Bellflower, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Off-premises freeway ads
- prohibited outright
- Applies near
- landscaped freeway sections
- Exempt
- real estate, business ID, on-premises signs
- Permit override
- none available
Summary
Bellflower bans advertising displays on property next to landscaped freeway sections that are designed to be seen mainly by freeway drivers, with narrow exemptions for real estate, business, and on-premises signs.
A. Signs Prohibited. No advertising displays can be erected, constructed or maintained on property adjacent to a section of freeway which has been, or hereafter must be, landscaped as defined herein, if the advertising display is designed to be viewed primarily by persons traveling on such landscaped section of a freeway.
B. Exempt Advertising Displays. The provisions of this section do not apply to any of the following listed advertising structures or signs when used exclusively:
1. As a real estate sign authorized by Civil Code Section 713 and otherwise consistent with this Code;
2. As a business identification sign or to otherwise identify the premises on which it is placed; or 3. As an on-premises sign. (Ord. 1404 § 6, 12/14/20)
Full Breakdown
Under § 17.68.540, no advertising display can be erected, constructed, or maintained on property adjacent to a landscaped section of freeway if it is designed to be viewed primarily by freeway travelers. The prohibition targets off-premises advertising, billboards and similar displays aimed at drive-by exposure, rather than any sign on the property. Three categories are carved out: real estate signs authorized under Civil Code § 713, business identification signs identifying the premises, and on-premises signs generally. There is no permit that overrides the ban; a display designed for freeway viewership simply cannot be sited there.
Violations & Fines
Erecting or maintaining a non-exempt advertising display facing a landscaped freeway segment is a zoning violation; the City can order the display removed and pursue code enforcement citations and administrative fines under Chapter 1.12 for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business put up a billboard facing a landscaped freeway section in Bellflower?
What signs are exempt from the freeway sign ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellflower
California rules heatmap·Compare Bellflower to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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