Title
HEARING - To consider a recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission on Planning and Building Department, Long Range Planning Unit, proposed amendments to Chapter 130.36 of the Zoning Ordinance (Signs); and staff recommending the Board of Supervisors (Board) take the following actions:
1) Adopt the Addendum to the County 2015 Sign Ordinance Update Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), certified in July 2015 (State Clearinghouse No. 2014102001) demonstrating that the analysis in that FEIR adequately addresses the potential physical impacts associated with implementation of the amendments to Chapter 130.36 of the Zoning Ordinance (Signs), and these amendments in regards to digital signs would not trigger any of the conditions described in California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration based on the analysis prepared (Attachment A); and
2) Approve Ordinance 5268, adopting amendments to Title 130 of the El Dorado County Ordinance Code relating to limited use of digital signs in the El Dorado Hills Community Region (Attachments B and C).
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
On September 16, 2025 (Legistar File 25-1480), the Board directed staff to adopt 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 Commission and Board.
Based on feedback received, staff discovered the digital sign ban was too narrowly written and inadvertently banned digital signs that were desired in certain portions of the County. Staff immediately started working to remedy the issue.
On January 6, 2026 (Legistar File 25-2066), staff brought a Resolution of Intention (ROI) to the Board to initiate the process of amending Chapter 130.36 (Signs). Staff requested 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). The Board provided recommendations and authorized staff to initiate appropriate amendments to Chapter 130.36 regarding digital signs. Following staff’s presentation of the ROI to the Board, staff worked with the Signage Ad Hoc Committee on recommended amendments, and the Signage Ad Hoc Committee reviewed and approved those amendments, as presented in this item. The Signage Ad Hoc Committee recommended the amendments focus on limiting use of digital signs to communities with major shopping destinations on the County’s West Slope, such as the El Dorado Hills Community Region (El Dorado Hills).
The proposed amendments include changes to Sections 130.36.070.H (Development Standards for Specific Sign Types) and 130.36.090.B.2 (Prohibited Signs - Exemptions) to allow limited use of digital freestanding and directory signs within specified commercial zones in El Dorado Hills.
On July 9, 2026 (Legistar File 26-1110), the Planning Commission approved recommendations as presented and forwarded a recommendation that the Board approve the proposed amendments to Chapter 130.36 of the Zoning Ordinance. In response to comments at the Planning Commission hearing, staff further clarified portions of the proposed amendments as indicated in yellow highlight in Attachment B.
The current draft of the proposed amendments (redline and clean) is included as Attachments B and C. The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments would be effective 30 days after final adoption by the Board.
More information is available in the Staff Memo (Attachment D).
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to approve the amendments to Chapter 130.36 (Signs), or the Board may suggest additional ordinance revisions related to digital signs in El Dorado Hills. If the Board should choose not to approve the proposed digital signs amendments, the existing ordinance would remain in place.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
04/13/2021, Legistar File 21-0502;
07/13/2021, Legistar File 21-1042;
12/07/2021, Legistar File 21-1753;
02/22/2023, Legistar File 24-0265;
01/06/2026, Legistar File 25-2066;
02/25/2025, Legistar File 25-0301;
03/25/2025, Legistar File 25-0438;
06/12/2025, Legistar File 25-1480; and
07/09/2026, Legistar File 26-1110
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item. Funding for the staff time associated with this Ordinance update has been included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk to obtain the Chair’s signature on one (1) original copy of the Ordinance and
forward to the Planning and Building Department, Planning Division, attention Patricia Soto.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Thea Graybill, Planning Manager
Planning and Building Department