Council acts on disputed 'for sale' street‑sign ordinance after legal settlement; directs committee to study commercial uses of streets

The Los Angeles City Council on April 25 took action on an ordinance relating to for‑sale signs on vehicles following litigation that led to a court injunction. The council approved the matter on the roll; a member urged further study of how city streets can be used for commercial purposes.

Councilmember Bernsen, who called the item special, said he believed the city should have appealed the federal court ruling and asked the Public Safety Committee to work with the City Attorney’s Office to find ways to limit commercial uses of city streets. He suggested options including short‑term parking limits or permits for vehicles displaying for‑sale signs.

Laurie Rittenberg of the City Attorney’s Office told the council the settlement required payment of attorney fees of $30,000 to the plaintiff (the ACLU) and a permanent injunction against the ordinance as the district court indicated it would enjoin it at the preliminary injunction stage. She said repeal was not a condition of settlement, but the court would permanently enjoin the ordinance under the settlement terms.

After discussion, the council approved the item on a roll call recorded as 12 ayes. Councilmembers also requested that the Public Safety Committee consider possible regulatory responses—parking time limits, permitting, or other targeted measures—to address Bernsen’s concerns about commercial uses of city streets.

The council did not adopt a new ordinance at the meeting; rather, members requested committee study and staff work with the City Attorney on options and next steps.