Agoura Hills : Judge Forbids City to Ban Freeway Signs

Eleven businesses declared victory Wednesday after a judge barred Agoura Hills from enforcing a 10-year-old ordinance banning freeway signs.

Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Stephen Petersen, upon issuing a permanent injunction against the city, said the businesses have the right to the signs under the state’s Business and Professions Code.

The business owners say the code guarantees them the right to have freeway signs to attract customers.

“This is a victory for property rights,” said Robert Aran, an attorney for three of the plaintiffs. He wrote the section of the state code that pertains to signs.

Agoura Hills City Atty. Greg Stepanicich said that the City Council will decide whether to appeal when it meets Wednesday. He said he believes the city has a good case.

“We think [Petersen] has not correctly interpreted the state law,” he said.

The city argues that the code, which deals with height and size issues, does not apply in this case because the city wants to eliminate the signs altogether.

“The city’s argument . . . is sheer semantical sophistry,” said Petersen.

Meanwhile, the city declared a victory of its own. Lumber City owner Jeff Ruf, who had joined the 11 businesses in their suit against the city, settled with the city by agreeing to replace his freeway sign with a monument sign, Ruf and city officials said.

“I am very pleased that an acceptable compromise could be reached without the need to pursue a costly lawsuit,” Ruf said.