Advertising displays: exemptions: redevelopment agency projects.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Strickland

SB 1228 creates a new permit pathway for redevelopment-era advertising displays that still operate, aligning them with current rules and signaling a future permanent solution.

Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

#advertisingdisplays #exemptions #redevelopmentagencyprojects

Summary of SB 1228 (2025-2026) – Advertising displays: exemptions: redevelopment agency projects

Purpose and intent

SB 1228, introduced by Senator Rubio, adds a new section to the Business and Professions Code (Section 5440.5) to address advertising displays previously designated for redevelopment agency projects.

The bill acknowledges the need for a permanent solution for certain advertising displays formerly located in redevelopment areas and signals its intent to pursue further legislative action to resolve these displays on a permanent basis.

Key provisions and changes

Exemption from Outdoor Advertising Act constraints:

The bill provides that Sections 5440 and 5443 of the Outdoor Advertising Act do not apply to an advertising display that:
Was developed within the boundary limits of an individual redevelopment agency project as those boundaries existed on December 29, 2011.
Has been in place and operating as of December 31, 2025.
Has been issued a tracking number by the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for an advertising display exempted under Sections 5273, 5273.1, or 5273.5.

Permit requirements and compliance:

An advertising display meeting the above conditions is deemed to require a new permit.
Such displays must comply with all provisions of Article 6 (commencing with Section 5350) and Article 7 (commencing with Section 5400) of the governing code framework for advertising displays.

Intent for permanent solution:

The bill explicitly states the Legislature’s intent to enact subsequent legislation to create a permanent solution for these displays that were formerly designated for redevelopment agency locations.

Who/what is affected

Advertising displays that meet all of the following:

Located within the boundary limits of a redevelopment agency project as of 2011.
In operation by December 31, 2025.
Tracked by the Department with a specific exemption tracking number (5273-series).

Local jurisdictions, redevelopment agencies, and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) oversight interplay remains in scope insofar as these displays would now be subject to a new permitting process under Articles 6 and 7, rather than the standard Outdoor Advertising Act prohibitions.

Procedural/timeline aspects

Effective language outlines a new regulatory pathway:

Before this bill, certain displays were exempt from standard restrictions yet not fully aligned with existing permit frameworks.
Under SB 1228, such displays would require a new permit and must be brought into compliance with specified articles.

Legislative history (highlights):

Referred to Government Organization committee (May 26, 2026) in the Assembly.
Multiple prior readings and committee hearings in early 2026, including amendments and re-references.
The bill’s action history indicates ongoing consideration and a path toward formal adoption and potential future supplementary legislation to establish a permanent solution.

Practical impact

For affected displays, the bill creates a transitional regulatory route: from a redevelopment-era exemption to a current-permit regime, with ongoing compliance obligations.

It may affect branding/advertising continuity for displays tied to redevelopment sites while aligning them with contemporary permitting standards.

Overall, SB 1228 aims to reconcile legacy redevelopment agency displays with present-day regulatory requirements, while signaling future legislative steps to solidify a long-term solution.