Plans to change the Jefferson City mural code took the next step toward implementation Thursday.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved several changes to the city's mural code, which still needs City Council approval to go into place.
The changes stemmed from the Cultural Arts Commission and focus on encouraging more public art.
One of the key changes would address where murals can be placed.
Under current code, it is specifically in commercial and industrial areas, but the changes would open it up to mixed-use areas of the city. It would also allow schools and churches otherwise in residential areas to erect a mural.
Next, the changes would eliminate the requirement for murals to be at least 500 feet apart. Finally, it will allow for murals to be located on the right-of-way with city permission and not extending more than 12 inches.
Engineering Manager Eric Barron said the proposal went in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission because of its potential connection to signage.
One of the requirements for a mural is it cannot be a sign or advertisement.
For instance, Chair Dale Vaughan asked whether a business could put up an artistic mural on the side of the building that also advertises the business.
Barron said that wouldn't make it through the current mural permitting process.
The current process -- which wouldn't change under this proposal, but it being looked at by the Cultural Arts Commission -- has city staff authorizing a mural. Somebody can submit the application for a mural, which city staff reviews and hosts a public hearing about.
"The hearing officer basically reviews the information and makes a declaration that it meets the requirements for a mural as laid out in code," Barron said.
Staff checks to make sure the mural is not a advertisement, is visible from the street and would not impact the historic significance of the property.
If the application meets those qualifications, it is typically approved.
The changes will go before the City Council at the Jan. 3 meeting.