HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Public_Art_Exemption_413_S_3rd_St_250724_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Public_Art_Exemption_413_S_3rd_St_Final
PLANNING DIVISION
PUBLIC ART EXEMPTION
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: July 24, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA25-000232, AE
PROJECT NAME: RMAC 413 S 3rd St Mural
PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
OWNER: South Third St Associates
413 S 3rd St, Renton, WA 98057
APPLICANT/CONTACT: William Gaw
12759 SE 164th St, Renton, WA 98058
PROJECT LOCATION: 413 S 3rd St, Renton, WA 98057 (APN 7840800020)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a public art exemption for a wall mural at 413
S 3rd St (APN 7840800020). The proposed wall mural, measuring 56 feet (56’) wide and 15 feet (15’) tall,
will be located on the east facing wall, with part of the dragon’s body and tail wrapping around to the top
of the north facing wall. This section will face the abutting surface parking lot at parcel no. 7840800010
(Attachment A). Cugini Florists & Fine Gifts is the current tenant of the building. The project is funded by
the Renton Downtown Partnership, with support from the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. The mural
design would be completed by Tabitha Brown. The proposed art will showcase a large dragon, designed
in the spirit of ancient Chinese and Indonesian dragons with a distinct Renton character. The mural
proposal aims to celebrate Renton’s cultural diversity, feature local artistry, and boost community
interaction with public art. According to the artist, the mural is designed to challenge viewers by depicting
a series of ordinary objects concealed within the painted shapes for individuals to locate. The Renton
Municipal Arts Commission reviewed the final proposed design concept art at a meeting on July 1, 2025
(Attachment B).
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.
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;
Docusign Envelope ID: 839B82BF-3190-42B9-A20E-9F392D21CFE5
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Sign Code for an Object of Art RMAC 413 S 3rd St Mural LUA25-000232, AE
Permit Date: July 24, 2025 Page 2 of 2
D_Public_Art_Exemption_413_S_3rd_St_Final
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 that 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 August 7, 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: RMAC 2025 Grant Application and Final Design Concept by Tabitha Brown
Attachment B: Meeting Minutes from July 01, 2025, Renton Arts Commission Meeting
Docusign Envelope ID: 839B82BF-3190-42B9-A20E-9F392D21CFE5
7/24/2025 | 3:21 PM PDT