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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Design Review Committee
DATE: June 13, 2016
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Adopting new Section 8.4 "Murals" to the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Guidelines, Regulations, and Procedures, as an Appendix to the Aurora Zoning Ordinance.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this proposed revision to FoxWalk Guidelines is to modify certain portions to give guidance for the installation of murals, either public or private, in the Downtown.
BACKGROUND:
There have been recent inquiries regarding both public and private mural installation projects on properties within the City. Properties outside of the Downtown are regulated through the Aurora Sign Ordinance, and mural installations tend to be discouraged and are prohibited outright in one and two family zoning districts.
Properties within the Downtown, are regulated through the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Guidelines, the subject of this proposed text amendment. The City recently hosted three informal focus groups on mural installations with interested members of the public, artists, City staff, and various Committee members. The general consensus of the focus groups was to encourage murals in the Downtown as part of a structured process.
The current Guidelines don’t discourage murals in the Downtown, and a few installations have occurred over the years. However, there is not a cohesive section that deals with mural installation, only a few references here and there. The attached proposed revisions would provide cohesive direction and guidelines. These revisions have previously been suggested and discussed by Karen Christensen and Rena Church with DRC back in 2006 and 2009. .
DISCUSSION:
The proposed amendment would add a "Section 8.4 Murals" to the document with some guidelines relating to mural installations, whether a public or private initiative. A key component is that proposals would first be sent to the Aurora Public Art Commission (APAC) for initial review and recommendation prior to a final decision by the Design Review Committee on a mural installation. Mural installation projects would be reviewed for, including but not limited to, the following: 1) consistency with the overall goals of APAC; 2) wall location and visibility; 3) wall or surface preparation; 4) paint type; 5) exterior protective coating; 6) ongoing maintenance; 7) duration of the mural installation; and 8) review of best practices including planning (responsibilities and rights of each partner in the process). In addition, the proposed guidelines discuss themes, advertising, and types of surfaces and installations.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
Sec. 6.1 recommends that wherever possible and appropriate, public art and celebrations be included in the design and programming of the FoxWalk Overlay District.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Design Review Committee recommends APPROVAL of the Resolution Adopting a Revision to the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Guidelines, Regulations, and Procedures, as an Appendix to the Aurora Zoning Ordinance regarding Murals.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A" Revision of Guidelines
cc:
Alderman Saville, Chairman
Alderman Donnell
Alderman Irvin
Alderman Hart-Burns, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Adopting new Section 8.4 "Murals" to the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Guidelines, Regulations, and Procedures, as an Appendix to the Aurora Zoning Ordinance
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS the Aurora City Council has previously adopted various amendments to the Fox Walk Overlay District Guidelines, Regulations, and Procedures; and
WHEREAS, Sections 5.1-3.1 of the Fox Walk Overlay District Guidelines, Regulations, and Procedures state, "The DRC shall annually review this document and may propose amendments to it to be approved by the City Council."; and
WHEREAS, at its June 9, 2016 meeting, the Design Review Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of a new Section 8.4 "Murals" as set forth in the attached Exhibit A;
WHEREAS, the proposed modifications will assist the City of Aurora in implementing its goals and objectives within the Comprehensive Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, hereby adopts a new Section 8.4 "Murals", included herein as Exhibit A, to the Fox Walk Overlay District Design Guidelines, Regulations and Procedures, as an appendix to the Aurora Zoning Ordinance.