COSTA MESA

The City Council this week adopted a new sign ordinance on a 3-to-2 vote, with Mayor Gary Monahan and Heather Somers against.

A 9th Circuit Court decision last year found that a city’s regulation of signs in the public right of way based on content was unconstitutional. The new ordinance complies with that finding by eliminating criteria for signs that were based on content.

In 30 days, portable signs, such as real estate open house signs, can be displayed only from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday in public rights of way, excluding street medians, light posts, utility poles or other structures. Other signs such as balloon signs, inflatable signs or other signs with moving parts, flashing lights or that could be considered dangerous will be prohibited. Anyone wanting to display political campaign signs will be required to file statements with the city and have them removed no more than 10 days after an election.