Whittier, California

Whittier, California

Population: 86,838
Type of Requirement: Ordinance

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Contact Information

Physical Address:
Cultural Arts Commission/
Art in Public Places Subcommittee
13230 Penn Street
Whittier, CA 90602

Main Contact:
Greg Alaniz, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Email Greg | 562.567.9420

Program Summary

The Code establishes that new commercial or manufacturing developments, modifications and additions to existing commercial or manufacturing developments, and residential developments of more than two (2) lots or units, where the construction cost is two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00), or more are subject to a mandatory public art requirement. Reconstruction of structures that have been damaged by fire, flood, wind, earthquake, or other calamity and projects owned and developed exclusively by Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are excluded from the requirement.

Projects may satisfy the requirement by installing public artwork on or in the vicinity of the project site as approved by the City Council. The cost or value of such work shall equal or exceed a minimum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) or half of a percent (0.5%) of the total development cost, whichever is greater. Maintenance and conservation of the artwork will be the responsibility of the property owner. Alternatively, developers may contribute an in-lieu fee to the Art in Public Places Fund of an amount equal to half of a percent (0.5%) of the total development cost. This fee shall be paid when all other fees are assessed such as prior to the issuance of a building permit or prior to occupancy.

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Solar Tree (2019). By José Rude Calderon and Roberto Delgado. City of Whittier Public Art Commission Collection. Courtesy: José Rude Calderon