Tentative OK Given to New Sign Code

The Calabasas City Council unanimously gave tentative approval to a new municipal code that would restrict the size and style of signs erected within city limits.

But instead of a lengthy discussion Wednesday on how the ordinance affects pole signs--long a hot-button issue along the Ventura Freeway corridor--the council debated the size of signs allowed in political races.

“I think political signs should be given special consideration,” Councilman Robert Sibilia said. “Most of the banners in the last election would be nonconforming. I think this is over-restrictive.”

The new code had suggested limiting political signs on private property to six square feet in residential areas and 32 square feet in commercial areas.

Staff members implored the council to leave the ordinance as it was written for fear of political signage getting out of hand each election period.

The council voted 3 to 2--with Dennis Washburn and Bob Hill dissenting--to allow banners and a maximum 32 square feet in both commercial and residential areas.

Calabasas has grappled with the signage issue since its incorporation in 1991. The newest restrictions would ban pole signs outright and limit free-standing or monument signs to 10 or 15 feet in height, depending on the location.

City staff members said eight businesses are identified as nonconforming, both with the new restrictions and the previous restrictions. Four have agreed to remove their signs when the new codes take effect, Senior Planner Marilyn Miller said.

Business owners have 15 years to replace signs that became nonconforming under the new ordinance. The council is expected to formally approve the new ordinance at its next meeting.