Lomita Municipal Code Art. 45 Public Art in Private Developments

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), adopted Oct. 3, 2024, repealed the former Art. 45, §§ 11-1.45.01—11-1.45.06, and enacted a new Art. 45 as set out herein. The former Art. 45 pertained to Zone C-G (Commercial, General) and derived from Ord. No. 113, § 1, adopted June 7, 1971; Ord. No. 116, § 1, adopted Oct. 4, 1971; Ord. No. 122, § 1(a), adopted April 3, 1972; Ord. No. 130, § 1, adopted Oct. 16, 1972; Ord. No. 151, § 1, adopted April 2, 1973; Ord. No. 161, § 1, adopted Dec. 17, 1973; Ord. No. 163, § 2, adopted April 1, 1974; Ord. No. 168, § 2, adopted June 3, 1974; Ord. No. 172, § 1, adopted Dec. 16, 1974; Ord. No. 206, § 2, adopted Sept. 15, 1975; Ord. No. 273, § 2, adopted Jan. 16, 1978; Ord. No. 287, §§ 1, 2, adopted July 17, 1978; Ord. No. 304, § 1, adopted Oct. 15, 1979; Ord. No. 311, § 6, adopted Feb. 19, 1980; Ord. No. 314, § 3, adopted May 19, 1980; Ord. No. 327, § 9, adopted Aug. 3, 1981; Ord. No. 341, § 1, adopted Dec. 6, 1982; Ord. No. 348, §§ 6, 7, adopted April 4, 1983; Ord. No. 349, § 1, adopted May 2, 1983; Ord. No. 359, § 1, adopted Dec. 17, 1983; Ord. No. 385, § 4, adopted March 6, 1985; Ord. No. 407, § 4, adopted Sept. 15, 1986; Ord. No. 410, § 2, adopted Jan. 15, 1987; Ord. No. 411, § 1, adopted Dec. 15, 1986; Ord. No. 436, § 1, adopted April 3, 1989; Ord. No. 440, § 2, adopted April 17, 1989; Ord. No. 453, § II, adopted Dec. 4, 1989; Ord. No. 473, §§ 2, 3, adopted Jan. 7, 1991; Ord. No. 501, § 1, adopted Aug. 3, 1992; Ord. No. 519, § 1, adopted Aug. 2, 1993; Ord. No. 523, § 1, adopted May 16, 1994; Ord. No. 551, § 1, adopted Aug. 7, 1995; Ord. No. 552, § 1, adopted Sept. 5, 1995; Ord. No. 685, pt. 1, adopted June 19, 2006; Ord. No. 695, pt. 13, adopted Dec. 18, 2006; Ord. No. 696, pt. 5, adopted Dec. 18, 2006; Ord. No. 705, § 2(pt. 3), adopted July 2, 2007; Ord. No. 714, pt. 2, adopted June 16, 2008; Ord. No. 733, § 2(pt. 2), adopted Sept. 7, 2010; Ord. No. 748, § 2(pts. 10, 11), adopted Jan. 17, 2012; Ord. No. 757, § 2, adopted June 3, 2013; Ord. No. 777, § 4, adopted Jan. 27, 2016; Ord. No. 778, § 4, adopted Feb. 2, 2016; Ord. No. 787, § 3, adopted May 2, 2017; Ord. No. 793, § 10, adopted Dec. 5, 2017; Ord. No. 828, § 4, adopted Jan. 18, 2022; Ord. No. 845, § 4(P, Q), adopted March 21, 2023; Ord. No. 862, § 4(A, B), adopted June 18, 2024.

(A) The purpose of this chapter is to enrich the cultural and aesthetic landscape of the City of Lomita through the integration of public art within commercial and mixed-use developments. This initiative seeks to foster creativity, educate and cultivate an appreciation of the arts and cultural heritage, and enhance the visual environment for residents and visitors alike. Public art, by embodying the confidence, vitality, and optimism of the community, reflects the city's commitment to diversity and cultural richness. It contributes to a more vibrant, attractive, and livable city, promoting the highest ideals of its citizens.

(B) In implementing this program, the city aims to establish clear guidelines, procedures, and standards that align with and support the goals and policies outlined in the Lomita General Plan. The integration of public art in private developments across commercial districts is intended to create memorable, engaging spaces that celebrate artistic expression and promote a cohesive community identity.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

Public art shall be defined as an original, permanent work created in any variety of media by a professional artist. This may encompass sculptures, murals, photography, original graphic arts, water features, neon creations, glassworks, mosaics, or any mix of these and other media forms. It also includes permanent furnishings or fixtures attached to a building or its grounds, as well as certain architectural elements like decorative bicycle racks and stained glass that are aesthetically enhanced beyond functional use. Exclusions from the definition of public art include the following:

• Mass-produced art objects of standard design, like playground equipment, benches, statuary, or fountains.

• Decorative or functional architectural elements or details that are solely the work of the building's architect rather than an artist specifically commissioned for the project, whether working alone or in collaboration with the architect.

• Landscape architecture and gardening, unless designed by the artist as an integral component of the artwork.

• Directional elements including super graphics, signage as outlined in Article 67, or color coding, unless part of an original artwork or executed by artists as unique or limited editions.

• Interpretive programs.

• Mechanical or other reproductions of original artworks, except for film, video, photography, printmaking, or other media arts that are specially commissioned.

• Services or utilities required for the artwork's operation or maintenance.

• Artwork not visible to the public.

• Corporate logos or identities.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

The public art requirement shall apply to any of the following development projects within the commercial zoning districts:

(A) New residential construction. Projects consisting of ten (10) or more dwelling units, including condominiums, apartment complexes, and mixed-use developments with residential components.

(B) New nonresidential construction. Commercial, industrial, institutional, or mixed-use developments with a project valuation of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) or more. This includes but is not limited to office buildings, retail centers, and educational facilities.

(C) Tenant improvements. For nonresidential projects, where the valuation of the tenant improvement project is five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) or more. This encompasses renovations, expansions, and interior improvements of existing nonresidential spaces.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

(A) Public art valuation. The minimum required investment in public art is established at one-half (0.5) percent of the total construction costs of the applicable project.

(B) Compliance methods. Developers can meet this requirement through one of the following methods:

(1) Direct installation. Incorporation of public art either on-site or at an approved offsite location that is visually accessible to the general public and enhances the community's public spaces.

(2) In-lieu contribution. Making a monetary contribution to the city's public art fund. The contribution shall be established by the city fee schedule adopted by the city council. This fund will be used to commission, purchase, and maintain public artworks throughout the city.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

(A) Onsite placement. Public art should be strategically placed within the development to maximize visibility and engagement with the public. It should be oriented towards pedestrian traffic and accessible for public viewing. The integration of the artwork with the site's landscape and architectural design is encouraged to enhance the overall aesthetic and experiential quality of the development.

(B) Offsite placement. In instances where onsite placement is not feasible or does not contribute to the public art goals of the city, developers may propose an alternative offsite location for public art contribution. The proposed location must be within the City of Lomita and accessible to the public, and it should align with the city's broader public art objectives.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

(A) The Public Art Program of the City of Lomita is committed to fostering innovative artistic expressions and enhancing the city's aesthetic and cultural environment through the incorporation of diverse art forms in commercial districts. Public art in Lomita should strive to establish a sense of place and community identity through themes that are open to imaginative interpretation.

(B) Themes. Artwork may be representational or nonrepresentational and should aim to resonate with a wide audience. The following suggested thematic content intend to serve as guidance to inspire artists and developers, without mandating specific subjects or styles.

(1) Natural beauty and urban integration. Artwork that depicts or is inspired by the interplay between natural landscapes and urban elements.

(2) Cultural diversity and community. Representations that celebrate the diverse cultures and communities of Southern California, fostering a sense of inclusion and community unity.

(3) Historical narratives. Pieces that explore or reinterpret the history of Lomita and its development, contributing to a shared community heritage.

(4) Contemporary life and visions for the future. Artworks that reflect the contemporary urban experience and Lomita's aspirations for the future, including interpretations of the Southern California lifestyle.

(C) Installation and maintenance. Artworks must be designed and installed with consideration for public safety, accessibility, and long-term maintenance. Artists and developers are encouraged to:

(1) Ensure durability by selecting materials and designs that withstand local environmental conditions and require minimal maintenance;

(2) Promote accessibility through installation in a manner accessible to all segments of the community, enhancing public interaction and enjoyment; and

(3) Complement and enhance the immediate environment, contributing positively to the site's character and the overall urban fabric.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)

(A) Projects requiring discretionary review.

(1) The public art component of development projects requiring discretionary review, such as conditional use permits or variances, will be reviewed by the planning commission. Review may occur concurrently with other discretionary applications required for the project. The application must detail the developer's proposed method for complying with the public art requirement, including the location and medium of the direct art installation(s).

(2) Location and medium approval. The planning commission will assess the appropriateness of the proposed public art location to ensure accessibility and visibility by the public. Considerations will include the integration of the art within the site, the potential for public engagement, and the contribution of the artwork to the aesthetic quality of the development and surrounding area.

(3) Deferred art selection. Developers have the flexibility to choose the specific content, theme, and/or art style of the public art piece after the planning commission's initial review. The final selection of the artwork, including detailed designs and artist information, must be submitted to the community development department for approval before installation. This step is designed to encourage developers to invest thoughtful consideration into the art selection process, prioritizing the engagement of local artists and commissioning artworks that resonate with and enhance the identity of the project site, aligning with the city's vision for cultural enrichment and aesthetic integration.

(B) Projects not requiring discretionary review.

(1) Community development department review. For development projects that do not require discretionary review by the planning commission, the proposed location and medium of the public art installation must be submitted to the community and economic development director. This submission should occur prior to the issuance of building permits to ensure that the public art component is integrated into the project plans from the outset.

(2) Deferred art selection. Similar to projects undergoing discretionary review, developers may opt to defer the final selection of the public art piece's content, theme, and/or art style until a later stage in the project. However, the planning commission shall provide final approval of the artwork before installation. This deferred selection process enables developers to carefully consider art choices, prioritize local artist engagement, and commission works that resonate with the project site and align with the city's vision for cultural enrichment and aesthetic integration.

(Ord. No. 863, § 3(D), 10-3-24)