Advertising displays: customary maintenance.
If passed, AB 770 will allow businesses and property owners to engage in customary maintenance of outdoor advertising without the threat of government restrictions or compensation requirements. This means they can replace structural members and employ stronger materials to ensure stability without altering the display's size or advertising copy area. The passage of this bill could lead to significant changes in how outdoor advertising is managed across California, making it easier for businesses to maintain their signage and potentially enhancing community aesthetics along major highways.
Assembly Bill 770, introduced by Assembly Members Mark Gonzlez and Pacheco, seeks to amend the Business and Professions Code with a focus on outdoor advertising. This bill specifically adds Section 5208.3, which defines and authorizes customary maintenance activities for lawfully erected advertising displays. The intent behind the bill is to ensure that these displays can be maintained in their existing physical configuration without government interference, emphasizing the need for safety and structural integrity without expanding the size or scope of the displays.
The sentiment surrounding AB 770 appears generally supportive among business owners and those involved in advertising, as it directly benefits their ability to maintain existing structures without additional bureaucratic constraints. However, there may be some concerns from local governments or advocacy groups regarding the implications of loosening regulations around outdoor advertising, particularly in relation to visual clutter and public safety.
Notable points of contention include concerns from local municipalities about maintaining their ability to regulate outdoor advertising in a manner that aligns with community standards. While proponents of AB 770 argue that it enhances the ability of businesses to keep their advertising displays up-to-date and secure, opponents may view it as a move towards deregulation that could lead to increased visual pollution and compromise the aesthetic quality of highways.