City Ready to Allow Balloon Advertising
Council members are poised to create the city’s first ordinance to allow advertising with large, lighter-than-air balloons.
It was five months ago when the City Council first asked local entrepreneurs for suggestions in crafting guidelines for the use of tethered aerostats.
Such balloons take the form of towering whales and gorillas in neighboring cities.
The city currently prohibits all balloon advertising.
Councilman Harry Dotson said Beach Boulevard businesses need balloons both large and small to attract the attention of motorists.
But Mayor Brian Donahue said the ordinance would allow only a handful of the larger businesses on Beach Boulevard and Katella Avenue to use the tethered aerostats, prompting claims of unfair competition from smaller businesses.
Council members voted 3 to 2 this week in support of a six-month test of the balloon advertising guidelines, against Planning Commission recommendations.
A vote on the ordinance is planned Sept. 23.
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