Commission tables murals, sculptures ordinance after extended debate

The Lake Worth Beach City Commission on March 17 tabled Ordinance 2026‑02, the city’s proposed update to land‑development rules for murals and sculptures, after commissioners and the public raised questions about vague definitions, enforcement and limits on political or advertising content.

William Waters, the city’s community sustainability director, told the commission the draft includes permitting requirements and that violations would follow existing code‑enforcement procedures: “It would be a code enforcement violation, and it would go through your code enforcement process where they would be given time to cure the violation by painting over the mural, or to get the permit and go through that permit process,” he said. Commissioners pressed staff to add clearer language about permanence, the role of staff versus boards in approvals, and the penalties that might apply for unpermitted murals.

Several commissioners and business and arts advocates objected to a phrase that would require murals be created by a “professional artist or licensed painter,” noting there is no state licensing category for painters and that the language could exclude local artists. Commissioner Anthony Segreich said the definition of “mural” is too broad and might require permits for small decorative work that gives downtown its character. Vice Mayor Sarah Maliga urged clearer, friendlier guidance for artists and small businesses.

After discussing specific edits — including adding the word “permanent” for mural installations and tightening the review process — the commission voted to table the ordinance so staff can return with a revised draft on a later meeting date. City Attorney Elizabeth and staff were directed to incorporate the changes and provide clearer enforcement and review language before the next reading.