CALABASAS : City Moves Toward Tougher Sign Law

Hoping to increase the city’s control over street-side aesthetics, the Calabasas Planning Commission is moving forward with a proposal that would give city workers the authority to remove some temporary signs and posters from public areas.

The proposed ordinance would strengthen Los Angeles County regulations that allow cities to impose fines for violating various height and placement limitations on signs and placards. The new ordinance would allow city crews to remove the signs, after twice warning the signs’ owners.

“The city’s code enforcement staff is being asked to deal with an ever-increasing number of illegal or prohibited sign complaints,” stated a memo from the city’s planning staff. “Although control of signage currently exists . . . enforcement is a difficult and lengthy process.”

Many of the signs that violate city codes publicize yard sales, lost pets, home improvement services or coming events, and are stuck in the ground or on telephone poles or the sides of buildings, said Calabasas building official Tim Steenson. But some signs advertise for larger businesses that can afford the $100, first-time fine for violating city sign codes, he said.

Many of the signs have been placed along Mulholland Highway and other scenic areas, said Calabasas Associate Planner Anna-Lisa Hernandez.

“We don’t mind signage, as long as it’s reasonable,” Hernandez said. “We want to make sure the business people are content with their ability to advertise and everybody is content with how things look.”