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The council opted for the opt-in version of the mural ordinance, requiring that neighborhoods take an affirmatives act before murals would be allowed in areas zoned for residential use. But the ordinance approved 13-2 (pending the second read next week) lifting the ban on artistic works in business and industrial zones so long as they stay up for two years and are registered with the city — which will require a $60 fee. Councilmen Paul Koretz and Bob Blumenfield, who represent some of the most intact residential areas in the city, voted no. Sponsor Jose Huizar favored the opt-out approach, but pronounced himself satisfied.
“Murals are one of the things that define our unique and diverse City – they are a part of what makes the City of Los Angeles one of the greatest metropolises in the world,” Huizar said in a statement. “Today, we as a City decided to embrace our history and re-affirm our commitment to supporting the arts, community building and beautifying our neighborhoods through murals. Now we can begin to re-affirm our claim as the ‘Mural Capital of the World.’”
LA Observed photo of Arts District wall mural
