The owners of Don-O-Ray Farms apologized to council on Monday (Nov. 4) for not following proper procedures when installing an illuminated sign on their Benvoulin Road property.
Council learned that electronic signs are not permitted in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
91裸聊视频淭he only place that we allow electronic signs under the current sign bylaw is at institutional and educational facilities,91裸聊视频� said Dean Strachan, community and planning development manager.
He explained that approving the applicant91裸聊视频檚 request for a site-specific bylaw amendment to allow the sign would set a precedent and likely encourage other applications for electronic signs in areas where they are not allowed.
Don-O-Ray Farms replaced a permitted existing sign with the illuminated version. One of the owners, Jas Singhera, told council they had contracted a sign company that was new to Kelowna.
91裸聊视频淚 guess we didn91裸聊视频檛 know the rules, and we apologize for that,91裸聊视频� Singhera told council. 91裸聊视频淚n the future, if we do something like this, the first thing we are going to do is come see staff and do it the right way.91裸聊视频�
The sign is also larger than allowed under the bylaw. Strachan noted the company should have consulted with staff about the type of signage permitted within the city and obtained a building permit.
91裸聊视频淲e had an interaction after the sign was installed,91裸聊视频� he added. 91裸聊视频淲e provided a copy of the sign bylaw so they are more aware of the rules and regulations91裸聊视频� and I haven91裸聊视频檛 had any further issues.91裸聊视频�
Strachan said there have been no complaints from residents in the area, but several businesses have lodged complaints in the past when trying to obtain electronic signs.
Singhera pointed out that the sign is not animated or flashing and only operates between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. from May to December. He requested that his application be sent to a public hearing. Councillor Mohini Singh made a motion for a public hearing.
91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e reviewing a sign application where the signs are three times the size,91裸聊视频� she said, referring to a request from Sutton Hotels to vary its signage for a development at the airport (public hearing Nov. 5). 91裸聊视频淪taff is supporting it91裸聊视频ometimes we have to take each case based on its own merit.91裸聊视频�
Several councillors disagreed noting that the sign company and applicant should have been aware of the rules, and permitting the sign would set a precedent.
91裸聊视频淭his issue is far, far bigger than is being presented to us,91裸聊视频� Councillor Luke Stack said, reiterating that electronic signs are not allowed in the ALR. 91裸聊视频淚t completely undermines our sign policy as a city.91裸聊视频�
Singh91裸聊视频檚 motion for a public hearing was defeated. Don-O-Ray Farms now must ensure its sign complies with the bylaw. Mayor Tom Dyas said the city does not want to put the owners in a position where they have to take down the sign.
91裸聊视频淲hich is an expense to them. We91裸聊视频檙e trying to support agriculture, we91裸聊视频檙e trying to support business. Is there a way we can work through this?91裸聊视频� he said.
The mayor added that the sign bylaw would also be reviewed.
91裸聊视频淎nd see whether there91裸聊视频檚 the possibility of allowing this to be conforming at all, maybe along certain corridors.91裸聊视频�
