Fullerton, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Signs per property
- one freeway sign
- Frontage requirement
- property must front a freeway ROW
- Max sign area
- 250 square feet
- Extra size/height
- requires a conditional use permit
- Flashing readerboard
- requires a conditional use permit
- Rotating signs
- barred citywide
Summary
A freestanding FREEWAY SIGN, defined as a pole-type structure sited to be seen from a freeway, is capped at 250 square feet under Table 15.49.020, limited to one sign per property, and allowed only where the property fronts a freeway right-of-way. A bigger sign, a taller structure, or a flashing readerboard needs a conditional use permit.
FREEWAY SIGN ... Maximum number: One per property. The property must have frontage along right-of-way of a freeway. ... Maximum size and allowance of sign: 250 sq. ft. ... Other limitations: 1. Additional size or height requires the approval of a conditional use permit. 2. A flashing readerboard sign requires the approval of a conditional use permit.
Full Breakdown
120. 020(C) to govern commercial and industrial properties, limits a property to one freeway sign, and only if the property has frontage along the right-of-way of a freeway. The maximum sign area allowed is 250 square feet, with height measured from the average grade at the sign's base to its top. 70. 050(A), which bars any sign that could distract or blind a driver, and it cannot be a rotating sign. 050(A)(2) regardless of freeway frontage, so a freeway sign under this table can only advertise the business or use located on that same site, unlike a billboard.
Violations & Fines
A freeway sign built larger or taller than the Table 15.49.020 allowance, or fitted with flashing readerboard copy, without the conditional use permit the table's notes and § 15.49.050(B) require, is an unpermitted sign structure. Under § 15.49.010(B) any sign erected in violation of Chapter 15.49 is a public nuisance, and § 15.49.110 subjects it to the abatement process in Chapter 6.01, which can include a city order to remove or modify the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a freeway-facing sign be in Fullerton?
Can my freeway sign flash changing prices or messages?
Is a freeway sign the same as a billboard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fullerton
California rules heatmap·Compare Fullerton to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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