Vacaville Municipal Code Section 14.09.260.100.B.4.c requires that digital billboards not operate at a brightness of more than 0.3 foot candles above ambient light. Additionally, digital billboards must incorporate techniques such as recessed illumination and automatic dimming devices to ensure that the light exhibited by the billboard does not impair the safety of travelers on the freeway and the surrounding area. Malfunctioning digital billboards must also be capable of being remotely shut off.

In addition to the requirements outlined in the ordinance, future digital billboards must also comply with all applicable State and Federal regulations.

The City will begin accepting applications for digital freeway billboards on August 22, 2024. All development applications must be submitted in-person or via mail to Vacaville City Hall. Applications must include a completed Master Planning Application, the required application fees, and all required submittal items identified in the submittal checklist.

The Planning Division highly recommends reaching out to a planner prior to submitting an application to ensure a smooth application process. Please feel free to contact a planner by phone at (707) 449-5140 or by email.

Digital billboards require approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Major Design Review (DR), and Development Agreement (DA), which are subject to review by the Planning Commission and approval by the Vacaville City Council. Applications for new or converted digital billboards must participate in a DA, and applications must include clear provisions that result in substantial benefits to the community, such as the removal or relocation of existing static billboards; one-time installation fees with ongoing revenue-sharing; and/or community beautification.

Submitted applications are reviewed for completeness in accordance with the submittal checklist. Projects that are missing required information would be deemed incomplete and issued a completeness and design comments letter within 30 days of the submittal date.

As part of the application review, the City will evaluate applications to determine compliance with objective design standards, provisions for community benefits, and consistency with required findings. These include that the billboard (1) will not create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic; (2) will comply with State and Federal law; (3) will provide public benefits to Vacaville through a Development Agreement that offset the billboard's impacts; and (4) will have a design that reflects Vacaville's identity, character, and history. Billboards that fail to meet these findings, and/or fail to provide substantial community benefits will not be recommended for approval.

The ordinance outlines minimum design standards that all digital billboards must achieve. For example, all digital billboards must have City identification, such as the word 'Vacaville,' the words 'City of Vacaville,' or the City logo. Additionally, all billboard structures must incorporate Vacaville-specific designs and themes, such as golden hills, biotechnology, and/or agriculture.

The Digital Freeway Billboards Ordinance also updated the Vacaville Gateways Master Plan, which provides standards to create a unique and memorable visual experience along the Interstate 80 and Interstate 505 freeway corridors. The updated plan revised policies regarding digital billboards, adding Policy G1-2, which allows digital billboards if they enhance the freeway experience and provide offsetting community benefits. The design of new digital billboards and the landscaping surrounding billboard structures must be designed in compliance with the Vacaville Gateways Master Plan.

The ordinance also defines objective design standards for digital billboards, such as the maximum dimensions of the sign, the maximum number of sign faces, and the maximum height allowed.

New digital billboards are only potentially allowed in two areas in Vacaville through an entitlement process including a Development Agreement:

• Interstate 80 between Leisure Town Road and Midway Road
• Interstate 505 (west side only) between Vaca Valley Parkway and Midway Road
• Digital billboards are not allowed along Interstate 505 within the Nut Tree Airport Area of Influence (AIA). New digital billboards along Interstate 80 within the AIA must be referred to the ALUC for a consistency determination. Signs are only allowed in Commercial and Employment zoning districts.
• The billboard must be at least 3,000 feet away from another digital billboard and cannot be located within 300 feet of any residences or lodging, such as hotels or motels.

All proposals to establish new digital billboards or convert existing billboards must include the removal of at least three static (standard) billboard structures or four sign faces, whichever is greater.

Alternatively, if a digital billboard applicant does not have sufficient existing billboard structures or sign faces to meet the minimum removal ratio, an applicant may offer additional community benefits that offset the impacts of the project proposal. For example, a billboard applicant may choose to offer additional funding for parks, city beautification, or infrastructure.