Extracted text (via pymupdf)
4008 characters
ITEM 9.c. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 2/17/2026 Meeting Type: Town Council Regular Meeting Submitting Department: Development Services Prepared by: John Wesley, Development Services Director Staff Contact Information: Phone: 480-816-5138 Email: jwesley@fountainhillsaz.gov Request to Town Council Regular Meeting (Agenda Language) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION: Relating to creating a Placemaking Strategy for murals on the exterior of buildings. Staff Summary (background) At the December 16, 2025 Town Council meeting, staff presented an item for Council direction regarding the establishment of a Placemaking Strategy for installation of murals on the exterior of buildings in the town. The Community Economic Development Strategy and the Downtown Strategy both contain implementation strategies for placemaking. The utility box murals have drawn a lot of attention to this idea and staff has received interest from several businesses and property owners regarding painting murals on buildings. Over the last several years, multiple business owners have expressed interest in murals and have approached the Town with various proposals, including: • Donating a wall for a Town-installed mural; • Donating a wall and splitting the mural installation costs 50/50; and, • Fully funding a private mural installation (100% paid by the business). In response to this, the Council directed staff to further explore what steps need to be taken to implement this portion of the strategy to ensure that murals painted on buildings will enhance the image and character of the town. Staff has identified two basic steps that will be pursued in the coming months: 1) establish a policy on murals for Town participation, and 2) amend the zoning ordinance to provide for and place basic standards on the installation of murals. The policy that will be used is based on the current policy for painting murals on utility boxes. This policy puts parameters on the type of art that can be displayed and sets standards on the artists selected to paint the murals. The expanded policy for murals on buildings will include options and procedures for Town participation. Under current zoning provisions, the Town does not regulate installation of murals or have the means to review repainting a building unless specific paint colors were approved during site plan review. Further, the adopted Architectural Review Standards limit the number of colors that can go on a building. After reviewing the zoning ordinance, it has been determined that changes should be made to three sections of the ordinance: Definitions, Site Plan Amendments, and Architectural Review Standards. With Council support, staff is prepared to take those ordinance changes to the Planning and Zoning Commission in March. Once the Commission has completed their review and made a recommendation, they will be scheduled for a public hearing by the Town Council. Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle Zoning Ordinance Chapters 1, 2, and 19 2023 - 2026 Community and Economic Development Strategy, specifically Foucs Area 1: Business Attraction, Implementation Strategy "Create a placemaking strategy to enhance the vibrancy of Downtown." 2025 Downtown Strategy, specifically Focus Area 4: Public Spaces/Placemaking, Implementation Strategy "Partner with Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (now Art State Arizona) to administer mural ani strategic locations identified by the Town." Risk Analysis N/A Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) N/A Staff Recommendation(s) Staff recommends the Council support proceeding with the necessary zoning ordinance text amendments and policies needed to implement the mural program. Suggested Motion No Motion. This item is for discuss and possible direction only. FISCAL IMPACT Fiscal Impact: N/A Budget Reference: N/A Funding Source: N/A ATTACHMENTS None