City takes note of economy's bad signs

The Agoura Hills City Council is once again reviewing ordinances covering banner signs, sandwich board advertisements, outdoor displays and other types of signage in an effort to ease restrictions on businesses that are facing tough economic times.

Starting in December, businesses were allowed to display banner signs for up to three months.

With the economy continuing to dive, council members agreed to extend the temporary sign ordinance until the end of this month.

Local business owners say they need more leniency with the signage rules, such as those governing portable sign displays.

Grissini Ristorante Italiano, a new restaurant tucked away in a shopping mall on Agoura Road near Reyes Adobe Road, displayed a sandwich-style sign in the front of its mall because the restaurant isn't easily seen from the street.

Grissini also placed signs in the parking lot to compete for spaces with Moz Buddha Lounge.

The City Council is worred about the possibility of "sign wars."

"This could lead to each tenant trying to carve out their own parking," said Councilmember Bill Koehler. "Relaxation of (the sign ordinance) was never intended to go in that direction."

Councilmember Harry Schwarz said some businesses want to display their goods outside more than the allowable one time per month.

Mayor Denis Weber said he was in favor of allowing more days for outdoor displays, especially for those businesses that sell outdoor products, including furniture. Weber said the new rules might help the stores "get over the hump" of the poor economy.

But Councilmember Dan Kuperberg said he worried that businesses will keep "pushing the envelope." He said there had to be limitations. Sidewalks littered with signs might cause some people to walk into parking lots and into harm's way.

Kuperberg said he wanted to relax the rules, but was concerned that some business ownerswould abuse the new privileges.

City Manager Greg Ramirez confirmed that several businesses had violated aspects of the sign ordinance but that the city had been lax on enforcement in deference to the sinking economy.

"It's starting to cause some issues with tenants in the mall," Ramirez said. He asked the council if the staff should uphold the codes.

The ban against sandwichboard signs will be enforced, said Mike Kamino, director of planning and community development, but the city voted in favor of easing other ordinances. Businesses can temporarily display their goods on sidewalks and in front of their stores twice a month, and banner signs can be used to advertise lease availability in addition to store sales.

"I'm the last guy to want more signage up, but these are unusual times," Kuperberg said.