Analysis of Billboard Laws Sought
A City Council panel called Tuesday for an analysis of competing billboard regulation proposals, including a ban on new signs in Los Angeles and another measure that would allow new signs along freeways in exchange for others being removed.
The Planning and Land Use Management Committee also asked the chief legislative analyst and city attorney to determine the feasibility of a proposed ballot measure that would impose a $20,000 annual tax or fee on existing billboards.
The committee heard support for the ban Tuesday from numerous homeowner activists from Silver Lake, Westwood, Studio City, Van Nuys and Encino.
“Moving billboards from the streets to the freeways is no solution,” said Gerald Silver, president of Homeowners of Encino.
“That’s like moving dust and dirt from one room to another. That isn’t acceptable.”
But Councilman Hal Bernson of Granada Hills said the ban proposed by Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski would not get rid of existing billboards.
The councilman said that would be achieved by the proposed freeway deal.
He also said the city may not be able to legally impose a new tax on billboards because of 1st Amendment protections.
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