Merced County, CA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

130 governs every electronic digital display message sign in unincorporated Merced County and is written to implement the California Outdoor Advertising Act of 2014 and federal highway-sign law. No such sign can be erected until a Zoning Clearance (for signs 24 feet or less in height) or an Administrative Permit (for signs 25 up to 60 feet) is approved, and a sign extending beyond 25 feet triggers additional conditions covering county fees for aesthetic impact, dedicated time for free public service announcements, and periodic compliance review.

Development standards cap the display face at 1,200 square feet, including border and trim, with an overall length no greater than 60 feet, require a single cylindrical column support, and bar cutouts or attachments. No digital sign may stand within 1,500 linear feet of another one, measured centerline to centerline, and digital displays must sit at least 250 feet from the nearest habitable residential or agricultural structure unless an engineering light study proves no glare impact. Operationally, brightness cannot exceed 5,000 nits in daylight or 500 nits from dusk to dawn, an automatic dimmer must shift illumination around sunset and sunrise, each message must hold static for a minimum of eight seconds with no animation, scrolling, or fade effects, and the Director can order a 30-day brightness review and reduce illumination or dark hours if the sign disturbs surrounding property. Every sign must carry public service announcements including Amber Alerts and must go dark automatically if it malfunctions.