Murals will be regulated by the city of McMinnville. A permit is now required.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on Tuesday a recommendation by McMinnville Regional Planning Commission members to change the city’s Sign Code to require permits for murals prior to their placement.

Commission members began discussing the popularity of murals, with several being placed in 2019 and 2020, and the need to provide guidelines. Specifically, the guidelines indicate where murals can be located, who is responsible for upkeep and to a lesser degree, what cannot be depicted on the mural.

Added to the sign code:

“Murals are defined as painting or graphics applied directly to a wall or permanent surface other than a window which contains no advertising material. Murals applied to side and rear walls are required to obtain a mural permit prior to the installation of the mural. Murals are prohibited from the front of buildings.”

No mural can contain copy, language, or logos advertising a business. 

By signing for a permit, the property owner also agrees to be responsible for maintaining murals and shall repair or remove murals which are in disrepair.

The city is not attempting to control artistic expression, but at least one Regional Planning Commission member expressed a desire for them to provide aesthetic value to the community. 

“I know we cannot control everything,” said Jerry Williamson. “When one is up, we are going to be looking at it for a long, long time. I hope they are in reasonably good taste.”

The resolution passed the Board of Mayor and Aldermen with a vote of 6-1. In favor were Mayor Ryle Chastain, Vice Mayor Everett Brock and Aldermen Rachel Kirby, Sally Brock, Steve Harvey, and Zach Sutton. Alderman Stacey Harvey opposed the measure.

Mural permits can be obtained from McMinnville’s Community Development Department. It is located at 101 E. Main Street and can be reached at 473-1204. No fee required.