La Habra, CA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LHMC § 18.23.030.A Sign Matrix
- Billboard status
- Not Permitted in every zone
- Digital Display status
- Not Permitted in every zone
- Electronic message status
- Not Permitted in every zone
- Permit pathway available
- None; matrix forecloses all three sign types
Summary
In the City of La Habra, the Sign Matrix in Municipal Code § 18.23.030.A marks billboards, digital display signs and electronic message signs "Not Permitted" in every zoning category the city has, single-unit residential, multi-unit residential, mobile home park, mixed-use residential and nonresidential alike. There is no conditional use permit or temporary allowance for any of the three sign types anywhere in the city.
Sign Matrix. Signs shall be permitted (P), conditionally permitted (CUP), temporarily permitted (T), or not permitted (-), as identified in Table 18.23.030.A - Sign Matrix. ... Single-Unit Residential Multi-Unit Residential Mobilehome Park Mixed-Use Residential Nonresidential ... Billboard - - - - - ... Digital Display - - - - - ... Electronic message - - - - -
Full Breakdown
La Habra's sign ordinance, Chapter 18.23, adopts a citywide matrix at § 18.23.030.A that assigns every sign type one of five statuses across five zoning categories: permitted (P), conditionally permitted (CUP), temporarily permitted (T), banner permit (B), or not permitted (-). Three sign types relevant to large-format digital advertising each receive a flat "Not Permitted" across all five columns, single-unit residential, multi-unit residential, mobile home park, mixed-use residential and nonresidential: "Billboard," "Digital Display," and "Electronic message." Unlike other regulated sign types such as changeable copy signs, which the matrix allows with a conditional use permit in nonresidential zones, or banners, which are allowed with a banner permit in several zones, none of these three receive any CUP, temporary or banner pathway.
The chapter's stated purpose is to maintain and enhance the city's appearance and property values, guide compatible sign design, and reduce driver and pedestrian distraction and visual nuisance (§ 18.23.010.B-C). The matrix does not exempt any zone, including the nonresidential column that otherwise permits attached, awning, canopy, freestanding and directory signs. A property owner cannot obtain relief for a digital or electronic message sign, or a billboard, through the standard permit process described in this chapter because the matrix itself forecloses the use before any application stage.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a billboard, digital display or electronic message sign anywhere in La Habra has no permit pathway under § 18.23.030.A and constitutes an unpermitted sign subject to code enforcement removal. A general Municipal Code violation is a misdemeanor under § 1.08.010, punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, with every day the illegal sign remains in place treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business put up a digital billboard in La Habra?
Are electronic message signs allowed in commercial zones?
What happens if someone installs a digital sign anyway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Habra
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