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Hermosa solicits business’ views on sidewalk signs
by Robb Fulcher
City officials have sent letters to business owners asking for input on a much-discussed ban on advertising signs on the sidewalks of commercial areas. The city is considering lifting a formal ban on the signs, which have for years dotted the sidewalks on Pier Avenue.
City officials have invited the business owners to attend a Planning Commission meeting 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20 at the Hermosa Valley School multipurpose room, 1645 Valley Drive.
The signs violate a city code, but for almost the past decade Hermosa has not been able to afford an enforcement officer to oversee such matters. City officials hired an officer recently, however, thrusting the sign ban into the spotlight.
Businesses owners including Jan Koch of Nations Travelstores on upper Pier Avenue persuaded city officials to consider changing the code and saving the signs.
City officials have said the signs are banned to ease pedestrian traffic, keep the sidewalks safe and limit city liability.
Mayor Kathy Dunbabin cast a lone city council vote against revisiting the sign ban, saying the signs clutter up the walkways.
For more information on the Nov. 20 meeting call the Hermosa Beach community Development and Planning Department at 318-0242. ER