Outdoor Advertising Regulations in California
Outdoor advertising in California is regulated by a variety of laws and ordinances, both at the state and local levels. The following is a summary of the most important regulations:
Statewide Regulations
The Outdoor Advertising Act (OAA), which is codified in California Business and Professions Code sections 5200-5486, is the primary state law that regulates outdoor advertising. The OAA establishes a number of restrictions on the placement of outdoor advertising signs, including:
- Size and placement: Outdoor advertising signs in California cannot be larger than 672 square feet in size and cannot be located within 660 feet of an interstate highway or 500 feet of a primary highway.
- Content: Outdoor advertising signs in California cannot contain certain types of content, such as obscenity, pornography, or false or misleading information.
- Permits: All outdoor advertising signs in California require a permit. Permits can be obtained from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
In addition to the OAA, there are a number of other state laws that regulate outdoor advertising, such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Scenic Highway Program.
Local Regulations
In addition to the statewide regulations, many cities and counties in California have their own outdoor advertising regulations. These regulations may vary from one jurisdiction to another, but they typically address the same issues as the statewide regulations, such as size, placement, content, and permits.
How to Comply with Outdoor Advertising Regulations
If you are considering placing an outdoor advertising sign in California, it is important to consult with Caltrans and the local jurisdiction where you plan to place the sign to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and ordinances.
Here are some additional tips for complying with outdoor advertising regulations in California:
- Obtain a permit from Caltrans before placing any outdoor advertising signs along an interstate or primary highway.
- Obtain a permit from the local jurisdiction before placing any outdoor advertising signs on local roads.
- Make sure that your outdoor advertising signs meet all size and placement requirements.
- Avoid placing your outdoor advertising signs near schools, parks, and other public facilities.
- Do not include any obscene, pornographic, or false or misleading information in your outdoor advertising signs.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your outdoor advertising campaign is compliant with all applicable laws and ordinances in California.
Conclusion
Outdoor advertising can be a very effective way to promote your business or products in California. However, it is important to be aware of the regulations that govern outdoor advertising in the state. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that your outdoor advertising campaign is compliant with all applicable laws and ordinances.
