Title
An Ordinance Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Amending Article 3 Of The Zoning And Land Development Regulations To Revise Standards For The Painting And Color Of Exterior Surfaces Of Buildings And Structures And Art In Public Places And Providing For A Severability Clause. (24-T-70)
Strategic Plan Focus
Economic Vitality
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of the attached Ordinance.
Explanation:
SECOND READING:
On August 27, 2025, the proposed ordinance was presented for First Reading before the City Commission. During discussion, the Commission directed staff to amend the ordinance by reducing the provisions related to waivers for affordable housing developments, allowing all affordable housing projects to be eligible for a waiver, if requested.
FIRST READING:
On May 13, 2025, the Planning and Development Board, acting as the Local Planning Agency, forwarded a recommendation of approval to the City Commission regarding the proposed Art in Public Places text amendment.
On August 27, 2025, Ordinance went for the first reading. The City Commission asked that amendments be made to remove the language in the ordinance regarding waivers for affordable housing developments.
Background
In 2020, the City Commission initiated efforts to allow artwork installations on properties throughout the City as a means of enhancing building aesthetics and promoting urban design. In November 2023, the City adopted Ordinance O-2023-17, formally establishing the Art in Public Places program. Since its adoption, staff have not approved any art projects through the development review process, and six have been approved through the voluntary participation program.
While it may take time for projects to advance through the development stream, Planning and Urban Design staff have continuously monitored the ordinance’s effectiveness. Based on this evaluation, staff are now proposing amendments to further refine and expand the program.
Current Request
The current request is to clarify requirements for Voluntary Art Permits. The current text of the Land Development Regulations was added to O-2023-17 at second reading and directed staff to create a voluntary art permit policy. After working with several applicants, staff is now proposing to modify this section to include the proposed requirements for the voluntary program. Additional proposed amendments also aim to:
• Distinguish the requirements between the previously adopted mandatory Public Art Permit for all new construction over 20,000 square feet, and the new Voluntary Art Permit.
• Introduce quorum minimums for the Public Art Committee.
• Clarify the appeal process and enforcement sections.
• Housekeeping to address minor grammatical and typographical errors.
Due to feedback received during the initial administration of the program, the proposed Voluntary Art Permit will not have to comply with some of the more onerous sections of the mandatory program including the easement requirement and the appraisal requirements. The Ordinance will require compliance with the other applicable application requirements, the permit application review guidelines, and the maintenance requirements.
City staff have reviewed the proposed amendment and determined that it aligns with the policies and objectives City Comprehensive Plan, the City-Wide Master Plan, and the Criteria for Text Amendments. Consequently, staff recommended approval to the Planning and Development Board (PDB), which, in its role as the Local Planning Agency, endorsed the application on May 8, 2025.
Since the PDB recommendation of approval, the draft Ordinance has been slightly revised to address minor typographical and formatting issues in Subsection 4 Voluntary Art Permit, and Paragraph g. Ownership. Additionally, staff recommends
Conclusion:
In summary, the proposed ordinance to amend the requirements for Art In Public Places will positively impact the City’s economic vitality.
Fiscal Impact:
Approval of this Resolution will not fiscally impact the City.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Anand Balram, Assistant Director/Chief Planner
Andria Wingett, Director, Development Services
Raelin Storey, Assistant City Manager