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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Adoption of Ordinance adding Chapter 30.38 to the Glendale Zoning Code (Title 30), entitled “Murals”, repealing section 30.33.230, and amending sections 2.12.030,
30.33.020, 30.40.010, 30.40.020, 30.41.050, 30.47.030, 30.47.040, 30.47.040,
30.47.050, 30.47.070, 30.47.075, 30.47.090 and 30.61.010 of the Glendale Municipal Code (GMC), 1995 (Case No. PZC-0018-2026)
1. Adoption of Ordinance adding Chapter 30.38 Entitled “Murals”, Repealing Section
30.33.230, and Amending Sections 2.12.030, 30.33.020, 30.40.010, 30.40.020,
30.41.050, 30.47.020, 30.47.030, 30.47.040, 30.47. 050, 30.47.070, 30.47.075,
30.47.090, and 30.61.010 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995 (Case No. PZC- 0018-2026)
2. Resolution Establishing a Mural Permit Extension Fee and Amending the Comprehensive Citywide Fee Schedule for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Ordinance
Approved for September 22, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On August 25, 2026, Council introduced an ordinance adding Chapter 30.38 to the Glendale Zoning Code (Title 30), entitled “Murals”, repealing section 30.33.230, and amending sections 2.12.030, 30.33.020, 30.40.010, 30.40.020, 30.41.050, 30.47.030,
30.47.040, 30.47.040, 30.47.050, 30.47.070, 30.47.075, 30.47.090 and 30.61.010 of the Glendale Municipal Code (GMC), 1995 (CASE NO. PZC-0018-2026).
Following public testimony, Council requested staff to research other municipalities’ permit fees associated with murals. Staff prepared a memorandum which was sent to City Council that included background on the assessment and development of the City’s adopted mural permit, mural design review, and mural renewal fees, as well as the requested information regarding other municipalities’ fees related to murals. 9a2
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RECOMMENDATION
That City Council adopt the proposed mural ordinance.
ANALYSIS
On August 25, 2026, Council introduced an ordinance proposing a new chapter to Title 30, Chapter 30.38 to the Glendale Zoning Code (Title 30), entitled “Murals”, repealing section 30.33.230, and amending sections 2.12.030, 30.33.020, 30.40.010, 30.40.020,
30.41.050, 30.47.030, 30.47.040, 30.47.040, 30.47.050, 30.47.070, 30.47.075, 30.47.090 and 30.61.010 of the Glendale Municipal Code (GMC), 1995 (Case NO. PZC-0018-2026).
The proposed Zoning Code amendments update the existing mural design review standards and establish a clear set of procedures for mural installation, maintenance and de-installation.
After reviewing the staff report and proposed ordinance, hearing the detailed staff presentation, and receiving public testimony at the August 25, 2026 public hearing, Council requested staff to research other municipalities’ permit fees associated with murals. Staff prepared a memorandum which was sent to City Council that included background on the assessment and development of the City’s adopted mural permit, mural design review, and mural renewal fees, as well as the requested information regarding other municipalities’ fees related to murals for reference (EXHIBIT 2).
Councilmember Asatryan introduced the proposed ordinance. The introduced ordinance is now being presented to City Council for adoption. The Council Resolution includes adoption of an additional permit extension fee that is 25% of the mural permit fee, if the extension includes no design changes or alterations to the mural as recommended by the Planning Commission. Pursuant to the City’s Charter, adoption of Zoning Code amendments requires a four-fifths vote of the City Council.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The Zoning Code requires public notice when Council considers adoption of amendments to the Zoning Code and/or the General Plan. Staff has published all required notices for this hearing, as well as for the Planning Commission hearing held on July 15, 2026.
In addition, an email blast was sent to the 4,000+ subscribers on the arts & culture email list, including artists, arts organizations and interested parties, prior to the City Council meeting. The notices informed recipients of the proposed amendments and invited public participation and comment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Comprehensive Citywide Fee Schedule will be amended to establish a mural permit extension fee that is 25% of the mural permit fee, if the extension includes no design changes or alterations to the mural, effective on the 30th day following adoption of the resolution.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), staff has determined, and will recommend that the Planning Commission and the City Council find, that these proposed amendments to Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code (the Zoning Code) are exempt from further review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 and 15305.
CEQA Guidelines section 15301 entitled “Existing Facilities” exempts from CEQA the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing licensing, or minor alteration to existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of the existing or former use.
This Ordinance provides a permitting procedure pursuant to which Murals may be installed on existing public and or private structures and does not involve the expansion of the use. CEQA Guidelines section 15305 entitled “Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations” exempts from CEQA minor alterations in land use limitations in areas with an average slope of less than 20%, which do not result in any changes in land use or density.
This Ordinance may result in minor alterations in land use limitations, specifically Mural installations, and does not result in any changes in land use or density.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Do not adopt proposed ordinance, in which case the existing standards will remain in effect.
Alternative 2: Propose revisions to the ordinance, which would require review by Planning Commission and the return of the amended ordinance to City Council at a later date.
Alternative 3: City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, Director of Library, Arts & Culture Prepared by:
Jennifer Fukutomi-Jones, Assistant Director of Library, Arts & Culture 9a4
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Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
EXHIBIT 1: City Council Staff Report dated August 25, 2026 (available online at:
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=41911 ) EXHIBIT 2: Memorandum re Mural Ordinance – Mural Permit Fees