4.12.020 Definitions.

City Code Section

(Amended by Ordinance 189656, effective September 20, 2019.)

  1. A.  Alteration.  Any change to the Permitted Original Art Mural, including but not limited to any change to the image(s), materials, colors or size of the Permitted Original Art Mural.  “Alteration” does not include naturally occurring changes to the Permitted Original Art Mural caused by exposure to the elements or the passage of time.  Minor changes to the Permitted Original Art Mural which result from the maintenance or repair of the Permitted Original Art Mural shall not constitute “alteration” of the Permitted Original Art Mural within the meaning of this Title.  This can include slight and unintended deviations from the original image, colors or materials that occur when the Permitted Original Art Mural is repaired due to the passage of time, or as a result of vandalism such as graffiti.
  2. B.  Changing Image Mural.  A mural that, through the use of moving structural elements, flashing or sequential lights, lighting elements, or other automated method, results in movement, the appearance of movement or change of mural image or message. Changing image murals do not include otherwise static murals where illumination is turned off and back on not more than once every 24 hours.
  3. C.  Compensation.  The exchange of something of value.  It includes, without limitation, money, securities, real property interest, barter of goods or services, promise of future payment, or forbearance of debt.  “Compensation” does not include:
    1. 1.  goodwill; or
    2. 2.  an exchange of value that a property owner (or leaseholder with a right to possession of the wall upon which the mural is to be placed) provides to an artist, muralist or other entity where the compensation is only for the creation and/or maintenance of the mural on behalf of the property owner or leaseholder, and the property owner or leaseholder fully controls the content of the mural.
  4. D.  Conservation District.  A collection of individual resources that is of historic or cultural significance at the local or neighborhood level, as identified through an inventory and designation process and mapped as such in Title 33, Planning and Zoning.
  5. E.  Conservation Landmark.  A structure, site, tree, landscape, or other object that is of historic or cultural interest at the local or neighborhood level, as identified through an inventory and designation process and mapped as such in Title 33, Planning and Zoning.
  6. F.  Design Overlay Zones.  These are areas where design and neighborhood character are of special concern.  They are identified by having a “d” (Design Overlay) designation on the City’s official Zoning Maps, as regulated by Title 33, Planning and Zoning.
  7. G.  Grade Plane.  A reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the building at exterior walls.  Where the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than 6 feet (1,829 mm) from the building, between the building and a point 6 feet (1,829 mm) from the building.  This definition is adopted from the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.
  8. H.  Historic District.  A collection of individual resources that is of historic or cultural significance at the local, state, or national level, as identified through an inventory and designation process and mapped as such in Title 33, Planning and Zoning.
  9. I.  Historic Landmark.  A structure, site, tree, landscape, or other object that is of historic or cultural significance, as identified through a historic landmark designation process and mapped as such on the City’s inventory of Historic Landmarks.  Historic Landmarks are regulated by Title 33, Planning and Zoning.
  10. J.  Original Art Mural.  A hand-produced work of visual art which is tiled or painted by hand directly upon, or affixed directly to an exterior wall of a building or structure.  Original Art Mural does not include:
    1. 1.  mechanically produced or computer generated prints or images, including but not limited to digitally printed vinyl;
    2. 2.  murals containing electrical or mechanical components; or
    3. 3.  changing image murals.
  11. K.  Permitted Original Art Mural.  An Original Art Mural for which a permit has been issued by the City of Portland pursuant to this Title.
  12. L.  Public Right-of-Way.  An area that allows for the passage of people or goods, that has been dedicated or deeded to the public for public use.  Public Rights-of-Way include passageways such as freeways, pedestrian connections, alleys, and all streets.