Hanford council backs broader mural zones, directs staff to draft specific zone list

Council members on Sept. 1 directed staff to prepare ordinance language to expand Hanford’s mural policy beyond the downtown mixed‑use zone to selected commercial areas and public facilities, while retaining application review and prohibiting commercial advertising on murals.

At a study session presentation, Mr. Waters of the Community Development Department explained that current rules limit murals to the downtown MXD zone and ban business logos, pricing or product promotions. He showed a zoning map and several policy options: no change, add only city‑owned public facilities, or add specified commercial zones. "They must be non commercial in nature," he said, describing the content restrictions.

Vice Mayor House and several council members said they favored expansion but stressed process safeguards. Councilman Payton raised concerns about taste and First Amendment restrictions, and City Attorney Tai reminded the council that murals on private, non‑city property are generally protected speech so review must be narrowly tailored. Councilmembers asked staff to exclude residential uses within mixed‑use zones, allow murals only on commercial uses in mixed zones, and require written property owner authorization.

During public comment, representatives of the Boys & Girls Club and local artists urged broader access to murals for community centers and youth programs. Chad Draxler, who spoke during the study session public comment, argued for fewer restrictions and more freedom for business owners to use murals.

The council reached consensus for option 3 (selected commercial zones plus public facilities with review) and directed staff to return with a draft zone list, refined application checklist, and visual examples before a formal zone text amendment and public hearings.