MURAL GUIDE

The complete legal and practical guide to getting a memorial mural done in Reseda, California under the LA Original Art Mural Ordinance.

01The Ordinance

UNDERSTANDING THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE

The City of Los Angeles adopted the Original Art Mural (OAM) Ordinance on October 12, 2013, creating a legal pathway for new murals on private property. The registration process is handled by the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA). It is a non-discretionary review — if you meet all the requirements, your application will be approved.

Registration Fee

$60

Minimum Duration

2 Years

Commercial Messages

Not Allowed

Owner Consent

Required

IMPORTANT NOTE

Reseda is in Council District 3. Murals on single-family homes are restricted to specific council districts (1, 9, 14, and 15), which does not include CD3. However, murals on commercial buildings and multi-family properties are permitted citywide — so focus your wall search on those property types.

02The Process

THE PATH TO APPROVAL

STEP 01

FIND YOUR WALL

Scout locations in Reseda on commercial or multi-family buildings with good visibility and decent condition. Identify property owners through the LA County Assessor's website or by asking at the businesses.

STEP 02

GET THE OWNER'S CONSENT

The property owner must sign the OAM application, certifying their permission and accepting maintenance responsibility. They also agree to a 2-year covenant filed with the County Recorder's Office.

STEP 03

NOTIFY THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Mail a notice to the CD3 office, Reseda Neighborhood Council, and any local BID at least 14 days before your meeting. Post a notice at the mural site visible from the street. Host an open meeting near the proposed location during evening or weekend hours.

STEP 04

SUBMIT THE APPLICATION

After the meeting, submit the Original Art Mural Application to the DCA. The application cannot be processed until 45 days after the date on your Certificate of Mailing. Once approved, the DCA issues a "Notice to Proceed."

STEP 05

PAINT THE WALL

With the Notice to Proceed in hand, rally the crew and make it happen. Coordinate your artists, gather supplies, and set a date.

03Regulations

KEY RULES

01Mural must remain in place for a minimum of 2 years
02Cannot extend more than 6 inches from the wall surface
03Cannot exceed the height of the building or 100 feet
04No electrical or mechanical components allowed
05Cannot cover windows, doors, or vents
06No commercial messages of any kind
07Illumination must not exceed 3 foot-candles above ambient at the nearest residential property line
04Your Allies

LOCAL RESOURCES

You don't have to do this alone. Reseda has a strong network of community leaders and organizations that can support the project.

Council District 3

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield

19040 Vanowen St, Reseda, CA 91335

(818) 774-4330

[email protected]

cd3.lacity.gov

Reseda Neighborhood Council

7449 Reseda Blvd, #118, Reseda, CA 91335

Community Space: 18118 Sherman Way

[email protected]

Can provide Neighborhood Purposes Grants

resedacouncil.org

11:11 Projects

Organizer of Reseda Rising Mural Festival

Produced 8+ murals in Reseda

Annual Reseda Rising Art Walk

[email protected]

1111projects.art

DCA Public Art Division

Department of Cultural Affairs

(213) 202-5544

[email protected]

Handles all mural registration

culture.lacity.gov/murals

SPARC

Social & Public Art Resource Center

Neighborhood Pride Mural Program

Citywide Mural Program

Technical assistance available

sparcinla.org

Beautify LA

Community Grant Program

Annual competitive matching grants

For neighborhood beautification

Murals are eligible projects

laocb.org
05Quick Ref

AT A GLANCE

ITEMDETAILS
Registration Fee$60.00
Property TypeCommercial or multi-family buildings (citywide)
Mural DurationMinimum 2 years (covenant filed with County Recorder)
Mailed Notice14 days before open meeting; Certificate of Mailing required
Posted Notice14 days before meeting; visible from street frontage
Application Processing45 days after Certificate of Mailing date
Height LimitCannot exceed building height or 100 feet above grade
Wall ProjectionMaximum 6 inches from wall plane
Commercial ContentStrictly prohibited
DCA Contact(213) 202-5544 / [email protected]