Lincoln, NE Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Hold time (>80 sq ft)
- 10 seconds minimum
- Hold time (≤80 sq ft)
- 1 second minimum
- Animation
- Banned on off-premises signs
- Sign spacing
- 5,000 ft between off-premises digital signs
- Zoning
- Nonresidential districts only
Summary
Off-premises digital billboards in Lincoln must hold each message for at least ten seconds if the display exceeds 80 square feet, or one second if smaller, and cannot show animated content.
2. Electronic Changeable Copy (Off-Premises). In all nonresidential zoning districts, off-premises electronic changeable copy signs are allowed subject to the following restrictions:
i. If the off-premises sign area displaying electronic changeable messages is greater than 80 square feet, the message shall hold for at least ten seconds. If said sign area is 80 square feet or less, the message shall hold for at least one second.
ii. No message on an electronic changeable copy sign shall be animated.
iii. Transition between messages are permitted but such transitions may only fade, scroll, travel, or reveal, and the transition shall not exceed a duration of one second.
3. Prior to the issuance of an electronic changeable copy sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been preset not to exceed the above illumination levels, and the preset intensity level is protected from end user manipulation by password protected software or other method approved by the Director of Building and Safety.
4. Illuminated electronic changeable copy signs shall be equipped with a sensor and/or timer or other device approved by the Director of Building and Safety to automatically adjust the day/night light intensity levels in accordance with Figure 6 below.
https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/lincoln-ne/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-6263
1440/1518
8/11/26, 11:58 PM
Document Viewer | Municipal Code
Full Breakdown
Lincoln's zoning code splits electronic changeable copy signs into on-premises and off-premises (billboard) categories, both allowed only in nonresidential zoning districts. Off-premises digital billboards over 80 square feet must hold each message at least ten seconds; smaller displays hold at least one second. Transitions may only fade, scroll, travel, or reveal, capped at a one-second duration, and animation is banned outright on off-premises signs. Off-premises electronic changeable copy signs must also sit at least 5,000 feet from any other off-premises electronic changeable copy sign, and off-premises signs generally require a ten-year administrative permit from the Director of Building and Safety.
Violations & Fines
Signs that hold messages shorter than the required time, animate, or use disallowed transitions violate Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.69.030 and are subject to Building and Safety Department enforcement; off-premises signs also need a renewable administrative permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a digital billboard in Lincoln flash or animate?
How long must a digital billboard message stay on screen?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska sign regulations overview
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