The Seaside Planning Commission on May 22 unanimously approved architectural review AR24-06 to allow a 2,300-square-foot mural to cover most of the facade at 1230 Fremont Boulevard.

Assistant Planner Eric Azriel told the commission the mural — proposed by artists Paul Richmond and Brenda Scatrini Saglio and partially funded by a FLIP grant — is "categorically exempt" from the California Environmental Quality Act and staff recommended approval with conditions to ensure ongoing upkeep. "Staff does recommend approval of architectural review AR 24 0 6," Azriel said.

Denise Sanders, founder and director of Open Ground Studios, said the studio used the FLIP grant to refresh its facade and signage and described the mural as a capstone to those improvements. "We believe that art plays a profound role in our human experience," Sanders said, describing the mural as a way to celebrate community and the studio’s 11-year history.

Artist Paul Richmond said the work is meant "to celebrate ... the diversity of the artists there and also the diversity of Seaside in general." Azriel said the project must be completed by the FLIP grant deadline of June 30 and described proposed maintenance conditions: a minimum wash every two years, reapplication of a clear UV-protective sealant as needed, repair of damage within 60 days, and graffiti removal within 15 days, consistent with existing code enforcement in Seaside Municipal Code chapter 8.31.

A commissioner moved to approve AR24-06 "with the rules that the city has put forth as far as keeping it up," the motion was seconded, and the body voted in favor. Chair William Silva noted that an appeal must be filed in writing with the city clerk within seven calendar days and include the required filing fee.

The approval allows the mural to proceed under the conditions described; staff will track the timeline for completion and follow up on maintenance enforcement as needed.