Digital Billboards: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do digital billboards rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Title C zoning prohibits new off-premises digital billboards in unincorporated areas. The California Outdoor Advertising Act sets statewide controls along Interstate and primary highways and requires Caltrans permits for any roadside display.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Title C zoning prohibits new off-premises digital billboards in unincorporated areas. The California Outdoor Advertising Act sets statewide controls along Interstate and primary highways and requires Caltrans permits for any roadside display.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| County stance | New digital billboards prohibited | New digital billboards prohibited |
| State statute | Bus. & Prof. Code §5200 et seq. | Bus. & Prof. Code §5200 et seq. |
| Permit agency | Caltrans Outdoor Advertising | Caltrans Outdoor Advertising |
| Brightness cap | Caltrans 0.3 footcandles over ambient | Caltrans 0.3 footcandles over ambient |
| Change interval | Minimum four seconds per message | Minimum four seconds per message |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can a static billboard be converted to digital in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
No. The County treats digital conversion as a new sign requiring full zoning approval, which is denied for off-premises displays. Cities such as San Jose run separate digital-billboard agreements that do not extend to unincorporated parcels.
Does Caltrans regulate on-premises digital signs?
Caltrans regulates only signs visible from Interstate and primary highways and only off-premises advertising. On-premises electronic message centers are governed solely by County or city zoning and the local sign code.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can a static billboard be converted to digital in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
No. The County treats digital conversion as a new sign requiring full zoning approval, which is denied for off-premises displays. Cities such as San Jose run separate digital-billboard agreements that do not extend to unincorporated parcels.
Does Caltrans regulate on-premises digital signs?
Caltrans regulates only signs visible from Interstate and primary highways and only off-premises advertising. On-premises electronic message centers are governed solely by County or city zoning and the local sign code.
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