Do website addresses of small-business associations that dot Minneapolis belong on promotional banners they hang on utility poles?

No, says the city's zoning administrator, who ruled that listing a web address violates a ban on off-premises advertising in the public right of way.

That's ridiculous in the 21st century, argued the West Bank Business Association, which won an appeal on that issue before the City Council on Friday. The decision overturned a 2002 precedent set by the council when the Loring Business Association wanted to do the same thing.

"We didn't think it was advertising one particular business," said Council Member Meg Tuthill, until recently a small-business owner.

The West Bank group said its banners should include its website address because it's a main portal to find out what's happening culturally and otherwise on the West Bank and also helps people to locate local businesses. Its banners also will point the way to the University of Minnesota, which provided the money for banners, and to nearby freeways.

Lisa Hammer, a community organizer for the association, argued earlier in the group's appeal that it was illogical for the city to block publicizing a website, which the city paid to develop, on banners that the city often helps to fund -- for business associations that the city recognizes and funds.

Her case was strengthened by the disclosure that at least one other business association somehow was able to post banners with its website address.

The West Bank association later this spring will install 30 double-sided banners on Cedar, Washington and Riverside avenues. It will use the website to promote such upcoming events as the weekly merchant markets on Saturdays starting May 8 and its Aug. 21 West Bank Music Festival.

All 11 council members present Friday voted to reverse the 2002 decision that unanimously upheld a ban on such website information on banners.

The 2002 vote and Zoning Administrator Steve Poor's decision in the West Bank case were based on a city attorney's opinion. That drew a distinction between neighborhood identification signs and those intended to drive Web traffic, arguing that the city strictly limits off-premises advertising and would be an improper use of public right of way.

Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438