Temporary signs in the public right-of-way that promote businesses cannot be taller than 42 inches, must be free-standing and must be off the sidewalk, according to an ordinance approved by the Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday.

The vote was 6-1, with Councilman Oscar Gutierrez voting no.

Some businesses place signs on the ground to draw attention from people walking by. Those signs, however, can sometimes block pedestrian access or cause mobility issues for people with disabilities.

Signs that are in violation of the rules could be removed immediately by city officials. They would be stored for 90 days, then destroyed if not claimed.

“I just don’t feel that this is something that we should be considering at this point in time,” Gutierrez said. “It’s hard enough for our businesses to be operational, let alone successful with what is happening locally and nationwide.”

He said passing the ordinance would make it more difficult for local businesses.

Federal law does not allow the city to regulate signs based on content, but it can set rules for time, place and manner.

The ordinance states that signs may be placed only on weekends during the 42-hour period from 6 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Signs shall not be placed in a manner that obstructs a sidewalk, curb ramp or other pedestrian path of travel.

All temporary signs are banned in the city’s El Pueblo Viejo Historic District, which includes parts of State Street.

Real estate open house signs and city signs are exempt from the ordinance.

The City Council breezed through the item Tuesday in about 30 minutes. No business owners spoke at the meeting.

Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon said clear access for all people was important to her.

“I think one of the major issues with the signs was impeding the path of wheelchairs, or walkers, or someone who is blind with a cane,” Sneddon said.