City Files Lawsuit Aimed At Billboard Company's 'Supergraphics'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles officials are renewing their battle against illegal billboards with a civil lawsuit against one of the area's biggest outdoor advertising companies.

The city attorney's office accuses Van Wagner Communications LLC and 19 property owners of hanging giant ads known as supergraphics at 17 locations citywide without permits.

The lawsuit alleges that some of the massive signs have been up since 2002 in violation of city codes. It seeks fines of $5,000 per day for each location.

Van Wagner said in a release that it was outraged by the lawsuit. It said it's cooperated with city officials and has removed signs voluntarily.

City prosecutors have filed several lawsuits over unpermitted signs in recent years. A businessman was jailed last year for allegedly ignoring an order to remove a supergraphic.

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