WESTMINSTER : New Billboards Banned by Council
Following a recent controversy over a massive 50-foot billboard built near the San Diego Freeway, the City Council has banned all new billboards.
The ordinance, passed unanimously Tuesday, states that current regulations on billboards are inadequate and that the proliferation of signs near highways constitutes a “visual blight” that can distract drivers. Effective immediately, new billboards are prohibited until pending additional regulations are adopted.
The ban follows the council’s Feb. 25 refusal to overturn a previous decision permitting an outdoor advertising company to erect a 672-square-foot billboard at 14022 Springdale Ave.
At that hearing, dozens of residents urged the council to nullify the permit, arguing that the billboard would be an eyesore, and more than 2 1/2 times larger than city standards allow. Citing a potential lawsuit if it revoked the permit, the council voted to uphold its earlier approval.
Councilman Frank Fry Jr. said later in the meeting that the city should seek ways to reduce the number of existing signs.
“The majority of the people have a great dislike for billboards,” he said. “It’s time for the city to start an abatement ordinance to remove some.”
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