Yucaipa, CA Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)

The light-output standard for digital billboards in the City of Yucaipa is Development Code Section 87.0725(c)(5)(C). The maximum intensity of light output produced by an Electronic Messaging Center Billboard display cannot exceed 0.3 foot-candles above the ambient light level at any time, measured using a foot-candle meter at a distance of 250 feet. The same sentence requires compliance with Section 5403(g) of the Outdoor Advertising Act and Section 21466.5 of the California Vehicle Code. Automatic dimmers must be installed and operational on every billboard to adjust the light output to those standards.

Because Section 87.0705(c) exempts electronic message signs from its steady, shielded-light rule and 0.5 footcandle glare cap for ordinary signs, subparagraph (C) is the measured limit that applies to these displays. Related design limits in the same subsection shape how much light reaches neighbors and drivers. Under (c)(5)(D), displays carry still or static messages or images only, with no flashing, blinking or traveling lighting, no varying of light intensity, and no other means not providing constant illumination. Each message holds for a minimum of eight consecutive seconds, and the blank or transition time between messages cannot exceed one second.

Under (c)(5)(E), a billboard has no more than two display screen faces, each oriented primarily for viewing from Interstate 10 and directed away from any residentially zoned property to the maximum extent feasible. Section 87.0710(h) still prohibits any sign not effectively shielded to keep beams or rays of light off the traveled way. Subsection (c)(5)(A) states that where a conflict arises between the section and applicable Federal, State or local law, unless otherwise preempted, local law controls. Each billboard also needs a conditional use permit under Section 83.030120.