DATE: July 14, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer
SUBJECT: Resolution of Intention to Amend the Fresno County Zoning Ordinance
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Adopt Resolution of Intention directing the Department of Public Works and Planning and County Counsel to initiate the necessary studies and prepare draft amendments to the Fresno County Zoning Ordinance to allow consideration of digital billboards on County-owned property through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process; and
2. Direct and authorize staff to prepare, schedule, and provide required public notice for the necessary public hearings before the Planning Commission and, as appropriate, present the proposed amendments to the Board of Supervisors for further consideration and possible adoption.
REPORT
There is additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The County seeks to modernize its regulatory framework related to signage on County-owned property to support improved communication, strengthen public information capabilities, and explore opportunities for revenue generation. The current Fresno County Zoning Ordinance provisions do not authorize digital billboards on County-owned land. Establishing a CUP pathway would allow these installations to undergo thorough review and public input to ensure proper evaluation of land use compatibility, safety, environmental concerns, aesthetics, and compliance with applicable laws. The proposed Resolution of Intention initiates the studies and ordinance amendment process necessary to consider such changes. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The Board may choose not to adopt the Resolution of Intention at this time. Under this option, staff would not initiate studies or prepare draft amendments to the Fresno County Zoning Ordinance, and no public hearings would be scheduled. This alternative would maintain the current prohibition on digital billboards on County-owned ...
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