DEVELOPER COULD FACE JAIL IF BILLBOARD STAYS.

Byline: Sherry Joe Crosby Daily News Staff Writer

After fighting for more than two years, county planning officials are threatening criminal action against the owner of an illegal Canyon Country billboard.

Los Angeles developer Geoff Palmer has until April 17 to come up with a plan to remove the 960-square-foot sign, which reads, ``Now Renting,'' followed by a phone number for the sales office of the River Park Apartments complex at 27303 N. Sara St.

If Palmer doesn't remove the sign, he could face a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, according to an April 2 letter from chief zoning enforcement officer John D. Calas.

Neither Palmer nor his attorney, Gilbert Archuletta, could be reached for comment Tuesday.

Under the county zoning ordinance, signs can measure no larger than 200 square feet in a residential area. Neighbors said the huge red-and-white billboard spoils their view of rolling foothills.

In October, the county Regional Planning Commission rejected Palmer's request to allow the sign, which had been erected without county permission.

During past county hearings, Archuletta has argued that the sign is no bigger than those along the Antelope Valley or Golden State freeways.

He also has said that the sign is small considering the size of the advertised apartment complex, which borders a long stretch of public highway.