CSLB to issue bulletin clarifying SB 456 muralist exemption

Summary

Following a stakeholder meeting, CSLB staff will prepare an industry bulletin clarifying SB 456 and Business and Professions Code section 7050: painting murals directly on a structure by an authorized artist is exempt, but repairs, structural alterations and scaffold installation are not exempt and require a licensed contractor.

CSLB staff reported a stakeholder meeting on SB 456 and said legislative staff and the bill sponsors confirmed the exemption applies to artists who draw or paint a mural directly on a building where the artist has authority to authorize the work. Staff said the exemption includes activities integral to creating the artwork, such as sealing the surface and applying a base coat, but explicitly excludes structural repairs, stucco repair, wood replacement and installation of fixed scaffolds attached to the surface — those activities require a license.

Why it matters: The statutory exemption narrows the set of activities that can be done by unlicensed artists. CSLB staff recommended an industry bulletin to clarify enforcement expectations for artists, muralists and public agencies that commission murals.

Next steps: staff circulated a draft bulletin to board members for review and will finalize outreach and enforcement guidance based on stakeholder input.