Palm Desert, CA Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Section 25.56.050 lists the signs prohibited in the City of Palm Desert, and three entries decide the digital billboard question. Item E bans electronic changeable copy signs. Item H bans off-site outdoor advertising signs (billboards). Item K bans signs that rotate, move, flash, blink, or appear to do any of the foregoing, with the single exception of approved time and temperature displays. The definitions chapter describes an outdoor advertising structure or sign as a sign placed for the purpose of advertising products or services that are not produced, stored, or sold on the property upon which the sign is located, so a board selling someone else's business is barred whatever its technology. Item A separately bans advertising devices, defined to include balloons, flags, pennants, propellers, and oscillating, rotating, or pulsating lights.

The ban cannot be traded away. Section 25.56.020(A) allows only signs authorized by the chapter, and § 25.56.100(D)(6) says approval of a comprehensive sign program shall not authorize the use of signs prohibited by the chapter. On-premises illuminated signs still face § 25.56.060(L): a dimmer system, shielded external light sources, internal illumination only where the background is opaque, a 30-day review period in which the Director can order a reduction, and authority to order dimming of any illumination found to be excessively bright.

One carve-out protects existing boards. Section 25.56.110(D) says nothing in the chapter limits the owner of a lawful nonconforming off-site sign (billboard) from periodically changing advertising copy. Freeway frontage does not open a billboard exception: the Interstate 10 signs allowed by § 25.56.080(B)(1) are freeway-oriented monument signs that belong to a Sign Program for a commercially developed center. Illuminated LED window signs are allowed only as permanent window signs of 15 square feet or less that do not rotate, move, flash, or blink.