The request is for the City Council to conduct a discussion relating to the Mural Ordinance and the Public Art Ordinance and to provide the City Manager with direction as to any modifications to the current ordinance which may be warranted.

Murals have long been a means of artistic expression, cultural representation and community engagement. Murals have now become an increasingly popular public art form that adds vibrancy to the built environment. Most communities have a mural ordinance which typically prescribes detail such as: permitted themes, approval process, wall selection, painting, coating and maintenance. Many communities also have mural programs, and they commission artists to establish murals at predetermined locations.

The purpose of the discussion with the City Council is to seek specific direction relating to several key questions regarding the city’s current mural ordinance. The questions are as follows:

Key Questions

1. Should the city regulate the content of murals?

2. If it is believed that the city should regulate the content of murals what should the standards be?

3. If there are standards who should be responsible to ultimately decide whether a proposed mural meets the standards?

4. In what zoning districts of the city should murals be permitted?

5. Should a mural master plan be developed?

6. Should the city amend the Public Art Ordinance to require a small contribution to the fund by developers implementing projects in the city absent any public art features?

7. Should the Public Art Fund be used to finance the installation and maintenance of murals on public and private property?

At the conclusion of the discussion, the staff is prepared to act on the direction provided by the City Council.