Boise, ID Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Frame change limit
- No more than every 8 seconds
- Movement
- Static frame effects only, no transitions
- Allowed districts
- MX-2, MX-3, I-1, I-2 only
- Approval required
- Conditional Use Permit + sign permit
- Citywide billboard count
- Capped, no net increase
Summary
Electronic billboards in Boise must show static frames only, changing no more than once every 8 seconds, with strict brightness caps.
Electronic message displays are allowed with static frame effects that change with no transition - no more frequently than every 8 seconds. Brightness levels shall comply with Section 11-04-012.7.A(5)(b)vi. A change from non-EMD to EMD requires the approval of a sign permit.
(j) Setbacks shall be at least five feet from any property line. When adjacent to a Residential zoning district, the setback of that residential zoning district shall be met.
10. Special Sign Districts:
A. Capitol Boulevard Sign Standards: In addition to the generally applicable sign regulations of this Section
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise caps the number of billboards citywide, no new ones except through annexation, and treats electronic message displays on billboards as a Conditional Use Permit matter in the MX-2, MX-3, I-1, and I-2 districts only. Electronic message displays on billboards are allowed only with static frame effects that change with no transition, no more frequently than every 8 seconds, and brightness must comply with the citywide EMD brightness standard. Converting an existing static billboard to an electronic display requires a new sign permit.
Violations & Fines
Planning and Development Services enforces the Development Code; installing or operating an EMD billboard without the required Conditional Use Permit and sign permit, or violating frame-change or brightness limits, is a code violation subject to standard zoning enforcement and potential permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a new digital billboard be built anywhere in Boise?
Can an existing static billboard be converted to digital?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.