Are LED Signs Allowed in Colton, San Bernardino County, California? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning

EMC Sign Allowed?

✅ Yes—with restrictions. The City of Colton defines and regulates “Changeable Copy Signs, Electronic” in its sign chapter.

Colton’s sign code (Title 18, Chapter 18.50 – Signs) includes provisions for electronic changeable copy signs—i.e. digital displays—as a subset of permitted signage types, subject to limitations and design controls. 

That said, these signs must comply with static-image only operation (no animation), dimming / brightness controls, and must relate to on-site use (no off-site advertising). 

If you’re interested, I can check whether Colton has a variance or conditional use path for EMCs beyond standard allowances.

🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Colton Sign Code

🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Colton Zoning & GIS Map

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EMC Sign Summary Table

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Zoning District Overview

Colton’s sign code regulates signs under Title 18, Chapter 18.50 (Signs).

While Colton’s code does not enumerate in Chapter 18.50 a full list of zoning districts in that chapter, it applies generally to permitted commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zones as allowed by the development code.

For off-site (billboard/digital billboard) approvals, Colton has in recent years processed amendments and conditional use / public benefit agreements (see below).

If you like, I can pull together a current map of Colton’s zoning and highlight which zones are most likely eligible for EMC signage.

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Zoning-Specific Standards / Sign Standards

Below are some of the pertinent standards in Colton’s sign chapter as they relate to electronic / changeable copy:

Changeable / Electronic Copy Sign Requirements

From Colton’s definitions and sign chapter:

• The term “Changeable Copy Sign, Electronic” means a sign whose primary advertising focus is the intermittent display of electronic, computerized, digital, or electronic message panels.

• Electronic panels must comply with the static copy / no animation requirement. The sign must incorporate ambient light sensors / automatic dimming controls. 

• Transitions between messages must appear instantaneous (no fading, rolling effects). The content must relate only to on-site uses (no off-site advertising). 

• The EMC panel portion may not exceed 50 % of the tenant’s total sign allotment. 

• Only one electronic message center sign is allowed per freestanding or monument sign structure per tenant.

Off-Site / Billboard / Gateway Digital Sign

• Colton recently processed a “gateway” digital billboard proposal under a public benefit / billboard agreement for a site at 2680 S. La Cadena Drive. 

• That project was subject to conditions requiring automatic dimming, brightness limits tied to ambient light, and review under the city’s billboard / off-site sign standards.

• The billboard application required conditional use or agreement beyond standard sign code allowances. 

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Permit Filing Requirements

If you want to propose an EMC / electronic signage in Colton, here are the likely steps (based on Colton’s sign review application process):

• Fill out Colton’s Sign Review Application available from the City (Development Services).

• Submit site plans showing building layout, sign location, setbacks, elevations, electrical details, and light sensor / dimming controls.

• Pay application / review fees (variable by project size)

• If your sign is part of a multi-tenant development, a Master Sign Program may need approval before EMCs are permitted.

• For off-site digital billboards (gateway signage), a Public Benefit / Billboard Agreement or conditional use process may be required (as in the La Cadena example).

• The applicant will need to demonstrate compliance with dimming / brightness standards and controls.

If you like, I can pull the current fee schedule for sign permit review in Colton too.

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Local Project Example

A notable example is the digital billboard (“gateway sign”) proposed at 2680 S. La Cadena Drive in Colton.

• The project proposes to remove an existing pole sign and erect a digital, changeable-copy billboard structure subject to a public benefit agreement.

• Conditions require incorporation of ambient light sensors, dimming control, and brightness constraints tied to ambient lighting.

• It demonstrates that Colton does entertain exceptions / agreements for larger digital signage, under stricter review.

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Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Excerpts)

Below is a pertinent excerpt from Colton’s Title 18, Chapter 18.50 (Signs):

Definitions
“‘Changeable Copy Sign, Electronic’ means a Sign whose primary advertising focus is the intermittent display of electronic, computerized, digital or electronic message panels.”

Electronic / Changeable Copy Sign Provisions
(From the code)

• Electronic copy signs must display static images only; message transitions must be instantaneous (no fading, rolling, dissolving). 

• They must incorporate automatic dimming / light sensor controls so brightness does not exceed certain thresholds above ambient light. 

• Only one EMC per freestanding sign per tenant; and EMC portion cannot exceed 50 % of the sign allotment.

• No off-site advertising allowed.

You should refer to the full Colton Municipal Code (Title 18, Chapter 18.50) for complete tables, definitions, and cross references.

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External Reference Links

🗺️ Colton Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Colton Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal