LA prosecutors file complaint citing new sign ban

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles city attorney's office has filed its first charges under a ban passed last year on the giant building-cloaking signs known as supergraphics and most other billboards.

The civil complaint filed Monday accuses 27 billboard companies, property owners and sign installers of installing supergraphics in violation of the ban approved in August by the City Council.

The complaint argues that supergraphic signs cover windows and obstruct ventilation, posing safety hazards for building occupants.

It seeks their removal and damages that could total more than $10 million, as well an injunction to prohibit new signs from being installed.