San Bernardino County, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Conditional Use Permit required
- Spacing
- 750 feet between freeway signs
- Max size
- 500 square feet
- Location
- Within 1,000 ft of commercial/industrial use
- Setback
- 3 feet from right-of-way, any height
Summary
Freeway oriented off-site signs need a Conditional Use Permit, must sit in an established commercial or industrial business area, and must be spaced 750 feet apart under the Development Code.
Freeway oriented off-site signs shall be erected, constructed, or maintained, to ensure that the message displayed on the signs shall be designed to be viewed by the operators of vehicles traveling on freeways.
(2) Applicable Land Use Development Standards. In addition to the provisions of this Subdivision, signs shall be subject to the provisions of the land use zoning district in which they are located.
(3) Conditional Use Permit Required. Freeway oriented off-site signs shall be allowed subject to a Conditional Use Permit.
(4) Minimum Spacing. See § 83.13.060(a)(8) (Minimum Spacing).
(5) Location and Design Standards. Unless otherwise specified in this Chapter, the location and design standards for freeway oriented off-site signs shall be as provided in the:
(A) Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code §§ 5200 et seq.).
(B) Code of Regulations, Title 4 (Business Regulations), Chapter 4 (Directional and Other Official Signs and Notices).
(6) Activities Exempt from Permit Requirements. The changing of a message or customary maintenance of a legally existing sign structure as defined in § 2270 (Customary Maintenance) of the Code of Regulations, Title 4 (Business Regulations), Chapter 1 (Outdoor Advertising General) shall not require a Use Permit in compliance with this Subdivision.
(7) Location Standards. In addition to other applicable Federal, State,
Full Breakdown
San Bernardino County's Development Code treats freeway oriented off-site signs as a distinct, tightly controlled sign type. Any sign designed to be read by drivers on a freeway requires a Conditional Use Permit before the Building Official will issue a building permit. The sign must be located within 1,000 feet of an existing commercial or industrial activity in a commercial or industrial zoning district, spaced at least 750 feet from the next freeway sign on the same side of the freeway, capped at 500 square feet, and set back at least 3 feet from the right-of-way regardless of height. A State Outdoor Advertising Permit is also required where the state mandates one.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a freeway oriented off-site sign without an approved Conditional Use Permit and Building Permit is unlawful; the Building Official can deny the permit or the county can pursue removal as an illegal structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a freeway-facing sign without a permit?
How close together can freeway signs be built?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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