Virtually all local governments in California have laws to regulate the placement and posting of signs in some manner. In most cases, these sign laws are part of a city or county’s larger zoning laws, which define, for example, the boundaries of residential and commercial zones in any given community. These sign laws often have been in place for years, and have likely undergone many amendments and revisions. Sign laws are generally designed to promote effective communication while “protecting the public and preserving the aesthetic character of the city.” The laws attempt to strike a balance between allowing access to information (through the posting of signs) and limiting visual blight.

This memo is intended to educate the public about how a typical local sign law is constructed and to provide advice about how best to strengthen the sign law to promote the public health. An appendix to this memo provides sample ordinance language that strengthens local sign laws in two ways: (1) by limiting the amount of storefront signage allowed; and (2) by eliminating certain types of signs such as “A” frame/sandwich board signs and pole signs. If sign laws are strict and well-enforced, they may be an effective tool in limiting the amount of tobacco advertising in a community, since tobacco is one of the most heavily advertised products at a retail outlet.