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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Requirement
Conditional use permit required
Applies to
All digital/electronic message signs
Review type
Discretionary, case-by-case approval
Citation
Imperial County Code § 90401.15(F)

Summary

Imperial County requires a conditional use permit for every digital or changeable electronic variable message sign, giving the planning commission discretionary say over any new electronic billboard or reader board.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All digital signs, also known as changeable electronic variable message signs, will require a conditional use permit.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).

Full Breakdown

Imperial County's sign chapter singles out digital signs, also called changeable electronic variable message signs, for special treatment: unlike the standard monument, pole, or building-mounted signs the chapter otherwise permits by right (subject to size and height limits), any digital sign requires discretionary approval of a conditional use permit before it can go up. The rule applies countywide in the unincorporated area and functions as the county's practical control on electronic billboards, giving the planning commission case-by-case authority to deny, condition, or limit digital signage rather than approving it administratively.

Violations & Fines

Installing a digital or changeable electronic message sign without an approved conditional use permit violates the sign chapter and is subject to the county's standard land-use citation and enforcement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an electronic reader-board sign by right in unincorporated Imperial County?
No. Section 90401.15(F) requires a conditional use permit for any digital or changeable electronic variable message sign.
Does a standard illuminated (non-digital) monument sign need the same permit?
No: static illuminated signs follow the chapter's regular monument or pole sign standards; only digital/changeable message signs trigger the CUP requirement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Imperial County

All Imperial County rules

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