Council Rejects Outright Ban on Inflatable Signs

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday balked at banning inflatable advertising figures--including Godzilla and King Kong--from atop local businesses after council members agreed that what is a tacky giant balloon monster to some may be cute and fun to others.

Instead, the council decided to form a task force to reexamine the proposed ban and determine whether there should be exceptions for some parts of the city, including Hollywood, where residents might not mind the inflatable figures. The group, which includes building inspectors, planners and attorneys, has 60 days to come up with revised rules for the inflatables.

The city sign code prohibits putting signs on top of businesses or in areas that can be viewed by motorists on freeways.

But there is no provision in the law clearly stating that inflatable figures are signs, although businesses put them up to attract customers, said Richard Holguin, executive director of the Building and Safety Department. As a result, he said, building inspectors do not have clear authority to order businesses to remove the inflatables.

Some council members complained that the “loophole” has encouraged the proliferation of giant monkeys and teddy bears. Councilwoman Laura Chick acknowledged some inflated animals are “cute,” but they can be a distraction to motorists and could pose a safety hazard if they are not securely anchored.

Others, however, agreed with business groups, which argued that the inflatable figures were safe, temporary, inexpensive and eye-catching.

“In some areas, I mention Hollywood, people not only like them, but they feel they are part of the playfulness of what’s going on at entertainment venues,” said Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg.