Pacifica, CA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Article 29 of the Pacifica Zoning Code governs every sign in the City, and Section 9-4.2903 lists the signs the City refuses to permit under any circumstance. Subsection (d) prohibits 'animated, moving, or flashing signs' outright, a category the article's definitions section, Section 9-4.2902, ties to any sign 'designed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts or lights or degree of lighting' or one that 'exhibits changing light or color effect by blinking or any other such means.' That sweeps in the electronic message boards used for digital billboards. Subsection (k) separately bans 'off-site signs,' which Section 9-4.2902(ak) defines as also known as 'off-premises, billboard, and poster panels' advertising, i.e. any sign that advertises goods or services not located on the same premises. The only exceptions carved out of the off-site ban are real estate A-frames, subdivision signs, and other signs specifically permitted by State law.

Enforcement runs through the Planning Administrator under Section 9-4.2912: an offending sign can be ordered altered, repaired, or removed, with permanent signs given fifteen calendar days to comply after written notice and temporary signs five days. If the owner does not comply, the Building Official may remove the sign and bill the owner for the City's actual removal, storage, and disposal costs. Anyone who erects a prohibited animated or off-site sign is guilty of an infraction under Section 9-4.2912(g), punishable per the citywide penalty schedule in Section 1-2.01 of Title 1.