By extending the approval timeline for arenas, AB 2717 modifies the regulatory landscape for outdoor advertising in California. It requires compliance with local ordinances and additional discretionary approvals, including conditions like maintaining a minimum distance between competitive displays near different arenas. This change aims to create a consistent approach to managing advertising around public highways and to ensure that local regulations are adhered to. Furthermore, the bill imposes requirements related to the construction workforce, enforcing the payment of prevailing wages and the use of skilled and trained labor, potentially impacting project costs and labor practices significantly.
Summary
Assembly Bill 2717, introduced by Assembly Member Caloza, seeks to amend the Outdoor Advertising Act in relation to advertising displays associated with arenas. The proposed legislation adjusts the conditions under which advertising displays are exempt from certain provisions of the act. Specifically, it sets a deadline for arenas to be authorized by local ordinances by January 1, 2032, rather than 2021 as previously required. Furthermore, the bill mandates that these arenas must be fully constructed or under construction by January 1, 2027, to qualify for exemptions concerning advertising displays, emphasizing local regulation compliance within the approval process for such displays.
Sentiment
The reception of AB 2717 is mixed, as proponents view it as a necessary step to improve local control over advertising practices while supporting the growth of arenas and their services. Critics, however, may argue that the delays imposed by the new deadlines could hinder immediate advertising opportunities and the potential economic benefits they bring, indicating a broader contention between local interests and the need for timely economic development in regional areas.
Contention
Some points of contention include the potential increase in bureaucratic delays associated with the extended approval process for advertising displays and the impact it may have on arenas looking to market their events. There may also be discussions around the implications for local governments, who will bear the responsibility of ensuring compliance with the new legislative requirements, including possible civil penalties for non-compliance. As such, the balance between the need for regulation and the desire for business flexibility remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding this bill.