HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Public_Art_Exemption_Wizards of the Coast Secret Dragon Lair_v2DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Public_Art_Exemption_Wizards of the Coast Secret Dragon Lair_v2
PLANNING DIVISION
PUBLIC ART EXEMPTION
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: September 15, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA25-000291, AE
PROJECT NAME: Wizards of the Coast Secret Dragon Lair
PROJECT MANAGER: Ashley Wragge, Assistant Planner
OWNER/APPLICANT: David Smith
231 Wells Ave S, Renton, WA 98057
CONTACT: David Smith
231 Wells Ave S, Renton, WA 98057
PROJECT LOCATION: 231 Wells Ave S, Renton, WA 98057 (APN 7231501910)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a public art exemption for a community wall
mural on the existing south wall of the business located at 231 Wells Ave S (APN 7231501910). The
proposed mural faces a parking lot with visibility from Wells Ave S. The mural is being privately funded by
Wizards of the Coast, a business headquartered in Renton. The concept drawings were proposed to the
Renton Municipal Arts Commission on July 1, 2025 (Attachment A) and a motion was passed to accept
the concept drawings. The mural design will be completed by Jeff Jacobson, a Seattle-based artist. The
community mural is intended to celebrate their artists, teams, and connection to the local community.
The artwork is meant to highlight Renton’s unique tie to Wizards of the Coast and its creative culture,
while also celebrating the city’s identity as a place where imagination, community, and art thrive. It
symbolizes the intersection of fantasy and reality, inviting residents and visitors to see Renton as a home
to creativity and wonder.
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;
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;
Docusign Envelope ID: 401C9E0E-D127-475A-B5CB-F5261B6A0BF8
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Sign Code for an Object of Art
Wizards of the Coast Secret Dragon Lair LUA25-000291, AE
Permit Date: September 15, 2025 Page 2 of 2
D_Public_Art_Exemption_Wizards of the Coast Secret Dragon Lair_v2
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 art 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 September
29, 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: Concept Drawings and Arts Commission Meeting Minutes dated July 1, 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 401C9E0E-D127-475A-B5CB-F5261B6A0BF8
9/15/2025 | 11:27 AM PDT
Attachment A
Docusign Envelope ID: 401C9E0E-D127-475A-B5CB-F5261B6A0BF8
Docusign Envelope ID: 401C9E0E-D127-475A-B5CB-F5261B6A0BF8
Docusign Envelope ID: 401C9E0E-D127-475A-B5CB-F5261B6A0BF8
Docusign Envelope ID: 401C9E0E-D127-475A-B5CB-F5261B6A0BF8
Docusign Envelope ID: 401C9E0E-D127-475A-B5CB-F5261B6A0BF8
Docusign Envelope ID: 401C9E0E-D127-475A-B5CB-F5261B6A0BF8