Paris City Council considers ban on cannabis advertising near freeways

The Perris Planning Commission has taken a significant step towards shaping the city’s image by proposing a new zoning code amendment aimed at prohibiting cannabis advertising on off-site freeway signs and billboards. This decision, discussed during the commission's meeting on June 18, 2025, is designed to enhance the community's perception and promote economic development.

The proposed amendment to Chapter 19.75 of the Perris Municipal Code seeks to restrict cannabis advertisements within 660 feet of freeway rights-of-way. This distance aligns with existing state and federal advertising restrictions near sensitive areas. The city acknowledges the legalization of cannabis in California but aims to mitigate the negative connotations associated with cannabis businesses that may arise from visible advertising along major highways, particularly Interstate 215.

City staff highlighted that a survey conducted last year revealed 18 billboards within city limits, with four displaying cannabis advertisements. Additionally, four out of 11 billboards in the adjacent unincorporated Riverside County also featured cannabis ads. The proposed amendment is seen as a proactive measure to maintain a positive image for Perris, especially as the city continues to navigate the complexities of cannabis commercialization.

The Planning Commission's recommendation to the city council includes a resolution that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under a common-sense exemption. This exemption allows for a more streamlined process in implementing the proposed changes.

In addition to the cannabis advertising amendment, the commission reviewed similar regulations in nearby jurisdictions, noting that cities like Blythe, Canyon Lake, and Hemet have already enacted prohibitions on cannabis billboard advertising. This regional context underscores a growing trend among local governments to regulate cannabis visibility in public spaces.

As the city moves forward with this proposal, residents can expect a continued focus on enhancing the community's image and supporting economic growth while balancing the realities of cannabis legalization. The next steps will involve the city council's consideration of the Planning Commission's recommendations, which could lead to the formal adoption of the zoning code amendment in the near future.