Los Angeles, CA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Off-site digital displays
- Prohibited citywide (with narrow exceptions)
- Conversion of existing billboard to digital
- Prohibited (same exceptions apply)
- Exception: specific plan / SUP / development agreement
- Allowed if specifically approved in an adopted instrument
- Exception: relocation agreement
- Allowed per Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 5412
- Max sign area for lawful off-site signs
- 800 sq ft per face
- Max height for lawful off-site signs
- 42 ft above sidewalk grade (60 ft absolute max)
Summary
Off-site digital displays are prohibited citywide in Los Angeles; limited exceptions exist for signs specifically authorized by an adopted specific plan, supplemental use district, approved development agreement, or relocation agreement.
Digital Display [LAMC § 14.4.2]. A sign face, building face, and/or any building or structural component that displays still images, scrolling images, moving images, or flashing images, including video and animation, through the use of grid lights, cathode ray projections, light emitting diode displays, plasma screens, liquid crystal displays, fiber optics, or other electronic media or technology that is either independent of or attached to, integrated into, or projected onto a building or structural component, and that may be changed remotely through electronic means.
11. Are off-site signs, including off-site digital displays. This prohibition shall also apply to alterations, enlargements or conversions to digital displays of legally existing off-site signs. EXCEPTIONS: (a) alterations conforming to Section 91.6216; or (b) off-site signs permitted pursuant to a relocation agreement under California Business and Professions Code Section 5412; or (c) off-site signs, including off-site digital displays, specifically permitted pursuant to a legally adopted specific plan, supplemental use district or approved development agreement; or (d) non-digital off-site signs authorized by a valid building permit for a temporary sign on temporary construction walls or fences surrounding vacant lots pursuant to Section 14.4.17.
Full Breakdown
11 prohibits off-site signs including off-site digital displays, and extends that prohibition to conversions of existing off-site signs to digital displays. 2 as any sign face or building component using LED, LCD, fiber optics, or similar electronic media to display still, scrolling, moving, or flashing images changeable remotely. 17. 18 may not exceed 800 sq ft per face, 42 feet in height (60 feet absolute max), and must be at least 200 feet from residentially zoned lots for signs larger than 80 sq ft.
Violations & Fines
No building permit may be issued for a prohibited off-site digital display. Existing unlawful signs are subject to removal orders and public-nuisance abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a digital billboard in Los Angeles?
Can an existing billboard be converted to digital?
What qualifies as a 'digital display' under LA law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Digital Billboards in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle digital billboards.