WESTLAKE VILLAGE : Crackdown on Sign Violators Sought

For the powers that be in Westlake Village, enforcing the city’s super-strict sign ordinance is a bit like trying to enforce prohibition in a beer-loving nation.

Despite the tight rules, lawbreakers are rampant, says Westlake City Councilwoman Bonnie Klove, who will bring the issue before the council at its regular meeting tonight. Lately, rebellion has taken the form of temporary window signs, painted posters or painted glass--easily removed when inspectors come around, but just as quick to go back up when the city’s watchful eye is turned, she contends.

“Don’t be garish, don’t be bright--that’s not the look of Westlake,” Klove said.

The city’s ordinance limits the size and obtrusiveness of business signs. Moreover, it restricts sign and building colors to earth tones.

Klove wants the council to discuss possibly tightening the ordinance as it affects window signs as well as better means of enforcement.

Klove, who will soon leave office, said she has received many complaints from constituents about brightly colored signs for sales and other services, sometimes obscuring entire storefronts. She declined to name the offending businesses, but said many are in central locations, visible to the street.

The council meeting is at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 4373 Park Terrace Drive.