1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-53113 on Form S-3 and Registration Statement No. 333-05679, Registration
Statement No. 333-38589 and Registration Statement No. 333-38591 of Outdoor
Systems, Inc. on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 2, 1999, appearing in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Outdoor Systems, Inc. for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
March 19, 1999