Lancaster, CA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

F, so digital billboards only exist in Lancaster as upgrades or relocations of pre-existing, legally nonconforming billboards. Subsection P sets the rules for those digital advertising displays (DADs), defined earlier in the section as displays created by LEDs, LCDs, pixel or sub-pixel technology or similar means. A standard off-premises sign face is capped at 300 square feet, but a DAD may grow to as much as 675 square feet per face, or 1,350 square feet for a double-faced sign, if the applicant shows the larger size is needed for a readable display and agrees to permanently surrender an equivalent amount of other billboard square footage in the city.

Height is normally capped at 32 feet, though a DAD immediately adjacent to a freeway can exceed that limit if compliance would impair visibility, but only to the minimum extent necessary. Content is tightly restricted: a DAD cannot depict or simulate motion or video, images must display for a minimum of 6 seconds each, and transitions between images cannot exceed one second. 3-foot candles over ambient light, measured per the Outdoor Advertising Association of America's Lewin Report methodology, and the city can further restrict intensity if the display distracts drivers or affects nearby residential property. K, and the city may condition approval on making time available on the DAD for public service announcements.