Glendale, CA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code Sec. 30.33.040(N), (A)
- Billboard definition
- Nonaccessory sign (Sec. 30.33.020)
- Overlay exception
- ASOZ signs under Chapter 30.26 only
- First infraction fine
- Up to $100
- Escalating fines
- $200, then $500 within a year
- Fourth violation
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 months
Summary
Glendale bans digital and electronic billboards citywide. Municipal Code Sec. 30.33.040 outlaws both animated signs (video screens, LED message boards) and non-accessory signs, and a billboard is defined as a nonaccessory sign, so an off-site digital billboard is prohibited twice over outside a designated overlay zone.
Except as permitted under Section 30.33.040, the following signs shall not be permitted, constructed, erected or maintained in the city unless otherwise permitted by this section. A. Animated signs, except as permitted as an approved creative sign or as permitted in Chapter 30.26. This does not include public service signs such as time and temperature units and/or barber poles, or price signs at gas stations... N. Non-accessory signs and sign structures; provided however, that this prohibition on non-accessory signs shall not prohibit ASOZ accessory signs and ASOZ non-accessory signs as permitted in Chapter 30.26 of this title. "Billboard" means a nonaccessory sign as defined in this section.
Full Breakdown
33 defines a "billboard" as "a nonaccessory sign as defined in this section" (Sec. 020). Sec. 040(N) then bans "non-accessory signs and sign structures" outright, which sweeps in every off-site billboard citywide. 040(A), and the Sec. " That closes off LED and video-screen billboard technology even where a sign is otherwise accessory. 040(N) exempts by name; outside that overlay process there is no path to erect a non-accessory digital billboard. Enforcement runs through the city's general penalty chapter: Sec. 010(D) lists Sec. 010(B) by a fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for each additional violation within one year, escalating to a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 and six months) after three violations in a year.
The city attorney can also treat an illegal billboard as a public nuisance and seek abatement or a civil penalty up to $1,000 per violation under Sec. 050. 33's sign standards go to the hearing officer under Sec. 43.
Violations & Fines
A digital billboard erected without ASOZ approval is cited as an infraction under Sec. 1.20.010(D): up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each further violation in that year, with a fourth violation charged as a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 and six months in jail. The city attorney may also abate the sign as a public nuisance or pursue a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation under Sec. 1.20.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business put up an electronic billboard in Glendale?
Does Glendale allow LED or video-screen sign content anywhere?
What happens if someone puts up an illegal digital sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
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