Park Ridge City Council Approves Mural Program

The Park Ridge City Council has approved a new mural program. This decision came after a tight 4-2 vote during their meeting on August 3. The decision followed a discussion about the distinction between advertising signs and city-promoting artwork.

This program permits murals on all public buildings, subject to City Hall’s approval. Building owners will be responsible for the murals’ upkeep and expenses. Since May, the city has been deliberating the concept of a mural program. Staff members have been working on defining the difference between building signage and artistic murals.

A sign is defined to include “letters, products, logos, and similar elements” linked to a business or entity. If these elements are present, the project is classified as signage rather than a mural.

The approved ordinance specifies that murals must not display elements related to a business’s nature on the property. Current standards for signs exist, but these don’t apply to public buildings like schools and park offices, which often have logos. The mural program targets only public buildings. Private structures would require approval for signs.

The Planning and Zoning Commission previously passed the proposal unanimously. Community Preservation and Development Director Drew Awsumb noted there was no public opposition during meetings. However, council members voiced concerns.

Alderperson Lauren Rapisand expressed her struggle with the mural definition, labeling it as restrictive. She mentioned that local schools, such as District 64, might seek to feature logos or mascots in murals, raising concerns about possible restrictions.

Awsumb explained that schools could apply via the sign process. He clarified that a school mascot could potentially appear as a mural if it lacked lettering or indications classified as signage. Awsumb assured that schools probably wouldn’t face issues meeting city criteria since their subject matter often highlights local history and town culture.

The ordinance aims to prevent businesses from painting advertisements on public buildings. However, promoting school mascots and activities should be permissible. Awsumb remarked on a likely approval for murals reflecting a public school’s history or iconic teachers.

Alderperson Joseph Steinfels supported the regulations, referencing past meetings. He believed the definition wouldn’t hinder schools from depicting mascots, like Roosevelt Elementary’s tiger, in murals.

Alderperson Kelly Lawrence questioned whether the ordinance would prohibit Park Ridge from using its logo. Steinfels indicated it would categorize the logo as signage. Ultimately, the council moved forward to approve the mural program.

Jesse Wright reports for Pioneer Press.