic changeable copy sign to have text messages or images for a minimum of thirty (30) seconds (change interval), and control display brightness of the sign, prior to the issuance of the Development Variance Permit, to the satisfaction of the Director of Development Services; and
2. The applicant reimburses the Town for all legal costs incurred by the Town with the preparation and execution of the legal agreement.