Park Ridge has opened the door to murals on public buildings, but not without putting a few bureaucratic guardrails around the paintbrush. The City Council approved a new mural program Monday in a 4-2 vote after alderpersons sparred over whether the rules would protect public spaces or squeeze the creativity out of school and civic art.
The ordinance allows murals on public buildings, including schools and park offices, but every project will require city approval, according to Chicago Tribune coverage. The program also puts the cost and long-term upkeep on the building owner, meaning the city is authorizing the artwork without necessarily picking up the tab when the paint starts to fade.
Park Ridge Spent Years Trying To Define A Mural
The vote follows a process that began after city officials acknowledged murals were not clearly permitted under Park Ridge's existing code. In 2023, City of Park Ridge meeting records show staff said artwork could be treated as signage under the old rules, prompting the council to direct staff to draft new mural language.
The new ordinance tries to separate art from advertising by defining signage as projects using letters, products, logos or similar elements tied to a business or other entity. It also restricts murals that depict features connected to the nature of a business on the property, a line intended to stop companies from underwriting what are essentially giant advertisements on public walls.
School Murals Can Celebrate History But Logos Get Tricky
Public schools may seek approval for murals featuring school history, a famous teacher, school activities or mascots, while projects promoting local history and Park Ridge character are also contemplated. But a school logo could be classified as a sign, meaning a school wanting prominent lettering or branding may need to use the city's separate sign-approval process.
That distinction sparked some of the sharpest discussion. Alderperson Lauren Rapisand said the mural definition was restrictive and worried a school Wildcat mascot might be barred, while Joseph Steinfels argued the rules would still allow an image such as a tiger kicking a ball or running across a field; a logo with lettering would be a different matter, as the Tribune reported.
Community Preservation and Development Director Drew Awsumb said he did not expect schools to have trouble meeting the city's criteria, noting that a mascot image without lettering or other signs of branding would likely qualify. The Planning and Zoning Commission had already approved the proposal unanimously, and no public comment was offered at the Aug. 3 council meeting.
For now, Park Ridge's mural policy is less a blank canvas than a permission slip with fine print. Schools, park officials and other public-building owners can apply for murals, but they will have to show the work is public art rather than a business sign—and be prepared to maintain it after the ribbon-cutting photos are over.
