HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Public_Art_Exemption_226_Main_Ave_S_250609_v1_FinalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Public_Art_Exemption_226_Main_Ave_S_250609_v1_EDITED BY MS
PLANNING DIVISION
PUBLIC ART EXEMPTION
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: June 9, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA25-000181, AE
PROJECT NAME: Downtown Partnership Main Ave Mural
PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
OWNER: Divelbiss LLC, Charles Divelbiss
226 Main Ave S, Renton, WA 98057
APPLICANT/CONTACT: Charles Divelbiss, Property Manager
230 Wells Ave S, Renton, WA 98057
PROJECT LOCATION: 226 Main Ave S, Renton, WA 98057 (APN 7231500900)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a public art exemption for a community wall
mural at 226 Main Ave S (APN 7231500900). The proposed wall mural will be 700 square feet in size and
is proposed to be located on the north wall of the existing structure facing the abutting city-owned
parking lot at parcel no. 7231500895 (Attachment A). The current tenants within the existing building
include Azteca Boxing Club, Idolize Tattoo, and The Rose Gift House and Coffee. The project is funded by
the Renton Downtown Partnership, with support from the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. The mural
design would be completed by Seattle-based artist Carlos Martinez, and the proposed art centers on
abundance and diversity, featuring a cornucopia from which various national flowers emerge,
symbolizing the diverse cultures within the community. The mural includes elements specific to Renton
and Washington, such as sockeye salmon and a paper plane to represent the aviation industry.
According to the artist, the mural is meant to be a welcoming reflection of the people of Renton and a
visual celebration of culture, connection, and shared abundance (Attachment B). The Renton Municipal
Arts Commission reviewed the final proposed design concept art at a meeting on June 3, 2025
(Attachment C).
CODE AUTHORITY: Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-9-160F gives the Department of
Community and Economic Development authority to grant exemptions from the City’s Sign Code for
'objects of art' provided an Exemption Certificate for Public Art is issued. The code defines 'objects of art'
as sculptures, wall paintings, murals, collages or banners by artists recognized by the Renton Municipal
Arts Commission.
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Sign Code for an Object of Art
Downtown Partnership Main Ave Mural LUA25-000181, AE
Permit Date: June 9, 2025 Page 2 of 2
D_Public_Art_Exemption_226_Main_Ave_S_250609_v1_EDITED BY MS
EVALUATION CRITERIA: Per RMC 4-9-160C, the Department of Community and Economic
Development may determine that ‘objects of art’ are exempt from the requirements of the City's Sign
Code when:
a.Sited in a manner as to be readily accessible to pedestrians for passive viewing;
b.Sited in a manner so as not to unduly divert the attention of motorists from the roadway;
c.Stationary and do not revolve or otherwise move;
d.Not illuminated;
e.In good taste and reasonably reflect acceptable community values;
f.Of sufficient durability so as to have a life expectancy of at least ten (10) years;
g.Not used or referred to in the media or by the owners of the premises or operators of
businesses contained thereon for business advertising purposes.
Staff finds the proposed exemption meets all seven (7) of the evaluation criteria.
DECISION: An exemption from the City’s Sign Code regulations for an ‘object of art’ is hereby Approved
for the proposed project.
SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION:
Matthew Herrera, Planning Director Date
APPEAL: Appeals of permit issuance must be filed in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on June 23, 2025.
An appeal of the decision must be filed within the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-
11-680). Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or
delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee, normally due at the
time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically.
The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the
Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process
may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Final Design Concept by Seattle-based Artist Carlos Martinez
Attachment B: Email correspondence with Jessie Kotarski, City of Renton, Economic Development
Manager
Attachment C: Meeting Minutes from June 03, 2025, Renton Arts Commission Meeting
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6/9/2025 | 4:08 PM PDT
ATTACHMENT A
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Mariah Kerrihard
From:Jessie Kotarski
Sent:Friday, June 6, 2025 10:40 AM
To:Mariah Kerrihard
Subject:RE: Art Exemption Request for Mural Project at 226 Main Ave S
Here is the statement from the artist:
This mural centers around the theme of abundance and the beauty of diversity in Renton. A cornucopia is
the focal point, symbolizing abundance, with national flowers emerging from it to represent some of the
cultures and communities that make call Renton home. Included are the Flor de Maga from Puerto Rico,
King Protea from Somalia, gerbera from Eritrea, the lotus (national flower of Vietnam), and jasmine
sambac from the Philippines.
I’ve also incorporated elements that specifically touch on Renton and Washington—namely the sockeye
salmon and a paper plane, which nods to the city’s connection to the aviation industry.
The mural is meant to be a welcoming reflection of the people of Renton. It is a visual celebration of
culture, connection, and shared abundance.
From: Mariah Kerrihard <MKerrihard@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Friday, June 6, 2025 10:33 AM
To: Jessie Kotarski <JKotarski@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Art Exemption Request for Mural Project at 226 Main Ave S
Sounds great, I will get it finished up after I add those details.
Thank you,
MARIAH KERRIHARD, Associate Planner
City of Renton // CED // Planning
1055 S Grady Way Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center // Schedule a Virtual 15-minute Meeting
(425) 430-7238 // planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov
NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56
From: Jessie Kotarski <JKotarski@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Friday, June 6, 2025 8:55 AM
To: Mariah Kerrihard <MKerrihard@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Art Exemption Request for Mural Project at 226 Main Ave S
Hi Mariah! I know there was a background story on the design. Let me see if I can get clarification from
the artist.
~Jessie
ATTACHMENT B
RECEIVED06/06/2025MKerrihard
PLANNING DIVISION
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From: Mariah Kerrihard <MKerrihard@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, June 5, 2025 3:05 PM
To: Jessie Kotarski <JKotarski@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: RE: Art Exemption Request for Mural Project at 226 Main Ave S
Hi Jessie,
I am working on getting this art exemption permit finished up and I had a question for you.
Is there any additional information you can provide about the design or why it was chosen? I want to add some
additional information to the project description.
Thank you,
MARIAH KERRIHARD, Associate Planner
City of Renton // CED // Planning
1055 S Grady Way Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center // Schedule a Virtual 15-minute Meeting
(425) 430-7238 // planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov
NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This message complies with Washington State’s Public Records Act – RCW 42.56
From: Clark Close <CClose@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 3:10 PM
To: Mariah Kerrihard <MKerrihard@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Jessie Kotarski <JKotarski@Rentonwa.gov>; Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: FW: Art Exemption Request for Mural Project at 226 Main Ave S
Mariah,
Please see Jessie’s email below and find attached submittal documents. As discussed, thanks for processing this
art exemption request.
Regards,
CLARK CLOSE, Current Planning Manager
City of Renton // Planning
Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections
office 425-430-7289
From: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 12:50 PM
To: Clark Close <CClose@Rentonwa.gov>
Cc: Jessie Kotarski <JKotarski@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: FW: Art Exemption Request for Mural Project at 226 Main Ave S
Thanks Jessie!!
Clark, please assign this to a current planner to process. Thanks! -Matt
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MATT HERRERA, AICP, Planning Director
City of Renton // Community and Economic Development
1055 S Grady Way // Renton, WA 98057 // 425-430-6593
Virtual Permit Center // Online Applications and Inspections
From: Jessie Kotarski <JKotarski@Rentonwa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 10:05 AM
To: Matthew Herrera <MHerrera@Rentonwa.gov>
Subject: Art Exemption Request for Mural Project at 226 Main Ave S
Hi Matt,
I’m requesting an art exemption for a mural project downtown, specifically at 226 Main Ave S, facing the City-owned lot
at the same address. Here’s the information for the proposed mural:
· Artist Information:
o Carlos Martinez, a Seattle-based artist. His portfolio and background are available here:
https://www.carlosmartinezart.com/about
o The project is being funded by the Renton Downtown Partnership, with support from the Renton Arts
Commission.
· Design:
o The selected and approved design is attached.
· Location:
o 226 Main Ave S (north wall facing the City parking lot). Photos of the proposed location are included
below.
o
· Documentation:
o The signed Master Application from the property owner, acknowledging and supporting the project, is
attached.
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Please let me know if you need any additional information or materials!
Thanks so much,
Jessie
JESSIE KOTARSKI, Economic Development Manager
City of Renton | CED | Economic Development Division
1055 S Grady Way | 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057
Virtual Permit Center | Online Applications and Inspections
(425) 430-7271 | jkotarski@rentonwa.gov
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Renton Municipal Arts Commission
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
City Hall, Council Conference Room 726 or Zoom
Commissioners Present: Brianna Burroughs, Clara Affleck, Jake Heare, Nadya Halt,
Susan Jessick, Sara Palmer, Evelyn Reingold,
Commissioners, pending appointments: Alycia Ruiz, Sujata Acharya
Renton Staff: Jessie Kotarski
Call to order: 6:00 pm
Introduction of Guests:
• Jason Seth, City Clerk/Public Records Officer, City of Renton
• Patrice Kent, Sr. Assistant City Attorney, City of Renton
• Mayor Armondo Pavone, City of Renton
• Kate Peterson, city resident, artist
Guest Presentation:
Training for City Boards and Commissions — Open Public Meetings Act, Public
Records Act, and Robert’s Rules of Order (6:05)
• Training covers all new, pending, and renewing commissioners.
o This session satisfies the required training for all present and participating
members.
o Topics covered included:
OPMA training required within 90 days of assuming office;
refresher required every 4 years (RCW 42.30.205).
Applies to all boards and commission members, including
subcommittees (AGO 1986 No.16).
Subcommittee notes are subject to PRA, including personal
devices and drives.
Recommendation to add Operating Norms (code of conduct) to
Bylaws and submit for City Council approval.
• Additional discussions:
o Whether electronic screens in the lobby, by elevators, and near meeting
rooms count as meeting notices under OPMA or if physical postings on
doors are required.
o Subcommittees should be fewer than 7 members to avoid quorum
requirements per OPMA.
ATTACHMENT C
RECEIVED
06/09/2025
MKerrihard
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o Exploring the option of giving Commissioners their own city email or
creating a separate email account for city business.
Mayor Armondo Pavone 7:06 PM
The Mayor introduced himself to the Commission and shared general thoughts on
Renton's evolving art scene, comparing Renton’s growth and emerging art
opportunities to cities like Everett. He expressed enthusiasm for future conversations
about how art can continue to grow and evolve in Renton, especially as the city’s
population increases.
Correspondence & Announcements 7:35 PM
Thank you cards sent to Dragon Day participants SCA, The Vera Project, Sustainable
Renton, Hazel High School, IKEA, and KCLS
Review of minutes from May meeting:
• Jake motioned to accept the May 6th meeting minutes as shared via email.
Seconded by Evelyn. Motion passes.
Budget update:
• All budget categories are on target, as set in January 2025.
• $29k remains in the Roadshow budget.
• $28k left in Promotions, with four more events planned.
Committee updates:
Metrics
o Sara offered to create a google spreadsheet for commissioners add their
artists networking
Roadshow
o Farmer’s Market performance stage: All performances have been booked;
performances are scheduled on Tuesdays from June 3rd-September
between 4pm and 6:30pm – new stage location on Williams Ave S in front
of JP’s Taproom.
o Renton River Days: Roadshow program offering stage support, looking for
more local talent around two headliners (one daily)
o Summer Concert: Roadshow program team are working with Parks & Rec
to connect and schedule sound support
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Grants Update:
• Received 16 applications totaling $129,536 in funding requests.
• 2025 Round 3 Grant Funding Recommendations (total $35,975):
o Christina Caravaglio, Public Art Installation – $4,000
o FREE2LUV, Mental Health & the Arts – $5,000
o HealthPoint, Mural – $2,000
o JR Learning Labs, Mobile Mural – $5,000
o Rainier Breakers LLC, Renton Rumble – $3,975
o The Key to Change, Fall String Festival – $8,000
o The Salvation Army, Music Classes – $4,000
o Tomato Tomato Creative, Teen Programming – $4,000
• Motion to approve $35,975 by Evelyn, seconded by Brianna; motion passed.
Promotions
o Art Lounge Series
June 18: The Tipsy Typers (hosts) – poetry collage at Drum Roll
(location)
July 16: Wyldwood Creative (location and host) – painting pottery
snails
o Sidewalk Chalk Contest
Saturday, July 26 – concentrated effort to get the word out and
encourage artists to regiser early
o Artist Studio Tour – August 16
Second artist meet up for participating studios is June 4 at the
studio of Yuliya Helgesen-Thompson – Splash N Sip Studio
o Upcoming Events
Costume Swap – September 27
Olde Time Halloween – October 25
Small Business Saturday – November 29
o Fairwood Night Market (May–October)
Free 10x10 booth space for artists; also used to promote upcoming
events
June theme: Fairwood Gets Outside – will feature Renton artist
Renee Look
Old Business: N/A
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New Business: Reviewed and approved mural design by artist Carlos Martinez for 226
Main Ave S, celebrating Renton's diversity and abundance with culturally
representative flowers and local elements. Motioned by Jake, seconded by Clara.
Adjournment: 8:09 pm
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