Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

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

Key Facts

Brightness cap
0.3 fc above ambient
Min dwell time
8 seconds static
Spacing, interstate
1,500 ft between signs
Spacing, other streets
1,000 ft between signs

Summary

Fort Smith limits digital billboard faces to 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light, an eight-second minimum dwell time, and 1,000 to 1,500 feet of spacing between digital signs.

Electronic message changes must be accomplished within a time interval of two seconds or less; The message or image on a digital face must remain static for a minimum of eight seconds... Digital faces shall not operate at brightness levels of more than 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light, as measured using a foot-candle meter.

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 4).

Full Breakdown

Section 27-704-4(g) of the Unified Development Ordinance governs digital-face outdoor advertising signs (billboards). Message changes must complete within two seconds, but each image must then hold static for a minimum of eight seconds; dissolves, fades, flashing, or scrolling are banned except for public-service time, date, or weather displays approved by the city administrator. Digital faces cannot exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light, verified with a foot-candle meter and a light-sensing auto-dimmer, and must sit at least 1,500 feet from another digital sign along interstates or 1,000 feet along other streets. A malfunctioning display must freeze or be disabled until fixed.

Violations & Fines

Noncompliance can result in revocation of the digital-face authorization on the sign permit, following notice and an opportunity to comply, under Sec. 27-704-4(g)(13).

Frequently Asked Questions

How bright can a digital billboard be at night?
No more than 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light, measured with a foot-candle meter and certified to the city at permit issuance.
Can a digital billboard scroll or flash?
No. Flashing, scrolling, or fading transitions are banned; images must change within two seconds and then hold static for at least eight seconds.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsHoliday DisplaysFew RestrictionsWindow SignsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Fort Smith rules

Compare Fort Smith to another location·View the Arkansas sign regulations overview

Get notified when Digital Billboards in Fort Smith, AR changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.