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Bill to define 'customary maintenance' for billboards advances amid environmental and local-government opposition
Summary
AB 2099, which would codify a state definition of "customary maintenance" for outdoor advertising displays, moved to appropriations after industry support and testimony from local officials and environmental groups warning it could undo protections for sensitive sites.
Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez introduced AB 2099, saying the bill would clarify ‘‘customary maintenance’’ for outdoor advertising displays to reduce inconsistent enforcement across state agencies. "This definition of customary maintenance would include the replacement of structural components such as posts or bracings and the reinforcement of improvement of existing structures while keeping or reducing the number of posts," Gonzalez said.
Steve Cruz, representing the California State Outdoor Advertising Association, told the committee his association represents roughly 90% of the state's billboards and said the bill would provide consistent interpretation and protect safety without expanding or changing existing displays. "The measure provides a clear and reasonable definition of customary maintenance under the Outdoor Advertising Act," Cruz said.
Opponents, including Mike Wilson, a Humboldt County supervisor and licensed civil engineer, and Alex Loomer of the Environmental Protection Information Center, argued the bill could remove local permit triggers and create lasting protections for nonconforming billboards in wetlands and cultural sites. Wilson warned that removing permit requirements could increase litigation risk and weaken worker, public-safety, and environmental protections. Loomer said the measure would effectively allow structural reconstructions that make nonconforming billboards permanent, undermining the Outdoor Advertising Act's framework to phase out such displays.
The author said amendments would clarify that the bill applies to state permitting and does not preempt local governments’ permitting and environmental review. After discussion, the committee moved AB 2099 to the appropriations committee.
