L.A. May Rise to Become 'Mural Capital of the World' Once Again

By City News Service

The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday will discuss a proposed ordinance that would lift a ban on murals painted on or hanging from private property.

The proposed ordinance defines murals as non-commercial works of art, distinguishing them from signs and  advertisements for goods and services, which are subject to different rules.

City attorneys presented the City Council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee last month with two versions of the ordinance -- one that would allow and one that would prohibit murals on single-family homes.

The committee did not arrive at any recommendations on the issue, forwarding reports from the city attorney, planning commission and Cultural Affairs Commission to the City Council for further discussion.

City officials will also report on a process for allowing an individual community to decide whether it wants to legalize murals for single-family homes.

Councilman Jose Huizar, who chairs the Planning and Land Use Management Committee, said the final ordinance would help restore Los Angeles' reputation as the "mural capital of the world."