City of Bellingham Municipal Code

2.36.050 - AUTHORITY AND DUTIES

A. No artwork shall be contracted for or placed on property of the City, or become the property of the City by purchase, gift, or otherwise, except for the Museum or gallery, unless such artwork has first been submitted to the BAC for its review and recommendation to the Mayor.

B. The term "work of art" as used in this chapter shall include, without limitations, paintings, murals, stained glass, sculptures, bas-reliefs, monuments, fountains, arches, or other structures of a permanent or temporary character intended for ornament or commemoration.

C. No existing artwork in the possession of the City shall be removed, relocated or altered in any way without being submitted to the BAC for report and recommendation to the Mayor.

D. The BAC shall have similar authority and duties to those stated in subsection A of this section with respect to the aesthetic of new buildings, bridges, viaducts, elevated ways, gates, fences, lamp standards, etc. erected on or over land belonging to the City or public right-of-way, with the following exceptions:

1. Structures described in Section D which are reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Design Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission, or Museum Society;

2. Standard memorial plaques and freestanding markers that are pre-approved by the Parks and Recreation Department;

3. Signs, unless publicly-owned, as regulated under BMC 20.12.040 A(3);

4. Alterations and exterior additions to structures if such alterations and additions have a valuation of less than $50,000;

5. Normal maintenance and repair of said structures;

6. Structures required for public safety; and

7. Cell towers, pump stations, and other required utilities; unless review is requested by the initiating department or BAC.