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Cary staff propose new mural rules to permit public art while banning ads
Summary
Staff proposed adding a new section to Title 12 to regulate murals and other public art, limiting installations to commercial and public zoning, requiring original artwork (no trademarks/copyrighted content), and setting durability and safety standards; the draft would require public notice and include maintenance and removal plans.
Village of Cary staff presented a draft ordinance Aug. 4 that would add a new section to Title 12 of the municipal code to regulate murals and public or private artwork in the Village of Cary. The assistant village administrator said the draft contains seven sections covering definitions, general standards, the application process, approval procedures, notice requirements and long-term maintenance and removal plans. "Essentially, we're looking to, propose modifications to, title 12 of the municipal code," a staff member said during the presentation.
The draft as presented would allow murals on commercial zoning districts and on public property (for example, park district or school district facilities) but not on residential properties. It also requires original artwork and prohibits copyrighted or trademarked images or logos. The proposal would limit protruding installations to six inches from the wall plane and discourage electrical or flashing elements that could distract motorists. The staff presenter said applicants would submit a color rendering, a location map, an artist resume, and a maintenance and removal plan assigning responsibility for upkeep; if a privately installed mural is not maintained after notice, the village may remediate at the property owner's expense.
Trustees asked for more detail in some sections — how to treat school projects when 100-foot notice areas are empty, whether nonprofit projects should have fee waivers, and how fees compare to nearby towns. The presenter said fee amounts in the draft are placeholders and staff will refine them after further research and legal review. The assistant village administrator said the draft still needs final legal review before being scheduled for formal adoption by the village board.
