WEST HOLLYWOOD—A controversial ballot initiative known as the “Tax Billboard Act” was ordered to be placed on West Hollywood’s March 8, 2011, ballot ticket by a Superior Court judge on Wednesday, December 8.
The City Council earlier had decided to leave the act off the ballot over concerns of its validity, as it addresses more than one subject and deviates from the City’s General Plan. This move was met with a lawsuit to compel the city to keep it on the ballot.
The West Hollywood City Council then sent the measure to a court to rule in the matter. Judge Ann I. Jones ruled that the legal issues of the measure should be dealt with after its possible approval, letting the political process “run its course.”
Changes that the measure would bring include allowing tall wall signs on Santa Monica and Beverly boulevards, the ability to display tall wall signs without a discretionary permit and a 7 percent excise tax on the lease of billboards and other advertising devices.
The City Council held a special meeting on the morning of Friday, December 10, to address arguments on this and other ballot issues. In September of this year, 2744 valid signatures were received for the measure, with 2386 needed to qualify it for the ballot.
