TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 8, 2025 Report No. DEV-25-037
TO: Council
FROM: Kirsten Dafoe, Planner II and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Development Variance Permit Application - 301-503 Park Place
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council deny Development Variance Permit No. DVP00168.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The applicant proposes to install three window signs for a new dental clinic, which are to be located on third-storey windows at 301-503 Park Place. To allow these signs' placement, the variances to the Sign Regulation Bylaw, 1996, No. 2252 as outlined in the "Purpose of Application" section of this staff report are required. The development variance permit is required before a Sign Permit can be issued for the installation of the signs.
The variances requested are to allow Window Signs above the second storey and to increase the maximum size for the proposed Window Signs.
Staff recommends that Council deny the requested variances because of the aesthetic impact on the Esquimalt Town Square and because the intended wayfinding function of the proposed signs can be accommodated through other options requiring fewer variances or eliminating the need entirely.
Evaluation of the development variance permit should focus on an assessment of the variances requested.
BACKGROUND:
Relevant Policy:
Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2018, No. 2922
Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050
Sign Regulation Bylaw, 1996, No. 2252
Development Application Procedures and Fees Bylaw, 2012, No. 2791
Local Government Act
Purpose of Application
The applicant proposes to install three window signs for a new dental office, which are to be located on third-storey windows at 301-503 Park Place. The applicant notes that the location of the signs is important for patient visibility and wayfinding due to the third-floor location of the dental clinic. The three proposed third-storey window signs are comprised of black lett...
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