Dancing sign wavers at busy intersections in American Canyon may soon have to get a permit before twirling their signs at driving motorists.

American Canyon business leaders this week proposed new regulations for temporary signs, even while seeking to make it easier for businesses to create other signs to attract customers.

Pam Wilkinson, president and chief executive officer of the American Canyon Chamber of Commerce, and American Canyon City Councilman Ed West laid out their ideas before a joint session of the American Canyon City Council and the city Planning Commission.

Under the proposal, which city officials will vet over the next few weeks, no permit would be required for signs such as those seen on licensed commercial vehicles; maintenance or emergency signs; balloons 10-feet tall or less that are designed to attract business; decorative holiday lights; or other non-commercial signs.

But human sign wavers such as those routinely posted where Highway 29 meets American Canyon Road and further north at the highway and Napa Junction Road would require a city permit. So would commercial mascots, pennants, streamers, temporary banners and A-frame signs advertising businesses.

Caltrans, the state agency that has jurisdiction over Highway 29, prohibits signage in the highway right-of-way without proper permits.

Wilkinson and West said the business community wants to make sure the rules are followed.

“What we’re encouraging here is voluntary compliance,” West said.

Councilwoman Cindy Coffey, who questioned what would determine what’s appropriate, said she would like to limit the number of off-premise signs to discourage competitive businesses from engaging in sign wars.

West, Wilkinson and a committee of business leaders began to review the city’s rules in March, after a number of businesses said the city’s existing rules were confusing and ineffective.