PLACENTIA : Council Approves Plan to Restrict Window Ads

Merchants will have to reduce the amount of window space devoted to painted advertising under a new ordinance passed by the City Council this week.

Joyce Rosenthal, director of Development Services, said merchants in the Santa Fe commercial district sought the change.

“The merchants in Santa Fe asked for a (code) amendment because it was getting out of hand down there,” she said.

Previously, the city allowed merchants to paint advertisements on up to 40% of their windows. The new rule will reduce that to 25%.

Those who do not comply will be warned before they are cited and fined, Rosenthal said.

“The last thing you do is a citation, because it doesn’t always get you what you want,” she said. “You get a fine, but it’s like a speeding ticket. You pay it, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll never speed again.”

Only one business--predictably, one that paints a large area of its windows--did not like the new rule, she said.

The council also approved a plan to let new businesses post “Grand Opening” banners on shopping center directories as long as the center management does not object.

Mayor Michael L. Maertzweiler voted against the banner proposal.