(a) Section 5440 does not apply to any freestanding identifying structure that is used exclusively to identify development projects, business centers, or associations located within the jurisdiction of, and sponsored by, the City of Richmond to support economic development activities.
(b) A structure erected pursuant to subdivision (a) shall conform to all of the following conditions:
(1) Not more than one identifying structure may be used by the City of Richmond and only if approved by that city by ordinance or resolution after a duly noticed public hearing regarding the structure.
(2) Placement of the structure shall not require the immediate trimming, pruning, topping, or removal of existing trees to provide visibility to the structure, unless done as part of the normal landscape maintenance activities that would have been undertaken without regard to the placement of the structure.
(3) The structure shall be generic only and shall not identify any specific business.
(4) No public funds may be expended to pay for the costs of the structure.
(5) The structure shall not cause a reduction in federal aid highway funds as provided in Section 131 of Title 23 of the United States Code.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 644, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)