Paint the Pavement Program

Neighborhoods interested in pursuing a Paint the Pavement project should begin by carefully reviewing the program requirements on this webpage. The webpage includes tips on what types of projects you should consider and instructions to apply for city approval to paint a mural in the public right-of-way.

Quiet residential streets are the best candidates for Paint the Pavement projects. Projects can be installed at low-volume intersections or at mid-block locations. After you apply, the City Traffic Engineer will review your proposed location for safety concerns and determine if it is a good candidate for a Paint the Pavement installation.

While painting the design, the street or intersection must be closed in an appropriate fashion to ensure the safety of all participants. The City Traffic Engineer will determine if a simple street closure can be used or if a Method for Handling Traffic (MHT) is needed based on traffic volumes and safety considerations. A MHT is an official, detailed plan that outlines how traffic control devices (signs, barriers, cones, etc.) will be installed, managed, and removed to safely guide travelers through a work zone. If a MHT is required, the applicant is responsible for obtaining it. All costs related to the design and implementation of the simple closure or the MHT are the responsibility of the neighborhood.

A simple closure includes:

• Two type III (3) barricades with flashing lights and “Road Closed” signs to close the street. The applicant is responsible for renting barricades.
• Marshals (designated residents or someone hired to serve in that capacity) stationed at the points of closure to answer questions and maintain the barricades. Marshals must be 18 years of age or older. Marshals shall not act as flaggers or traffic controllers.
• Accommodation for emergency response at all times. A 20-foot-wide corridor must be maintained along the closure for emergency vehicles. The city recommends that all event materials (food, tables, chairs, toys, etc.) be placed on one side of the street only to allow access for emergency vehicles in the event of emergency. Barricades must be staffed at all times and must be movable to accommodate emergency access for police, fire, and emergency medical services.

If a Method for Handling Traffic (MHT) is required, it must be developed and implemented under the supervision of a certified Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) or certified Traffic Control Technician (TCT). The TCS or TCT will be responsible for delivering and installing barricades in the proper positions as depicted in the MHT at the beginning of the event, and removing them at the end of event and returning them to delivery location. Most barricade rental companies have a TCS or TCT on staff, who can provide an estimate for their services. The development of the MHT and all costs related to it are the responsibility of the neighborhood.

Projects on high-volume streets or that are larger or more complex may require a Special Events Permit. The City Traffic Engineer will determine if a Special Events Permit is required.

Your mural design can include community identity logos, but no advertising of any sort is allowed. Using text is discouraged and designs should not replicate or mimic traffic control devices (such as stop signs or crosswalks). Any designs that are deemed violent, sexual, or religious in nature will be denied. After you apply, the Office of Arts and Culture will review your proposed design and determine if it is approved.

In the application, you will be required to provide both with a written description of the design and a diagram depicting how the location will look when completed. The diagram should include dimensions and orientation on the street.

Paint the Pavement events are similar to neighborhood block parties – gatherings of residents in a neighborhood for the purposes of painting the street mural, building relationships, and fostering community. To help you plan your Paint the Pavement event, please see the information and requirements below.

Paint the Pavement events can include:

• the closing and barricading of a city street or intersection (required)
• the painting of the street mural
• the availability of refreshments
• activities within the blocked street area
• other activities that are legal and safe

Paint the Pavement events DO NOT include:

• loud music
• alcohol on public streets, sidewalks or other city property
• unknown or uninvited guests
• mandatory cover charges
• closure of more than one street or intersection
• any activities that could result in city code violations
• more than the designated number of participants
• any activity that violates the Paint the Pavement permit
• any illegal or unsafe activity or behavior as determined by the police and fire departments

Paint the Pavement events must be held between the hours of 8 am and 10 pm.

• Amplified music is only allowed between noon and 10 pm. If you plan to have live or amplified music, you must contact Environmental Enforcement at least 21 days in advance at 303-441-3239 to determine if an off-duty officer must be hired. Payment for the Environmental Officer is required 21 days in advance of the event. Hourly rates range from $50-$150/hour, plus a 10% administrative fee. Rates are subject to change. If complaints are received, all music, bands, and amplification will be turned down or turned off. A summons will be issued for any municipal code violation (Boulder Revised Code 5-6-2 and 5- 3-8). A copy of these ordinances may be obtained online.
• No more than 50 people may attend. Special approval must be given by the city for numbers greater than this.
• Paint the Pavement events may not be held on major roads or areas where safety is a concern.
• The applicant is responsible for obtaining the street closure devices and implementing the street closure plan, as determined by the City Traffic Engineer. All costs related to the design and implementation of the street closure plan are the responsibility of the applicant.
• Alcohol is not permitted on public property (in city streets, sidewalks, parks, etc.). Sale or provision of alcohol to the public is prohibited. Alcohol can be consumed on private property only as a closed or invite only event. All state and city alcohol laws still apply during Paint the Pavement events.
• The Paint the Pavement applicant must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the block to be closed.

Projects on high-volume streets or that are larger or more complex may require a Special Events Permit. The City Traffic Engineer will determine if a Special Events Permit is required.

1. Submit the online Paint the Pavement application 90 days before you plan to complete your project. You will need the following materials to apply for a Paint the Pavement Permit:
   1. Written description and map showing your proposed project location and which sections of the street you are proposing to close for the event.
   2. Written description and diagram showing your proposed project design. The diagram should include dimensions and orientation on the street.
   3. Proposed date, time, and event details for your Paint the Pavement event.
      
2. Receive approval within 20 days of application submittal from the Office of Arts and Culture and Transportation & Mobility Department for your proposed design. If your design requires modifications in order to be approved, you will receive a message through the application portal.
   
3. Receive approval within 20 days of application submittal from the Transportation & Mobility Department, Police Department, and Fire Department for your proposed project location and street closure. The City Traffic Engineer retains the right to require changes to any and all elements of the project design, location, and street closure to ensure public safety and operation of the transportation system. If your proposed project location requires modifications in order to be approved, you will receive a message through the application portal.
   
4. The City Traffic Engineer will determine whether a simple street closure can be used or if a Method for Handling Traffic (MHT) is needed based on traffic volumes and safety considerations. A MHT is an official, detailed plan that outlines how traffic control devices (signs, barriers, cones, etc.) will be installed, managed, and removed to safely guide travelers through a work zone. If a MHT is required, the applicant is responsible for obtaining it. You will receive instructions on how to obtain a MHT and how to submit it through the application portal. It must be submitted 60 days before the event date. If the city requires changes to the MHT, you will receive a message through the application portal. The final MHT must be submitted 30 days before the event date. Paint the Pavement project events or street closures that are larger or more complex also may require a Special Events Permit. You will receive a message with the requirements for the street closure through the application portal.
   
5. Once your design, location, and street closure plan are approved, you will be provided a petition template to use to petition neighbors at least 30 days before the project installation date. You should submit the completed petition at least 14 days before the Paint the Pavement event.

The petition must be circulated in the neighborhood to show support for the Paint the Pavement event, the street closure, and the design of the street mural. The petition process serves to contact the residents/businesses on your block(s) and notify them of your plans for a Paint the Pavement event and street closure. This helps avoid misunderstandings and signifies to the city that the majority of neighbors endorse this event, and helps strengthen neighborhood relations. Should any conflicts arise about the proposed Paint the Pavement event date, time, location, street closure, or mural design, it is the responsibility of the applicant to work through the issue with your neighbor(s).

Because the Paint the Pavement project will create a semi-permanent change to the neighborhood, in addition to closing the street for a day, identifying support from neighbors is especially important. The Paint the Pavement Petition must have signatures from 100% of the property owners directly abutting the project and at least 60% of the property owners and/or residents on the project street frontage(s) within the “impact area” which is defined as one standard city block (or 400 feet) of the proposed project, or within the area to be closed for the painting event, whichever is greater. Each residence within the impact area will only receive one “vote” per address. Either a renter or property owner may sign the petition form on behalf of an address, but not both. Multi-family units require the approval of the property manager or homeowner association, or 60% of unit owners or tenants. For public properties, the site manager’s approval is adequate. The Traffic Engineer may modify the petition boundaries when considered appropriate.

6. Complete the Paint the Pavement Installation Agreement. You will be notified when your Installation Agreement is ready for you to sign in the application portal. The Paint the Pavement Installation Agreement includes:
   1. Approval of the mural design and location by the City Traffic Engineer as indicated by their signature on the Installation Agreement.
   2. Certifications from the City Manager that the project does not constitute graffiti, which is prohibited under city code.
   3. Coverage of use of the public right-of-way only. It does not exempt the applicant from obtaining any license or permit required by the City Code or Ordinances for any act to be performed under this permit. Nor will the permit waive the provisions of any City Code, Ordinance, or the City Charter, except as stated. The agreement does not exempt any party from complying with all applicable traffic laws, including laws regarding pedestrians, except as allowed by the Paint the Pavement Permit.
      
7. Obtain and display your Paint the Pavement permit and executed Installation Agreement at your event.

Each request for a Paint the Pavement permit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The application will be approved, and a permit will be issued only after all requirements and deadlines of the City of Boulder are met. Failure to comply with any of the requirements and deadlines may terminate the permit process or result in denial or revocation of the Paint the Pavement permit. If the permit is denied, the City of Boulder assumes no liability for expenses incurred by the applicant. Permits may be denied for any reason deemed necessary by the city, particularly where significant dates, public safety, police staffing and neighborhood concerns are identified.

Before the Event

• Purchase your paint.

Paint must be low-toxicity and lead-free. The city recommends using water-based paints because they are easier to clean-up and generally have lower toxicity. The city also encourages applicants use an aggregate, either mixed into the paint, or applied as a coating afterwards, to increase traction and avoid the paint becoming a slip risk. Acceptable options include latex (waterborne) paints from Diamond Vogel or Colorado Paint (this is what the city uses for street application). Other lead-free exterior latex or enamel paints are acceptable.

During the Event

• Take photos of the work-in-progress and the finished project.
• The applicant is not authorized to do any excavation. The applicant will be responsible for protecting all public and private facilities placed in the public right-of-way, including underground utilities.
• The city may revoke an agreement for convenience. Any Paint the Pavement mural no longer meeting the original intent of the project may be immediately revoked by the city. Other reasons for revocation may include, but are not limited to:
• Neighborhood Conflicts: The applicant will work with all affected neighbors to resolve any concerns that may arise regarding the project. The inability to resolve such concerns may be grounds for revocation of the agreement by the Traffic Engineer.
• Nuisance conditions: If any nuisance condition is allowed to exist in the area of the project, the city may summarily abate such nuisance. The existence of a nuisance in the area of the project may be grounds for revocation of the permit.
• Public safety hazard or violation of permit condition: If during the course of the event, the city determines there is a public safety hazard or if there is a violation of any permit condition, the event can be terminated immediately. The applicant will be responsible for closing down the event immediately, ensuring participants vacate the premises, removing traffic control devices, and thoroughly removing any event supplies and trash. The City of Boulder is not responsible for any expenses incurred by the permit holder. Failure to meet the requirements of this permit may provide basis for denial of future permits for an event or sponsor.
• If you have any problems during the Paint the Pavement event, please call the police at the non-emergency number 303-441-4444. For an emergency, call 911.

After the Event

• The applicant is responsible for clean-up. It is important that no paint or clean-up water be disposed of in storm drains as they drain directly into our creeks. Clean-up should be done in a sink which drains into the sewer system.
• Send the Office of Arts and Culture photos within two weeks of the event. Take at least two photographs of the finished project. Photos of work-in-progress and a brief written summary of the project with advice to others considering a project would also be appreciated. We may post these on the city website. Please send the photos and summary to the Office of Arts and Culture (publicart@bouldercolorado.gov).

• Existing Paint the Pavement projects suggest that the artwork may need to be retouched every 1-3 years. Street repair, street maintenance, street reconstruction, repair of existing utility facilities or installation of new utility facilities in the right-of-way may cause damage to the project. Any costs of repair will be borne by the applicant, with no responsibility of the city, other agencies or entities to repair or replace the project.
• Any future painting of the pavement mural, including touch-ups or redesign, will require the applicant to follow the application procedures outlined on this webpage. If a MHT was required for your initial Paint the Pavement event, you will likely be permitted to reuse the MHT for a touch-up painting event, which can expedite the process.