It is declared unlawful for any person, to hand or distribute to, or among pedestrians, or to place, throw or deposit, or cause to be placed, thrown or deposited into, or upon, any motor vehicle, doorstep, porch, yard or lawn within the city, or upon any of the public streets, any advertisement, paper, bill, poster, notice, handbill, advertising card, business card, advertising device, dodger or emblem used or purporting to be used or intended as an advertisement or notice of any article or merchandise, or any trade, profession or business, show exhibition, theater, store or occupation of any person. The prohibition set forth in this section shall not be applicable to any bill, poster, notice or other document or material distributed by, on behalf of or in the name of the city. (Prior code § 5095)