Maricopa wants to expand public art beyond signal boxes and horse statues.

The Development Services Department drafted a code amendment for incoming businesses to incorporate art into their designs. They presented the amendment along with some examples during a Cultural Affairs and Arts Advisory Committee meeting Monday.

The following amendment will be added to the city’s commercial districts land use regulations code:

“A single or combined development of 50,000 square feet of gross floor area shall provide one unique feature that is pedestrian-oriented, such as, but not limited to, fountains, sculptures, murals, or other generally accepted forms of art.”

It’s part of the city’s mission to “improve the aesthetics of public spaces” while also identifying Maricopa as “a lively community,” according to a mission statement read during the presentation.

Examples provided during the presentation included city-specific murals, mosaics, signs and seating installations found in Tempe, Chandler and Phoenix.

“This is exciting,” said committee member Danielle Lemorin. “Every time I drive over the overpass, I always envision the word ‘Maricopa’ will be on each side of it. Seeing this is inspiring.”

The committee members will provide ideas for the department after they’ve had time to “digest it,” said Chair Peg Chapados.

Department Director Rudy Lopez said the goal is to have the code implemented by the fall.

“With an eye on what’s working well in other peer cities, this code amendment felt like a natural and timely step to take — something that can really help us move the city forward in a positive way,” Lopez.

The idea for the code change was first shared during the city’s Feb. 13 futures planning meeting.