Los Angeles County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Incandescent lamp cap
- 40 watts, no metallic reflector
- Revolving beacons
- Prohibited on all signs
- Billboard permit
- Conditional Use Permit required
- Billboard size cap
- 800 sq ft face, 42 ft height
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Regional Planning
Summary
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, outdoor advertising signs and billboards can't use exposed incandescent lamps over 40 watts, revolving beacons, or flashing operations, and lighted signs can't beam glare onto streets or neighboring property.
Signs which contain or utilize: 1. Any exposed incandescent lamp with a rated wattage in excess of 40 watts. 2. Any exposed incandescent lamp with an internal metallic reflector. 3. Any exposed incandescent lamp with an external metallic reflector. 4. Any revolving beacon light.
Full Breakdown
Title 22's sign chapter (Chapter 22.114) bans exposed incandescent lamps rated above 40 watts, lamps with metallic reflectors, revolving beacon lights, and most continuous or sequential flashing operations on any sign in unincorporated LA County, including outdoor advertising signs and billboards permitted under Section 22.114.070. A separate general rule forbids aiming a lighted sign's beam onto a public street, highway, sidewalk, or adjacent property in a way that causes glare or a traffic hazard. Billboards need a Conditional Use Permit in industrial zones, capped at 800 square feet and 42 feet tall, on top of these lighting limits. The Department of Regional Planning enforces the rules; violating signs are treated as public nuisances.
Violations & Fines
Illegal sign lighting is processed as code enforcement; unpermitted signs can be ordered removed as a public nuisance under Section 22.242.040, with the property owner liable for correction and removal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a billboard in unincorporated LA County be internally lit?
Are flashing or revolving billboard lights allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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