Sacramento City Council Committee Advances Modernized Commercial Signage and Digital Display Rules

SACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento City Council Law and Legislation Committee voted unanimously to advance comprehensive amendments to Chapter 15.148 of the Sacramento City Code, modernizing regulations governing digital commercial signs, electronic message centers (EMCs), and illuminated building facades.

Reducing Light Pollution and Energy Waste

The updated ordinance establishes automatic ambient light-sensing dimming standards for all commercial digital displays, capping luminance at 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light during nighttime hours. The rules mandate full curfew shut-offs at 11:00 PM for electronic signage within 150 feet of residential neighborhoods and require all new digital installations to utilize Energy Star certified LED components.

Committee members noted that modernizing sign codes balances small business visibility with neighborhood light-pollution mitigation and municipal climate energy targets.

Small Business Association and Dark Sky Advocate Feedback

Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce representatives supported the clear operational guidelines for commercial corridor retail.

International Dark-Sky Association regional chapters praised the automated nighttime dimming mandates.

Full Council Vote Timeline

The digital signage ordinance will be presented to the full Sacramento City Council for final adoption in September 2026.