Los Angeles City Council directs study and department review of large digital signage after heated debate

The Los Angeles City Council voted to advance action on large digital/video signage on July 27, 1999, directing city planning and building and safety staff to develop acceptance test specifications, draft ordinance language and recommendations for where such signs might be allowed.

Councilmember Holden introduced concerns about the safety and technical standards for a proposed sign near the sports arena and urged a site‑specific acceptance test specification, saying the city should “put in place an acceptance test specification… for these kind of signage at these specific sites” before blanket approvals. He explicitly proposed study of the 3600 block of Wilshire Boulevard as the initial site to evaluate.

Several other council members said a broader ordinance and committee review were needed. Miss Goldberg said she favored site‑specific review but urged caution about adopting a citywide rule without more experience, noting the council would not know which sites are appropriate until individual locations are studied. Mrs. Walders opposed adopting a blanket policy and said the city is already suffering from “sign pollution.”

Mr. Bernson moved a substitute motion to approve the concept of moving forward now, refer the matter to planning (and optionally building and safety), and ask staff to come back with draft ordinances and recommendations. He argued the city needed an affirmative step to avoid prolonged delay and proliferation without standards.

After amendments and debate over whether to instruct staff to draft an ordinance immediately or to wait for committee review, the council approved by roll call to adopt the intent to act, send the matter to relevant departments, and request recommendations and ordinance language; the motion passed 11 yes, 1 no.

The council directed staff to return with recommended ordinance language and with site‑specific guidance (including, as discussed, the 3600 block of Wilshire Boulevard) for further committee consideration and eventual council action.