SAN CLEMENTE : Council Puts Limits on Advertising Signs

Concerned about an overabundance of banners and portable signs, the City Council has adopted an ordinance that sets limits on advertising displays.

For nearly two years, the city has not restricted the number of temporary signs that businesses may use to attract customers, mainly because of the impact of the recession on store owners.

But now, “We seem to have a major problem with a proliferation of banners,” said Councilman Steve Apodaca. “It has become quite unsightly.”

Under the plan approved Wednesday by the council, portable signs like sandwich boards will not be allowed on public right of way such as sidewalks, alleys and parking lots, and will be limited to one per business or two per building shared by store owners.

Real estate signs giving directions to open houses will be limited to one per street corner, with a maximum of six signs.

And businesses using banners will be restricted to four permits a year for a total of 120 days.

Stores that operate in such difficult-to-spot locations as Ocean View Plaza will be given a chance to air their concerns before city staffers.

After that, the ordinance takes effect on Jan. 15.

“If there are gaffes or major holes that we’ve left in this process, we’ll be able to come back and revisit it and make it work,” said Councilman Scott Diehl.