DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES —The City Council this morning tentatively voted to adopt a new private property mural ordinance in the city, ending an 11-year ban that limited where artists could create the expansive outdoor pieces.

Under the new ordinance, murals will be identified as something other than signs, with a focus on murals as “original works of art,” according to Rick Coca, a spokesman for 14th District Councilman José Huizar, who has been one of the ordinance’s strongest proponents. The new ordinance defines murals as non-commercial works of art, distinguishing them from signs and ads, which are subject to different rules.

“Murals are one of the things that define our unique and diverse city,” Huizar said in a prepared statement. “Today, we as a city decided to embrace our history and re-affirm our commitment to supporting the arts, community building and beautifying our neighborhoods through murals.”

The measure, which must come back for final council approval, was approved 13-2. Councilmen Paul Koretz and Bob Blumenfield dissented.

The council actually considered two versions of a mural ordinance. One would have allowed murals on single-family homes, and the other would not. Huizar introduced an amendment to the latter option, asking for an opt-in clause and a plan from city departments for any communities that would like to allow murals on the residences. In the meantime, the ordinance will move forward as written.

According to a press release from Huizar’s office, CD 14, which includes most of Downtown, has twice as many murals as any other council district.

donna@downtownnews.com

© Los Angeles Downtown News 2013