Advertising displays: City of Los Angeles: exemption: ordinance.
Impact
The bill grants the City of Los Angeles primary responsibility for enforcing its own advertising regulations and establishes the need for an indemnity arrangement whereby the city would cover any enforcement costs incurred by the state. It also imposes a civil fine of $10,000 per day for failure to remove advertisements when notified by the Department of Transportation, particularly if the advertising display impacts federal aid highway funds. These provisions reflect a shift in local regulatory powers and responsibilities, designed to promote flexibility for the city while still meeting state compliance demands.
Summary
Assembly Bill 770, introduced by Assembly Member Mark Gonzlez, modifies existing regulations under the Business and Professions Code related to outdoor advertising, specifically within the City of Los Angeles. The bill establishes an exemption for advertising displays located on the premises of convention centers if they meet certain conditions, such as capacity and space requirements. In doing so, AB 770 aims to facilitate advertising at convention centers, thereby stimulating economic activity and revitalization within the region.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding AB 770 is largely supportive among local business interests, who believe that relaxing advertising restrictions can enhance the visibility of events held at convention centers, thereby driving attendance and associated economic benefits. Conversely, concerns have been raised about potential over-commercialization and the implications of state oversight potentially undermining local governance. The balance of interests between promoting economic growth and maintaining municipal autonomy is a central theme in the ongoing discourse regarding this bill.
Contention
A notable point of contention regarding AB 770 is its mandate that convention center advertising displays promote public service announcements, which could be seen as a burden by some operators. Additionally, while the bill includes provisions for the local city to establish regulatory frameworks for advertising displays, opponents argue that such changes may lead to inconsistencies in how different advertisements are regulated across the city. The urgency of the bill's passage also raises questions about the thoroughness of stakeholder engagement during its formulation.