It is determined that the number of billboards in the city is becoming excessive and is a potential distraction to motorists and pedestrians, creating a potential traffic hazard and in some places reducing the effectiveness of signs needed to direct the public; the appearance of the entire city is unduly affected by the number of billboards; especially affected are the scenic view corridors and structures which are of historical significance. The number of potential (and actual) distracting billboards ought to be reduced in order to reduce the aforementioned effects.

This chapter, through the exercise of the city’s police powers, is intended to regulate the construction, placement and location of billboards in order to curtail the adverse effects of billboards and to promote traffic safety and aesthetics. (Ord. 1258-86 § 1, 1986.)