Vancouver City Council is banning floating billboards.

Earlier this year, boats working for Burke Billboards began cruising the waters of False Creek and English Bay with a 12-metre electronic billboard, leading to a number of complaints.

The vessel was temporarily detained by Transport Canada because it wasn't properly registered as commercial, but then returned to operation.

It led to a report by city staff recommending the municipality change its bylaw.

The amendment was approved by council on Tuesday evening and is expected to come into effect on May 31, according to city communications manager Jag Sandhu.

The amended bylaw specifically prohibits floating signs in all zones, except small ones under one square metre, "to allow limited promotional advertising on commercial vessels."

The city report notes some of the waters within the city's boundaries are also subject to the jurisdiction of Port Metro Vancouver, which does not allow floating advertisements or marketing strategies.