THOUSAND OAKS : Council Approves Strip Mall Signage

Business owners whose shops are tucked away from the street will get a break under a new Thousand Oaks law allowing some strip malls to post directory signs.

Any commercial center set at least 150 feet back from the street will now be able to woo shoppers with a directory sign listing stores that are difficult for passersby to see. Stores that directly face the street cannot be included on the directory.

To avoid clutter, all signs must look alike, with up to eight business names set in identical type, using letters no more than four inches high. While each shopping center can use different colors for the lettering, all signs must be wood rather than plexiglass.

Council members approved the directory signs in a 5-0 vote Tuesday night.