Los Angeles County, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeway setback
- 660 feet from right-of-way
- Max billboard size
- 800 square feet
- Max billboard height
- 42 feet (60 ft near exits)
- Permit required
- Conditional Use Permit, Ch. 22.158
- Applies in
- Unincorporated LA County only
Summary
In unincorporated LA County, outdoor advertising signs can't have a message face within 660 feet of a freeway or scenic highway's right-of-way if aimed at passing drivers, per County Code Title 22.
That such sign shall not be permitted having a message face visible from and within a distance of 660 feet of the edge of right-of-way of a freeway or scenic highway, measured horizontally along a line normal or perpendicular to the centerline of such freeway or scenic highway, if designed to be viewed primarily by persons traveling thereon.
Full Breakdown
The County's Title 22 sign ordinance bars any outdoor advertising sign (billboard) with a message face within 660 feet of a freeway or scenic highway's right-of-way when designed to be seen mainly by passing motorists, measured on a line perpendicular to the highway's centerline (LA County Code Section 22.114.070.D). Billboards elsewhere need a Conditional Use Permit, cap out at 800 square feet and 42 feet tall. Separately, freeway-oriented business signs within that same 660-foot band and within 1,500 feet of a freeway exit serving the site can get a Minor Conditional Use Permit to rise to 60 feet, per Section 22.114.120.H.4.a. Applies only in unincorporated areas -- incorporated cities like Los Angeles set their own sign codes.
Violations & Fines
Erecting or maintaining a nonconforming billboard within the freeway setback is a public nuisance under Section 22.242.040 and County Public Works can order removal; violators may also face misdemeanor zoning-code penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a billboard visible from a freeway in unincorporated LA County?
Does this rule apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California sign regulations overview
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