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Planning and Building Department, Planning Division, Long Range Planning Unit, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution of Intention 010-2026 to initiate the process to propose amendments to Title 130 of the El Dorado County Zoning Ordinance regarding digital signs and other related topics as needed.
FUNDING: General Fund.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 16, 2025 (Legistar file 25-1480), the Board adopted amendments to Chapter 130.36 of the Zoning Ordinance (Signs). These amendments included language banning digital signs with limited exceptions after the Signage Ad Hoc Committee, formed in March 2025, recommended the ban on digital signs to the Board.
Since September 16, 2025, staff has received feedback that the digital sign ban may have been too narrowly written. Though there is still a strong interest in protecting view sheds and preserving the rural nature of the County, thoughtful use of digital signs in limited circumstances can provide benefits similar to the exceptions adopted with the most recent update. Staff is therefore recommending the Board approve the ROI to initiate the process to amend portions of Chapter 130.36 of the Zoning Ordinance and other chapters/sections as needed. During this item, staff plans to request feedback and direction from the Board regarding the following specific digital sign-related items: 1) sign technology; 2) restrictions on message changes; 3) sign size, placement, type, height, and number allowed; 4) appropriate permitting process; and 5) appropriate location(s). Staff also plans to broadly discuss the previous digital sign language and whether it would be appropriate to reevaluate it, with updates, or instead further expand the list of exceptions to the current digital sign ban.
The first step in amending the Zoning Ordinance is the adoption of the ROI, as required by Section 130.63.020 (Ordinance Amendments and Zone Change Applications) of the Zoning Ordinance. Section 130.63.020, with respect to the ROI, is to allow the Board to weigh-in before the County commits significant resources to a proposed amendment. Following the adoption of an ROI and the completion of environmental review and noticing, the Planning Commission (Commission) holds a public hearing to consider public comment and submit its recommendations to the Board on the proposed text or zone change. Subsequently, the Board will review the Commission’s recommendations, receive additional public comment and potentially approve the proposed amendments.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may also choose not to approve and adopt this Resolution of Intention. In that case, the County’s existing restrictions on the use of digital signs would remain in place with no changes.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On February 25, 2025 (Legistar file 25-0301), staff held a public workshop with the Board to review a preliminary draft of focused amendments to Chapter 130.36 of the Zoning Ordinance (Signs) and to receive Board and public feedback before moving the amendments to hearing. At that meeting, the Board directed the creation of a Signage Ad Hoc Committee (“Committee”) to evaluate signage that did not conform to existing standards.
On March 25, 2025 (Legistar file 25-0438), the Board established the Committee and appointed two Board members, Supervisors Parlin and Veerkamp, to participate.
On September 16, 2025 (Legistar file 25-1480), the Board reviewed the Committee’s recommendations and approved focused amendments to Chapter 130.36, including additional Committee-recommended changes including prohibiting digital signs except for limited public health, safety, welfare, and public information uses.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item. Funding for the staff time associated with the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments has been included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget. Funding beyond FY 25-26, if needed, will be included in subsequent budgets accordingly.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on one (1) original copy of the ROI.
2) Clerk of the Board will forward two (2) certified copies of the fully executed ROI to Planning and Building Department, attention Christopher Smith, Planning Division, for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Thea Graybill, Planning Manager for Long Range Planning
Planning and Building Department