The Iola Village Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct.14, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Iola Village Hall, 180 S. Main Street, to review and hear community feedback on a proposed Mural Ordinance. The hearing will provide residents with an opportunity to voice their opinions on the ordinance, which aims to formally regulate public murals within the village under Chapter 34, Signs and Billboards, of the municipal code.

You can read the proposed ordinance here.

The proposed ordinance will define murals as non-commercial artworks affixed to walls or other permanent surfaces. These murals are intended to enhance aesthetic appeal, preserve local history, and support tourism, according to the agenda materials. The definition specifies that a mural must not advertise or promote commercial products or services associated with the property where it appears.

Under the new rules, any artwork containing advertising symbols, logos, or references to goods or services will be categorized and regulated as a sign rather than a mural. This distinction is designed to maintain the artistic and cultural purpose of murals while ensuring that commercial signage remains subject to existing sign ordinances.

Permit process to be central to new rules

If approved, the ordinance will establish a permit requirement for all murals within the Village of Iola. The Village Clerk’s Office will oversee initial application submissions, reviewing each proposal to ensure it meets the stated requirements. The Planning and Zoning Committee will then evaluate whether an application is complete and compliant before forwarding it to the Village Board of Trustees for final approval or denial.

The proposed rules state that murals will not count toward signage size or quantity limitations, acknowledging that their purpose differs from traditional signage. Applications will be required to include maps, scale drawings, example artwork, color renderings, and maintenance schedules outlining the mural’s lifespan and removal plans, if applicable.

Maintenance and repair responsibilities will fall on the artist, property owner, or mural commissioner, according to the ordinance draft. If a mural becomes chipped, peeling, or otherwise unsightly, it will have to be removed at the owner’s expense. The ordinance emphasizes that murals should be produced with high-quality paint to ensure durability and maintain the visual integrity of the village environment.

In addition, proposed design standards will require that murals not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular safety, complement the architectural design of the building or structure they adorn, and be culturally and historically appropriate. Murals containing political or vulgar messages will not be permitted. Village inspectors will assess the condition of walls or fences intended for mural placement to ensure they are structurally sound before any artwork begins.

Community input

Residents attending Tuesday’s hearing will have the opportunity to speak for or against the proposed regulations. The board’s notice encourages public input, noting that murals could contribute to downtown revitalization and community identity if properly managed. Village officials are expected to listen to comments regarding how murals might affect property values, tourism, and neighborhood aesthetics.

Following public input, the Board of Trustees may vote to adopt, amend, or postpone action on the ordinance. If passed, the new rules will establish a formal process for artists and property owners seeking to install murals on private or public buildings within the village limits.

The mural ordinance discussion comes as part of a broader review of Chapter 34, “Signs and Billboards”, which governs visual displays across Iola. The proposed additions aim to differentiate artistic expression from commercial signage, allowing the village to encourage creativity while maintaining consistent development standards.

Village leaders have noted that clear mural regulations could prevent confusion among business owners and artists, provide guidance for property improvements, and enhance community engagement through public art initiatives.

The public hearing will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 14, with the mural ordinance as the primary agenda item. Depending on feedback and board discussion, the ordinance could be adopted later this month or scheduled for further review at a future meeting.

Residents seeking more information or wishing to review the full ordinance draft can contact the Village Clerk’s Office or visit the Village Hall during regular business hours.