SDMC §142.1201 et seq. (Sign Regulations) generally bans new off-premises billboards and prohibits digital changeable-message billboards in most zones, with narrow allowances only for certain commercial corridors and freeway-facing approvals.
Under SDMC §142.1201 et seq., the city's sign code prohibits new off-premises (billboard) signs citywide, continuing the 1970s billboard moratorium. Digital changeable-message displays are barred in residential, coastal, and most commercial zones. Limited digital on-premises signs are allowed in industrial and highway-commercial zones with operator permits, minimum dwell times of 8+ seconds, brightness caps measured in nits, and no animation, scrolling, or video. California Outdoor Advertising Act (Bus. & Prof. Code §5200 et seq.) imposes additional Caltrans review along state highways and freeways. Existing billboards may continue as legal nonconforming uses without conversion to digital.
Unpermitted digital billboards trigger civil penalties up to $2,500 per day, mandatory removal at owner cost, and possible misdemeanor charges. Caltrans concurrently revokes Outdoor Advertising Act permits along state highways for nonconforming displays.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Diego, CA
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no ...
San Diego, CA
San Diego enforces 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 and California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114 through the San Diego Build...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code § 4710 limi...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to SDM...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Amplified outdoor audi...
San Diego, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Diego require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line ...
See how San Diego's digital billboards rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.