Art Approval

As specified in the Zoning Code, all fees must be paid in full prior to approval of an application. 

The fee for art plan review is $220.00.

The purpose of the Art Guidelines is to clarify the Call for Artists process and requirements. All projects shall comply with the Oro Valley Zoning Code. These guidelines are intended to complement the Zoning Code. If any provision of these guidelines is in conflict with the Zoning Code, the Zoning Code shall prevail.

Administration: 

1. The Call for Artists process shall be administered by a qualified agent.
2. Agents shall be qualified by the Planning and Zoning Administrator subject to the following criteria:
   • Not-for-profit status
   • Dedicated staff
   • Past experience in developing and conducting Call for Artists processes
   • Access to regional and national list-serves, clearing houses and publications
   • Fee policies
   • Timeframes

Process:

1. Request for Qualifications (RFQ): A RFQ must be advertised. At the discretion of the applicant, the Call for Artists process may utilize a Request for Proposals (RFP) based process. Information in the RFQ shall include but is not limited to the following: 
   • Project description and goals, including applicant desired art medium and style
   • Project parameters and scope-of-work
   • Application deadline and timeline
   • Application procedure and submittal requirements
   • Selection procedure
   • Criteria for selection of artist and/or artwork
   • Budget
2. Advertising: The RFQ must be advertised for at least 30 days on at least two list-serves, databases or clearing houses, that are openly accessible to practicing artists.
   • Projects with building permit valuations less than $4,000,000 shall be at least advertised regionally. At least one list-serve, database or clearing house publication must be regionally distributed (Southwestern or adjacent states to Arizona) and accessible.
   • Projects with building permit valuations over $4,000,000 shall be advertised nationally. At least one list-serve, database or clearing house publication must be nationally distributed and accessible.
   • The RFQ may be sent to individual artists as an invitation to participate, strictly in addition to the requirements in this section. 
3. Selection panel: Chosen by the “Qualified Agent” as directed by the applicant, reviews responses to the RFQ and selects no less than two (2) finalists. Panel composition:
   • At least one (1) representative of the applicant.
   • At least two (2) arts professionals. 
   • At least one (1) resident of the Town of Oro Valley.
   • Information about the selection panel must be included with the formal submittal for the Planning and Zoning Administrator to verify the above composition requirements have been met.
   • Conflict of Interest: Persons who would directly benefit from the selection of a particular artist or artwork are ineligible as panelists (i.e. gallery owners, brokers, artist representatives, etc.). Prospective panelists may be asked to fill out a conflict of interest form prior to being approved for service on a selection panel.
4. Finalists: The two finalists are invited to interview and may be required to submit conceptual proposals. The selection panel will then choose an artist to complete the project.

Summary:

1. A summary of the "Call for Artists" process must be completed by the Qualified Agent and included in the formal submittal. The summary shall include:

• When, where, and for how long the "Call for Artists" advertisement was listed or published.
• Number of applicants and finalists. 
• Panel composition 

Narrative:

1. Description of the proposed art project including intent and vision of the design, placement of art, and the process used for commissioning of a project artist, as well as how the proposed artwork fits into the site plan and overall design theme of the project.
2. Code compliance: Information addressing compliance with each of the review criteria specified in the Oro Valley Zoning Code Section 27.3.G and Section 27.3.H must be included. Please note, conformance with the Oro Valley Zoning Code definition of “public artwork” must be achieved.
3. Call for Artist process: A summary of the process should be included. The summary should explain when, where and for how long, the Call for Artist advertisement was listed or published, the number of applicants and finalists and the panel composition as stated in the Public Art Guidelines.
4. Typical art characteristics that illustrate the use and style of the art, including scale drawing, dimension, height, materials and color palette, and if the art is to be freestanding, integrated, and/or functional must be identified.

Site plan:

1. The Location of public artwork shall be indicated on a site plan (on 11”x17” paper). If the artwork is incorporated on or adjacent to an exterior building elevation, provide architecture renderings. Copies of the applicable plan are required.

Budget:

1. Preliminary estimate of art commitment calculated with 1% of the building permit valuation (construction cost) for the total project, including all phases of a multi-phase project.
2. The building official shall review and approve all preliminary estimates for building permit valuations used as the basis for determining the public are calculation. The final calculation shall be reconciled at the time of building permit issuance and the art budget revised if there is a differential of 10%, or more, between the preliminary estimate of public art commitment calculated with 1% of the building permit valuation (construction cost) and the final building permit’s construction cost valuation.
   • Note: According to the International Building Code (IBC), valuations shall include total value of work, including material and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as electrical equipment, plumbing equipment and permanent systems. If in the opinion of the building official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the permit shall be denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the building official. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the building official.

Maintenance Plan:

1. Provide a Maintenance Plan detailing the installation of the artwork, how the artwork will be protected and provide for public safety. Include who will be the responsible party for maintenance and how often maintenance tasks need to be performed. Please submit a graphic if necessary.

Plaque:

1. Text, size and location of required plaque (Section 27.3.I.5 of the Zoning Code). The plaque should not exceed eighty (80) square inches in size and identify the title, date and artist. The plaque must also contain the words “Oro Valley 1% for Public Art Program.”

Artist(s) Biography:

1. Conformance with the Oro Valley Zoning Code Revised, definition of “artist” must be described.

Implementation Schedule:

1. Provide schedule to show when art will be installed. Art must be installed and certified complete prior to receiving a Certificate of Occupancy.

Proof of Insurance:

1. Showing how the proposed artwork is covered for the amount of purchase and installation.