HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-08-12_Public Hearing Package MUNICIPALITY OF THE
DISTRICT OF CHESTER
A G E N D A
PUBLIC HEARING
Consideration of amendments to the Chester Village Land Use By-law to permit and regulate a new category of
signs “drive-through menu board”, which may include the use internal of internal illumination and digital
technology.
12 August 2021, 8:45 a.m.
Chester Municipal Council Chambers
151 King Street, Chester, NS
1. CALL TO ORDER (CHAIR)
a. The Agenda
b. General Rules of Conduct
c. Council’s decision governed by Chester Municipal Planning Strategy
2. COMMENTS BY MUNICIPAL SOLICITOR
3. OVERVIEW BY PLANNER
a. Location and nature of proposal
b. Secondary Planning Strategy
c. Outstanding Concerns
d. Recommendations
i. Draft Amendments
4. PRESENTATION BY DEVELOPER
a. Pride Signs Ltd.
5. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON THE PROPOSAL
a. In Favour
b. Opposed
c. Any other comments
6. CLOSING REMARKS (CHAIR)
7. DECISION OF COUNCIL / DEFERMENT OF DECISION
Municipality of the District of Chester
Community Development Department
Staff Report #3
Prepared for: Municipal Council
Submitted by: Garth Sturtevant, MCIP, LPP, Senior Planner
Date: July 15th, 2021
Subject: Request from Pride Signs Limited to Amend the Chester Village Land Use By-law to
Permit the Replacement of Existing Menu Board Signs at 3811 Highway 3 with new
Digital Menu Board Signage
APPLICANT Pride Signs Limited
PROPOSAL Request to permit replacement of Drive-through menu board signage
with digital menu boards.
LOCATION 3811 Highway 3, Chester
NEIGHBOUR NOTIFICATION As per Section 2.18 of the Chester Village Land Use By-law, notification
packages will be sent to owners within 30m of the subject property to
outline the proposed amendment and will state the date, time and
place set for the public hearing on the amendment.
Recommendation
1. Give 1st Reading to the amendments attached as Appendix A, to permit and regulate Drive-
through Menu Board Signs in the Chester Village Land Use By-law. And further, set a date for a
Public Hearing for August 5th, 2021 at 8:45am in Municipal Council Chambers.
Background
By letter dated February 25th, 2021 (attached as Appendix B), Pride Signs Ltd. has applied to amend the
Chester Village Land Use By-law to allow the installation of two electronic drive-through menu board
signs at 3811 Highway 3.
The letter of request was received by Council and directed to planning staff at a meeting held March 11,
2021.
The Chester Village Land Use By-law currently prohibits all types of illuminated signage, including digital
signs. There are no allowances or options for a variance. This regulation was adopted in 2012 to
accompany the implementation of the Highway 3 Streetscape Plan. This plan provided policy and
Staff Report #3 Page 2
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
regulation changes to promote the enhancement of the visual character of the Highway 3 area to become
an entrance to Chester Village.
Prior to this change in 2012, the Land Use By-law prohibited the use of illuminated signage only within
the Architectural Control Area. When the change was made to prohibit illuminated signage throughout
the entire planning area, several businesses had previously installed illuminated signs. Unlike most
structures, part 4.5.10 of the Chester Village Land Use By-law clarifies that signs are not granted the
protections and allowances provided for “Existing Structures”. In the case of illuminated signs, this means
that a sign that was legally installed, but no longer meets the regulations of the Land Use By-law may
remain in place, but any replacement sign must meet the current regulations.
There are several examples of illuminated signs which were legally in existence prior to the change in
regulations in 2012 to prohibit them. These signs are unable to be replaced under the current regulations.
The existing menu board signs at 3811 Highway 3 are an example of existing illuminated signage that
cannot currently be replaced.
This file was originally directed to staff who prepared a report and draft amendments for consideration by
the Chester Village Planning Advisory Committee. The initial approach taken by staff was to draft
amendments to permit Illuminated and Digital Signs within the Highway Commercial Zone. The subject
property falls within this zone and proposed amendments would have facilitated the request while also
allowing other business owners in the zone to install Illuminated and Digital signs.
The Chester Village Planning Advisory Committee met to consider the staff report and draft amendments
on May 11th and again on June 8th. Following lengthy discussion, the Committee felt that the proposed
amendments were becoming too complicated, and the original request of the applicant was becoming
lost. The Committee ultimately passed a motion recommending that Council facilitate the request of the
applicant for replacement Digital Menu Board signs only. The Committee felt the larger decision on
Illuminated and Digital signs throughout the Highway Commercial Zone was best left to Council or the
Village Plan Review for further consideration.
Staff attended the June 10th Council meeting for a “check-in” to update Council on the discussion and
motion passed by VPAC. Staff also took this opportunity to clarify the direction moving forward. It was
confirmed at Council that staff are to proceed in drafting amendments to facilitate the replacement of the
Drive-through Menu Board Signs which may use digital technology to provide illumination. The
amendments will be limited to Drive-through operations and will not apply to other commercial uses in
Chester Village.
Discussion - Considerations
Initial Staff Proposal – Regulate Illuminated and Digital Signage in the Highway Commercial Zone
Staff Report #3 Page 3
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
When this file was first directed to staff, consideration was given to how best to accommodate the request
of Pride Signs Ltd. to permit the replacement of menu board signage at 3811 Highway 3 with digital sign
boards. Staff initially proposed a series of amendments aimed to revise existing signage regulations and
create a new category of signage, Illuminated and Digital Signs. This new signage category was proposed
to work in conjunction with existing regulations and would have applied throughout the Highway
Commercial Zone. The proposed amendments would have permitted the applicant to apply for a Ground
Sign which could be Illuminated or Digital, subject to newly proposed regulations.
Regulating Illuminated and Digital Signage throughout the Highway Commercial Zone was aimed at
creating equity amongst new and existing businesses along Highway 3. Additionally, the proposed
amendments sought to address several minor issues with the current signage regulations.
This amendment package was presented to the Chester Village Planning Advisory Committee (VPAC) at a
meeting held on May 11, 2021. Following debate and discussion, the Committee requested staff make
two changes to the proposed amendments. Staff were directed to bring the revised draft amendments to
a future meeting of VPAC for consideration and a recommendation.
Staff presented revised amendments to VPAC at a meeting held on June 8, 2021. There was considerable
debate by members of VPAC and it was noted that one of the changes requested at the May meeting
would not allow the proposed menu board sign to operate in the manner requested by Pride Signs Ltd. In
the application and request to Council (Appendix B), Pride Signs Ltd. states that the menu board signs are
required to change the image displayed frequently, up to once every eight seconds. The period of time
between image changes was a topic debated by the Committee, who requested staff increase the period
from one change every eight seconds to one change every 60 minutes. This was due in part to discussions
around Illuminated and Digital Signs being visible to drivers, cyclists, and other road users, potentially
increasing distraction and creating safety concerns.
Members of the Committee then expressed concern with the scope of the draft amendments. Comments
were made that the complexity of the draft amendments had moved the discussion too far from the
original request made by Pride Signs Ltd. The Committee ultimately passed the following motion
recommending that Council approve an amendment to permit Pride Signs Ltd. to replace the existing
menu board signs:
MOVED by Ray Cambria, SECONDED by John Carrol to recommend to Council to approve only the Tim
Horton’s application and Council should consider all comments on expanding control of Digital and
Illuminated Signage on Highway 3 going forward.
The Committee did not recommend that the proposed amendments to the entire Highway Commercial
Zone proceed. This is a somewhat unusual situation as the VPAC motion would typically be associated
with a set of draft amendments. In this case, VPAC recommended against the proposed amendments, but
Staff Report #3 Page 4
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
recommended that Council approve amendments not yet drafted, but specific only to Drive-through
Menu Board Signs.
The result of this decision is that the existing prohibition on Digital Signs remains within the entire Chester
Village Land Use By-law.
Proposed Amendments – Drive-through Menu Board Signs
Following the direction of VPAC and subsequently verified with Council on June 10th, staff have prepared
amendments to the Chester Village Land Use By-law to facilitate the request of Pride Signs Ltd. These
newly drafted amendments do not attempt to address current issues with signage in the Land Use By-law
and do not permit the installation of Illuminated or Digital signs other than for use in an approved drive-
through operation. The amendments have been drafted to specifically accommodate the request
submitted by Pride Signs Ltd. as directed by Council and in conjunction with the recommendation of
VPAC. It should be noted that the amendments attached as Appendix A would apply to any new Drive-
though uses which receive a Development Permit. At the time of writing this report, Tim Horton’s is the
only existing Drive-through use within the Village of Chester.
Summary of Draft Amendments (Appendix A):
Drive-through Menu Board Sign is proposed as a new category of sign in the Land Use By-law
Permitted only for a Drive-through use which has received a Development Permit
limited to a maximum of 2.5m in height from grade to the highest point of the sign
limited to 2.5m2 in sign area per side
no lot can exceed a total sign area per side of 4m2 (the total area of all Drive-through Menu Board
Signs on the lot)
Drive-through Menu Board Signs which use internal illumination must be calibrated to operate
within a brightness level specified in the Land Use By-law (formula to determine the appropriate
brightness is included in Land Use By-law)
require that the sign area of Drive-through Menu Board Signs be hidden when viewed from a
public street. If the orientation and installation of the sign does not achieve this objective,
screening such as fencing, landscaping or natural vegetation may be used to block view of the
sign
must be setback a minimum of 2m from all property lines
may only be illuminated or lit during the normal operating hours of the business which the sign
serves
Policy Analysis
Policy Analysis
Staff Report #3 Page 5
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
4.7.1 To prohibit through appropriate provisions in
the Land Use By-law signs which create
hazards to traffic or pedestrians, which
constitute a public nuisance, or which are
incompatible with the character of the Chester
Village Area.
This policy statement is satisfied with the
proposed draft amendments. Drive-through
Menu Board Signs are proposed to be strictly
regulated. No other signage type or category
is permitted to use illuminated or digital signs.
Regulations in the draft amendments require
that Drive-through Menu Board Signs not be
visible when viewed from a public street.
4.7.2 That the Land Use By-law regulates the type,
number, size, location and illumination of
signs throughout the Chester Village Area to
minimize hazards and nuisances; to control
the impact of signs on the landscape,
streetscape and skyline; and to ensure that the
nature, sizes and locations of signs permitted
in the various zones are appropriate and
compatible with the character of the areas
within those zones.
This policy statement is satisfied with the
proposed draft amendments. Drive-through
uses are limited to the Highway Commercial
Zone and Drive-through Menu Board signs
are only permitted for a Drive-through that
has received a Development Permit.
4.7.3 That the Land Use By-law may limit the time
period during which any class or classes of
signs which do not conform to the By-law
requirements may continue to be displayed.
The proposed amendments state that Drive-
though Menu Board Signs shall only be
illuminated during the operating hours of the
business which it serves.
6.0.7 That when considering amendments to the Land Use By-law, considering appeals on site plan
approvals, and in considering development agreements in addition to all other criteria as set out in the
various policies of this Planning Strategy, Council shall be satisfied that:
a) the proposal conforms to the intent of
the Planning Strategy;
Yes, the proposed amendments include
regulations and requirements for Drive-
through Menu Board Signs. These include
provisions to screen view of the sign from
public streets and limits on size and height of
these signs.
b) the proposal conforms to the
applicable requirements of all
Municipal By-laws; except where the
application is for a development
agreement in which case the Land Use
Yes
Staff Report #3 Page 6
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
By-law requirements need not be
satisfied.
c) the proposal is not premature or
inappropriate due to:
i) financial ability of the
Municipality to absorb costs
related to the development;
N/A
ii) adequacy of Municipal
services;
N/A
iii) the adequacy of physical site
conditions for on-site
services;
N/A
iv) creation or worsening of a
pollution problem including
soil erosion and siltation;
Drive-through Menu Board signs are unlikely
to impact traditional pollution concerns.
However, light and noise pollution are both
areas of growing interest and should be
addressed through regulations. The draft
amendments propose to regulate the
intensity of Drive-through Menu Board Signs
in addition to limiting the height, size and
overall sign area permitted per lot.
Additionally, language has been included to
require that Drive-though Menu Board Signs
be hidden from view when viewed from the
Public Street. If the orientation of the sign
does not provide for this, the property owner
must install screening in the form of fencing
or vegetation to block view of the sign.
v) adequacy of storm drainage
and effects of alteration to
drainage pattern including
potential for creation of a
flooding problem;
N/A
vi) adequacy and proximity of
school, recreation, emergency
N/A
Staff Report #3 Page 7
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
services, and other
community facilities;
vii) adequacy of street networks
and site access regarding
congestion, traffic hazards,
pedestrian safety, and
emergency access.
Existing language in the Land Use By-law
prevents the placement of any sign which
creates or worsens a hazard. Drive-through
Menu Board Signs are not permitted to be
visible from the street.
viii) adequacy of fire vehicle
access and fire protection
measures on site such as
water supply.
N/A
Public Information Session
A Public Information Meeting was advertised and held in Municipal Council Chambers on Tuesday April
13, 2021 beginning at 6:30pm. Following the Municipality’s standard public engagement process, this
meeting was held prior to the staff report and draft amendments being considered by VPAC.
One member of the public attended the meeting. A discussion was held regarding the request to permit
Digital Signage in the Highway Commercial Zone. Comments noted by staff included:
There is no avoiding Digital Signage in 2021, we need to plan for and regulate these signs;
Supports regulating Digital Signs in the Highway Commercial Zone, with limits on brightness, size,
movement and other provisions.
The Public Information Meeting was closed at 7:00pm.
Following the recommendation by VPAC and confirmation of the revised direction to proceed with only
Drive-through Menu Board Signs, a subsequent Public Information Meeting is not required and has not
been held.
Public Notification Package
The draft amendments, originally proposed by staff to regulate Digital and Illuminated Signs in the
Highway Commercial Zone clearly constituted a general amendment that did not require individual
neighbour notification as outlined in the Land Use By-law.
With the change in direction to focus only on Drive-through Menu Board Signs, the draft amendments
likely remain general in nature, as they will apply to any Drive-through use. Alternatively, it could be
argued that the amendment is now specific to the subject property as there are currently no other
Staff Report #3 Page 8
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
approved Drive-through uses in the Municipality that would be eligible for the new Drive-through Menu
Board Signs. Given this situation, staff recommend mailing letters to all property owners within 30m of the
subject property to advise of the proposed amendment and outline the date and time set for the Public
Hearing. Staff feel this is a proactive approach by ensuring transparency and public participation. If
Council is satisfied with the draft amendments, gives 1st Reading, and sets a date for a Public Hearing,
staff will prepare packages for property owners within 30m of the subject property.
Timeline for Adoption
If Council is in favour of the draft amendments and prepared to vote in favour of 1st Reading today, the
following table outlines the anticipated timeline for placing advertisements, holding a Public Hearing prior
to 2nd reading and advertising the right of appeal following 2nd reading.
Figure 1 - Subject Property (#3811 Highway 3)
Staff Report #3 Page 9
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
Section 210 (6) of the Municipal Government Act states that where a Council has not advertised first
notice of a Public Hearing within 120 days of receiving a complete application to amend the Land Use By-
law, the application shall be deemed refused. This would open the right of appeal to the applicant and
would require Council to reinitiate the application if they wish to proceed with the amendment.
The application was complete on April 9, 2021, when application fees were submitted. Staff have
calculated that should Council give 1st Reading today, the first notice of the Public Hearing will appear on
July 21st, which is 105 days since the date of the complete application.
Date: Process: MGA Section Reference:
July 15 1st Reading
July 21st & 28th Public Hearing Ad appears in
newspaper for two consecutive
weeks
206 (1), 206 (2)
August 12th Public Hearing held 205 (6), 210 (2)
August 18th Right of Appeal Ad appears in
newspaper
210 (3)
September 2nd If no appeals are launched, the
amendments will come into
effect on this date
210 (8)
Options
1. Give 1st Reading to the amendments attached as Appendix A, to permit and regulate Drive-
through Menu Board Signs in the Chester Village Land Use By-law. And further, set a date for a
Public Hearing for August 5th, 2021 at 8:45am in Municipal Council Chambers.
2. Reject the amendments attached as Appendix A to permit and regulate Drive-through Menu
Board Signs in the Chester Village Land Use By-law.
3. Request additional information and table a decision on the draft amendments. NOTE: this option
will likely require Council to pass an additional motion to “renew” the amendment request as the
120-day timeline specified in the Municipal Government Act for a Land Use By-law amendment to
be refused or have a notice for a public hearing placed in a local newspaper, would not be met
and the application would otherwise be deemed refused.
Staff Report #3 Page 10
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
Appendix A – Proposed Amendment
Amendments to the Chester Municipal Land Use By-law
Be it enacted by the Council of the Municipality of Chester as follows:
1) Remove text from Section 15.1.3 which prohibited all forms of Illuminated Signs.
2) Added section 15.2.8 to regulate Drive-through Menu Board Signs
Chester Municipal Land Use By-law
Underlined text is added. Strikethrough text is deleted.
15.1.3 Signs Prohibited in All Zones
All other provisions of this by-law notwithstanding, the following signs shall not be erected or
used in any zone:
i) Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination which
varies in intensity or which varies in colour, and s Signs which have any visible
moving part or visible mechanical movement of any description except for signs
which display only time, temperature or humidity;
x) all signs which are internally lit, excluding Drive-through Menu Board Signs
including but not limited to, panel signs and neon signs.
15.2.8 Drive-through Menu Board Signs
i) A Development Permit may only be issued for a Drive-through Menu Board Sign
on a lot with an approved Development Permit for a Drive-through use
ii) Drive-through Menu Board Signs shall be limited to a maximum height of 2.5m
from grade to the highest part of the sign structure
iii) Drive-through Menu Board Sign shall be limited to a maximum area of 2.5m2 in
sign area per side
iv) The total sign area per side for all Drive-through Menu Board Signs on a lot shall
not exceed 4m2
v) Drive-through Menu Board Signs may include and utilize internal illumination
such as LEDs and similar light emitting technology
vi) Drive-through Menu Board Signs that use internal illumination shall include
software or other mechanisms to automatically adjust the brightness level of the
sign to ambient light conditions. Brightness levels shall not exceed 3 Lux above
ambient light conditions when measured from the sign face at its maximum
brightness, at a distance equal to the equation shown:
Staff Report #3 Page 11
Drive-through Digital Menu Board Signs July 16, 2021
Measurement distance (m) =√((Area of the sign in m^2 X 100))
(Example: a sign measures 1.5m x 1.5m for a total sign area of 2.25 m2. In this
case the measurement distance = √(2.25 m^2 X 100) = 15 m).
vii) The image, logo and text displayed by a Drive-through Menu Board Sign shall
remain static for a minimum of 8 seconds before changing and the transition
between images or text must be instantaneous
viii) The Sign Area of a Drive-through Menu Board Sign must not be visible when
viewed from a public street. If required, a visual screen composed of natural
vegetation, landscaping, fencing or a combination thereof shall be installed to
mitigate light trespass and overspill from adjacent properties.
ix) Drive-through Menu Board Signs shall only remain illuminated during the regular
operating hours of the business which it serves
x) Drive-through Menu Board Sign shall maintain a minimum distance of 2m from
all property lines. For greater clarity, this setback distance shall be measured from
the closest part of the sign to the property line, including the foundation, sign
base, sign face, support structures or any other feature that is physically attached
to the sign
xi) Before issuing a permit for a Digital Sign, the Development Officer shall require a
letter from the sign manufacturer or professional overseeing installation to
confirm that the sign will be calibrated to be compliant with the provisions of this
By-law.
Chester Municipal Council February 25th, 2021
186 Central Street
Chester, NS
B0J 1J0
Re: Tim Horton’s #101588 – 3811 Hwy #3 – Request for Sign Bylaw Amendment
To whom it may concern,
Please accept the following in addition to the provided drawings in support of the proposed Sign Bylaw
Amendment for the Tim Horton’s site located at 3811 Hwy #3. Tim Horton’s is proposing to replace the
existing drive-thru signage with new electronic signs which feature electronic changeable copy. This site
currently has one pre-sell board, and one menu board which serves the existing single lane drive thru.
Proposal:
The existing signs will be removed, and we will be adding one (1) Pre-Sell Board along with one (1) Menu
Board (with COD). The signs are proposed to replace the existing signs.
The menu-board sign features a triple display (single sided) and is intended to show the current menu
offerings, as well as images of the products available at this location. The menu-board sign also features
some motion, as images of varying products may phase in and out in different areas of the display screen,
along with change in the varying components of the menu. Portions of the content could change as
frequently as every 8-10 seconds. The menu-board sign also features an order confirmation screen which
will display text confirming the order to the patron in real time as it is entered.
The pre-sell sign features a single display (single sided), and is intended to show varying promotions and
specials such as Camp Day, new promotions etc. Like the menu-board sign, the pre-sell sign is electronic
and allows the content to change every 8-10 seconds and could feature motion as part of the content.
Sign #1: Drawing reference: OM46F Single Display – Single sided Pre-sell Menu Board
• Overall Height: 1.847m
• Overall Area: 0.621m2
• Electronic Ground Sign
Sign #2: Drawing reference: OM46F Triple Display – Single sided Triple Menu Order Board
• Overall Height: 1.847m
• Overall Area: 2.00m2
• Electronic Ground Sign
Summary of Relief Requested
• To permit one (1) electronic changeable copy pre-sell sign, with a total display area of 0.62m2 and
one (1) electronic changeable copy drive-thru menu-board sign, with a total display area of
2.00m2 for existing drive-thru. The Land Use Bylaw does not permit internally lit signs.
Proposed pre-sell board sign (left) and menu board sign (right)
Site Location:
The subject lands are located along the south side of Lighthouse Route. The property is generally
surrounded by various commercial businesses and residential located south of the property. The site is
currently developed with a one storey Tim Horton’s Restaurant with a single lane drive thru.
Site location outlined in red
Background:
Tim Horton’s is currently undergoing a national rollout of their new drive-thru menu boards. The signs
are state of the art and are intended to enhance user experience and lower wait times associated with
the drive-thru lanes. The signage reflects Tim Horton’s ongoing commitment to innovation and
excellence in the service industry.
As part of a National Campaign, Tim Horton’s proposes to replace the existing drive-thru signage for their
sites across Canada. These modern signs allow for a more compact and streamlined design, are fully
controllable relating to the messaging and content, and allow for complete control of the brightness.
The signs are advantageous for the restaurant as they allow the menu’s to be changed automatically
based on the corresponding time of day, to reflect their current menu offerings. The signs also represent
a safety improvement, as they do not require staff to manually change the signs in areas of vehicular
traffic or during inclement weather.
Rationale:
Tim Horton’s is a permitted commercial use for this lot, and as such the drive-thru operates legally from
5am to 11pm seven days a week. Part of their business includes the existing drive thru. In order to
effectively serve patrons, the signage needs to be illuminated and be visible during business hours. The
sign is completely controllable in terms of brightness and includes a built in ambient light sensor so that
the brightness can be controlled above the ambient light levels at varying times of the day. The signs are
internal to the site and are not intended to create light spill outside of the site. Tim Horton’s is happy to
work with Village of Chester on illumination levels for the proposed signs.
The signs require content change to effectively promote Tim Horton’s promotions and menu offerings to
their patrons in a timely fashion. The pre-sell boards are intended to show varying specials and
promotions and may change as frequently as 8 seconds between advertisements to their patrons in the
drive-thru lane. The menu boards show the varying menu offerings, as well as images of products which
may change in portions of the screen. The menu board also has an order confirmation display, which
allows patrons to view their orders as they are entered as a means of confirmation and quality control. As
the drive-thru is designed to provide for efficient service, the content of the signage is required to change
more quickly so it is visible to the patrons during their limited exposure to the sign.
The signs are incidental to the operation of the drive-thru and are not legible from the street. The signs
are located at the rear of the building and are oriented to address the existing drive-thru lane only. The
menu board content is designed to allow patrons to view the entire menu and current promotions that
the store is offering. The signs are appropriate in scale to the development and are of a size which allows
for legible text to the patrons. The signs provide the menu and promotional offerings of the business and
are displayed in an organized and clear layout with accompanying graphic information which is universal
in nature for individuals who may have difficulty with the English language.
The proposed sign locations will not have a detrimental impact to the surrounding area. The proposal
results in a reduction of sign area on site and does not jeopardize the compatibility of the site to the
surrounding land uses. The proposed signs are replacing existing illuminated signs, and the electronic signs
feature an ambient light sensor and will dim automatically based on the light levels corresponding with
the time of day. The surrounding neighborhood is comprised mainly of built-up commercial developments
with associated signage, and the screens are oriented internal to the site. Based on the foregoing, the
signs will not alter the existing character of the area and is compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood.
The proposed content of the menu-board sign does not feature constant motion or flashing illumination.
The content is intended simply to display the menu offerings as well as images of the products which are
available on-site and will change periodically to show the offerings and specials of the restaurant. The sign
displays are setback substantially from sensitive land uses. The proposal will not present any compatibility
issues with the surrounding neighbourhood.
Existing drive thru signs to be replaced with the proposed.
Safety:
The sign locations are sited for visibility from the internal drive-thru lane only. Due to the drive- through
being located at the rear of the building and sign displays facing internal to the drive-thru, the signs will
not be visible from off site. The signs as proposed will not create a hazardous situation for pedestrians or
motorists as they are not oriented to address off-site traffic.
The content is static text and images, with a portion of the display changing to new text or images every
8-10 seconds. There is an illusion of motion as some images may slide into place while another image
slides out, however this only occurs during an image transition. There is no video or constant motion
proposed. Tim Horton’s requires more frequent content changes to show their entire menu and
promotional offerings to patrons while they are stopped in the drive-thru lane awaiting their turn to
order. The sign locations also ensure sightlines are retained through the site.
The signage does not impact the functionality or layout of the site. The existing drive-thru is established
away from areas of pedestrian movement. The signage also eliminates the need for staff to manually
change the signs to the corresponding menu, which further alleviates safety concerns. Based on the
foregoing, the signs will not create a distraction or safety hazard for pedestrians or motorists.
Example of a completed site from a recent installation.
Conclusion:
Pride Signs Ltd formally requests your support and approval of this application. The signage program
represents a significant investment into the site and enhances the on-site experience for patrons while
increasing business for the restaurant. Overall, with the added menu board, the sign area is still a
reduction from the existing drive-thru signs and the overall aesthetics are improved significantly.
Through dimming measures and reduced illuminated sign area relative to the existing, Tim Horton’s will
mitigate impact to the night sky. The restaurant requires operational signage during its business hours,
and not permitting such would prove to be detrimental to their business. We thank the Village of Chester
for their consideration of this proposal, and should you have any questions, please contact the
undersigned.
Thank you,
Donna Thomson
Permit Coordinator
T: 877-551-5529 ext. 213
E: dthomson@pridesigns.com