Hercules, CA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Animated-sign ban
- Excludes electronic message signs
- Digital/changeable-copy signs
- Need master sign program approval
- Standard review body
- Community Development Director
- Planning Commission review
- Design-policy conflicts, variances
- Governing sections
- § 13-34.302(12), § 13-34.700(6)
Summary
Hercules bans blinking or moving animated signs, but the ban explicitly excludes electronic message signs and time-and-temperature displays. Those digital signs still count as changeable copy signs, so they are prohibited unless approved through a master sign program.
6. Animated signs that use blinking lights, audible sounds, human or animal generated movements. This restriction does not apply to electronic message signs and time and temperature signs. ... 12. Changeable Copy Signs. Changeable copy signs are prohibited except as approved through a master sign program.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 555, passed March 25, 2025).
Full Breakdown
700(6) prohibits animated signs that use blinking lights, audible sounds, or human- or animal-generated movements, but the same subsection carves out an exception: this restriction does not apply to electronic message signs and time and temperature signs. That carve-out does not make digital billboards unregulated, though. 302(12) separately prohibits changeable copy signs, the broader category that covers electronic message displays capable of switching messages, except as approved through a master sign program. 400, the same review track used for large multi-tenant centers and site-wide signage plans. 103.
Violations & Fines
Installing a changeable copy or electronic message sign without an approved master sign program is a sign code violation. Section 13-34.205 lets the Chief Building Official order removal within 30 days of written notice, and Section 13-34.207 authorizes the Planning Commission or City Council to revoke a sign permit and empowers the City Attorney to prosecute the sign as a public nuisance if it is not removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are digital billboards legal in Hercules?
Doesn't the City ban all animated or blinking signs?
Who reviews a proposed digital sign in Hercules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hercules
California rules heatmap·Compare Hercules to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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