Culver City : Stiffer Sign Rules Urged

A committee of citizens and business representatives has recommended tighter rules on signs allowed in the city.

The committee submitted its report to the City Council Monday, with recommendations that some signs be smaller than currently allowed and others be prohibited.

Roof signs and signs below canopies, which are now permitted, should not be allowed, the Sign Ordinance Revision Ad Hoc Committee said.

Monument signs, which now may be 100 to 300 square feet, should be pared down to 40 square feet, the committee said. The committee also recommended that wall signs, now allowed to cover as much as 20% of the wall, should be limited to a maximum of 200 feet, and that business identification signs be limited to 2.5 square feet.

The committee also set out aesthetic guidelines, including lettering, lighting, shape and color. “Color combinations such as fluorescent or clashing primary colors” are not recommended.

While a revised ordinance is implemented during the next three years, the committee said it could serve as an appeals board for sign-users unhappy with city decisions.

“It’s an ordinance we feel is effective and workable,” committee chairman Richard Brundo told the council Monday night. The eight-member committee, which includes homeowners, business people and Planning Commission representatives, has met over the past 19 months, along with a city consultant.

The report will be reviewed jointly by the Planning Commission and the council.