Got a high-visibility piece of property and you’re thinking, “Can I put a billboard on my land?” You’re not the only one. With so much traffic cruising through California’s highways and city streets, outdoor advertising can be a goldmine. But before you start designing a giant branded sign, let’s talk legality, logistics—and how CR&A Custom can help you do it right from the start.
Spoiler: Yes, you can put up a billboard. But in California, you’ll need to navigate a maze of zoning laws, permits, and red tape. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
Step One: Check the Zoning—Seriously
If you're googling “Can I build a billboard on my property?”, the very first thing to do is look at how your land is zoned.
Commercial and industrial zones? Great—you’re off to a solid start.
Residential? Hit the brakes. It’s pretty much a no-go.
In cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, out of home advertising gets even more complicated. These cities have entire departments dedicated to saying “no” to new billboards—unless you’re in a specific sign district or redevelopment area. So before you draw up plans or sign a lease, talk to your local planning department.
Step Two: Get Friendly With Caltrans
If your billboard is visible from a state or federal highway (and let’s face it—those are the good spots), Caltrans wants a word.
The California Outdoor Advertising Act says you need a permit from Caltrans and your local city or county. Double the paperwork, double the fun.
Here’s what Caltrans looks for:
Your land must be zoned commercial or industrial
It has to be within 660 feet of a highway right-of-way
It can’t block scenic views or violate spacing rules
And yes—it must be spaced far enough from other billboards
Still with us? Good. Because CR&A Custom works with architects, engineers, and sign professionals who handle Caltrans permitting like pros.
Step Three: Local Permits Are Non-Negotiable
Even if Caltrans gives you the green light, your city or county has final say. This means pulling a building permit, providing detailed plans, and jumping through whatever local hoops they set up.
In some cases, you may even need a public hearing. (Hope you like PowerPoint.) But this is where working with an experienced signage partner matters. We’re not just printing billboards—we’re guiding you through a compliance process that keeps your project legal and on track. You focus on the big picture—we’ll handle the fine print.
The Environmental Angle
California loves a good Environmental Impact Report. If your billboard is digital, illuminated, or in a sensitive location, you might need one.
Even if you’re fully zoned and permitted, local pushback can slow things down—especially for digital signs. That’s why it pays to have CR&A Custom in your corner. We know how to design signage that’s bold, beautiful, and doesn’t ruffle feathers.
Digital Billboards: Cool, But Complicated
Thinking bigger? Can I put up a digital billboard on my property?
You can try—but be prepared. Digital billboards are treated like the flashy sports cars of the signage world. They’re eye-catching, high-tech, and subject to stricter rules.
Most California cities either ban them entirely or allow them only under super-specific circumstances (like a city-owned media agreement or a redevelopment project). But if you’ve got a shot—we’ll help you take it.
Can I Rent Out Billboard Space on My Land?
Oh yes. If your property qualifies, leasing billboard space can be a sweet stream of passive income. Property owners in hot zones can earn anywhere from $500 to $5,000+ per month leasing to media companies.
We’ve worked with landowners, developers, and ad agencies to make these deals happen. Want to join the club? Let’s make sure your site checks every legal box—then design something that actually sells.
Where CR&A Custom Fits In
If you’re asking “Can I put a billboard on my property in California?”—we’re the ones to call next. Here’s how we make the complicated stuff way easier:
Billboard Design That Works
We don’t just print big—we design for impact. Our creative team brings your message to life at scale.
Large Format Printing You Can Trust
Printed in-house using advanced digital print technology and premium materials, our billboards are designed to make an impact for long periods of time.
Seamless Project Execution
Need help with fabrication or installation? We’ve got trusted partners in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and across the country ready to roll.
From concept to compliance, CR&A Custom is your billboard dream team.
Yes—you might be able to put a billboard on your California property. But don’t expect it to be easy. Between zoning laws, Caltrans rules, permit applications, and environmental reviews, this is one project you don’t want to wing.
The right partner makes all the difference. At CR&A Custom, we help brands, property owners, and media buyers navigate the system—and come out on top with billboard campaigns that grab attention and get results. We work with brands in a variety of industries, including hospitality, education, retail, healthcare, and more.
Ready to Go Big? Let’s Talk.
Before you break ground or pitch an idea to an ad buyer, give us a call. We’ll help you find out if your land qualifies, guide you through the process, and deliver the kind of billboard that gets noticed—legally.
📞 Schedule a consultation now or call us directly. We’re here to help you think bigger, bolder, and smarter.
