State Regulations and Laws Crane Safety and DIR Rules

Requirements for permits, registrations, certifications and notifications

2012 Research on Digital Signs and Traffic Safety shows no significant adverse impact

The study, entitled, "Statistical Analysis of the Relationship between On-Premise Digital Signage and Traffic Safety," undertaken by Texas A&M University, included crash data from California and concludes: "The results of this study provide scientifically based data that indicate that the installation of digital on-premise signs does not lead to a statistically significant increase in crashes on major roads." For more info, click here.

SB 684 -- Save Redevelopment Signs

CSA Jointly Sponsoring Legislation with League of Cities

In response to member concerns that “redevelopment signs” permitted by Business & Professions Code §5273 would be eliminated or compelled to be removed due to the dissolution of redevelopment agencies upon expiration of their initial 10-year operating window, CSA drafted SB 684, which would allow an additional 10-year period for these signs to remain, subject to approval of the local jurisdiction (successor to the redevelopment agency). After several preliminary meetings, we were invited in January to attend the League of Cities annual policy planning committee (50+ members), which unanimously voted to support the bill – and to be a cosponsor. In the category that politics often makes strange bedfellows, CSA can be proud to be partnering with the League on this. In addition, the California Assn of Counties and California Planners have agreed to support the bill. The bill was formally introduced February 28. Read the bill text here.

Improve Your CSA Experience

Your CSA Member Benefits Committee is always looking for ways to improve your CSA experience and increase your member benefits. To that end, we have developed a short survey in hopes that you will take a moment and let us know what is important to you. Your participation in this survey is greatly appreciated and an important way for you to help us make CSA even better! Thank you in advance for your time and contribution!
Click here to take the survey.

LA Sign Ordinance

LA Sign Ordinance Moves to Full Council

January 24, 2013
As Deputy Planning Director Alan Bell stated, “Everything about signs is extraordinary.” After two hours of testimony January 22, the LA Planning & Land Use Management Committee (PLUM) voted to move the proposed revision to the full council. CSA and ISA staff worked diligently the past month to present to the Planning Department our serious concerns, among other issues, over untested maximum brightness limitations for all signs. As proposed, the city is looking at 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light. BUT, except as to LED displays, there’s been no field testing or other assessment that would justify this figure. Under current law, there is a 3.0 foot-candle over ambient standard. CSA will be working over the next month to evaluate the effect and alternatives, at which point city staff has committed to further potential refinements based on the new data. Additionally, CSA, as well as many other speakers, expressed concern about excessive, unreasonably punitive penalties for illegal signs -- up to $2,500/day for traditional signage and $12,000/day for some billboards. Read the letter from CSA to the LA Planning Department regarding the LA Sign Ordinance.

ADA Compliance—Lawsuit Abuse Reform

ADA Reform Signed By Governor!
In September, Governor Brown signed into law ADA reform measure, SB 1186 (Steinberg/Dutton), which will curb lawsuit abuse regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) while promoting increased compliance with disabled accessibility building codes. This is the culmination of a multi-year, bipartisan effort, that included leadership from state level elected officials Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Senator Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga), with federal support coming from Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). This bill is being hailed as the most comprehensive and significant reform to California’s ADA Law.

May a city require CEQA approval for an on-premise sign?

There is an express exemption under CEQA for on-premise signs. Public Resources Code
Section 21084 includes a list of classes of projects “which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which shall, therefore, be exempt from the provisions of CEQA.” See 14 Cal Code of Regulations §15300, et seq (CEQA Guidelines).

ISA Issues EMC Brightness Guidelines

In a recent report, the International Sign Association (ISA) issued brightness guidelines for electronic message centers (EMCs). Report summary

Membership Meetings

Have an idea for a Member Meeting for next year? Know a great and engaging speaker? Got a hot topic? Just want to be more involved in your association? Then contact CSA today with your suggestions. The Activities Committee is in the planning stages for the 2013 schedule and we welcome your input. Submit your suggestions and/or indicate your interest in serving on a committee by calling (916) 932-0021 or email info@calsign.org today.

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LA Sign Ordinance

Sign Industry Under Attack!
CSA is committed to defending the sign industry against the restrictions proposed by the Los Angeles City Planning Commission. Here you will find the latest information we have in our fight against the proposed sign ordinance in LA.