Trump sign may lead to new regulations for signs along Chicago River

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Trump Tower sign may lead to new regulations about what can be installed on buildings along the Chicago River.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to announce the creation of the Chicago River Special Sign District Wednesday.

In his proposal, sign size would be substantially reduced and buildings would only be allowed one high-rise sign. The signs would be allowed only for the business identification of a tenant that occupies 51 percent or more of the building's floor space. Several types of signs would be prohibited, like neon signs, flashing signs, roof signs and banners.

That legislation would cover all properties along the Chicago River and a portion of Wacker Drive.

Emanuel argues that he doesn't want to see Chicago's Riverwalk turn into something that appears more like the Las Vegas Strip. The mayor's office said the special district will prevent any signage from blocking the view of Chicago's architecture.

But his plan does have its critics.

Some building owners said they should be able to do what they want with their buildings, Donald Trump included.

In June, through a spokesman, Emanuel called the sign on Trump International Hotel and Tower "awful" and "in very poor taste." That turned into a media firestorm and a heated back-and-forth between Trump and the mayor.

An ordinance is scheduled to be introduced in October.