Senate Bill 364 expedites outdoor advertising permits in California

The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss several key legislative matters, prominently featuring Senate Bill 364, which addresses outdoor advertising regulations in California. The meeting began with a presentation from the bill's sponsor, who expressed gratitude to the committee staff for their efforts and accepted proposed amendments to the bill.

Senate Bill 364 aims to expedite the permitting process for outdoor advertising signs by allowing the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to process applications as segments of construction projects are completed, rather than waiting for entire projects to finish. This change is intended to alleviate backlogs that can occur during lengthy construction periods, aligning regulatory actions with practical realities while maintaining safety and land use standards.

The committee heard testimony from two witnesses supporting the bill. Margaret Lee, the city manager of Fountain Valley, highlighted the negative impact of current regulations on local jurisdictions. She noted that delays in permitting for new billboards, particularly along the 405 Freeway, hinder potential revenue generation for essential city services. Lee pointed out that while the freeway expansion was completed and operational, the city was unable to apply for billboard permits due to a lengthy acceptance process by Caltrans, which could take up to three years.

Ron Beals, general counsel for the California State Outdoor Advertising Association, also spoke in favor of the bill, emphasizing its technical amendments that would benefit the outdoor advertising industry. He urged the committee to support the bill, citing the need for a more responsive regulatory framework.

The committee did not receive any opposition to the bill during the meeting, and members expressed their support, with Assemblymember Toh acknowledging the ongoing issues faced by local areas regarding outdoor advertising regulations.

In conclusion, the committee's discussion on Senate Bill 364 underscored the need for regulatory reform to facilitate outdoor advertising while addressing local economic concerns. The bill's progression reflects a growing recognition of the importance of adapting regulations to meet contemporary needs. Further actions and discussions will follow as the bill moves through the legislative process.