L.A.'s Proposed Mural Ordinance Returns to Council Today

Portion of restored "History of Highland Park" mural

An update on the proposed mural ordinance will be heard by L.A. City Council today. The City of L.A. recently formed a Mural Task Force and looks to Portland, Oregon for guidance in preserving and protecting existing murals, creating an environment for new ones and ending L.A.'s so-called mural moratorium.

Following Portland's model, the proposed ordinance aims to separate L.A.'s sign ordinance ban from an ordinance that will allow new murals on private property. Under the current ordinance, many murals are considered "advertising" post-creation and are removed or covered, regardless of the wishes of the property owner or whether the mural was crafted by request or by chance.

Councilmember Huizar, who is helping to shepherd in the new ordinance, has been advocating murals for several years, issuing at least 19 motions supporting said public art. Huizar said in today's release,

“The City of Los Angeles is finally moving in a direction where we are once again valuing the artistry, importance and beauty of murals and the sense of pride they bring to our local communities. I will do all I can to make sure that this new ordinance honors and protects new murals while also addressing the preservation and restoration of our existing murals, many of which have significant cultural and artistic value and deserve our attention.”

Huizar has continuously called upon the city to identify possible revenue streams and funding sources to protect and restore murals. This Saturday, Huizar will help unveil the restoration of the "History of Highland Park" mural in a community celebration starting at 10am. The sprawling piece has existed for over 30 years and fell victim to graffiti. The restoration is estimated to have cost $78,000.