Extra

The City Council has been scheduled to address two important West Berkeley issues tomorrow, the Master Use Permit (MUP) development standards – height, massing, aggregation, etc., and the definition of Art and Craft Studios. Please attend if you would like to weigh in on the Arts and Crafts Studio definition. 

The WEBAIC Position on the Definition of Art & Craft Studio: 

After consultation with WEBAIC artist/artisan members, Arts Commissioners, and members of the larger West Berkeley arts and crafts community, The WEBAIC steering committee has decided not to contest the Planning Commission’s recommended definition of an Art & Craft Studio so long as the City Council keeps the recommended definition intact. 

Although we received several comments from the arts community expressing disappointment with the removal of the words “objects” and dexterity”, the WEBAIC steering committee has concluded that inclusion of existing language clarifying the types of uses that would not be appropriate for studio space should be sufficient to ensure that this space is truly occupied by arts & crafts uses. This clarifying language is in the recommended definition, although the NAICS Code numbers that add specificity to these categories were unfortunately removed. WEBAIC will recommend putting these code numbers back. We intend to closely monitor how this new definition is applied on the ground to make sure art space is reserved and utilized by arts uses. Thanks to those of you who responded to our request for your opinion on this issue – your opinions are greatly valued. 

The Definition of Art & Craft Studio Passed by the Planning Commission: 

An establishment engaged in the creation of fine arts or crafts that requires artistic skill. Such an establishment may participate in periodic open studios, but otherwise is subject to the applicable districts requirements for incidental sales of goods made on site. Art/Craft Studio also includes rehearsal space not designed for public performances. 

Examples of individuals typically engaged in this work include, but are not limited to: woodworkers, potters/ceramicists, costume makers, set designers, stained-glassmakers; glass blowers; textile artists and weavers; jewelry makers; painters; fine art printmakers; photographers, filmmakers; leather workers; metal workers; musical instrument makers; model makers; papermakers; installation artists; sculptors; and video artists, and other makers of arts and crafts, that the Zoning Officer determines to be of a similar nature. The Zoning Officer may request the Civic Arts commission to provide its opinion as to whether a proposed activity complies with this definition. 

The use of computers in an activity does not by itself preclude its classification as an Art/Craft Studio 

This definition does not include architectural and landscape services, industrial or graphic design services, computer systems design services, and other commercial activities normally conducted in an office environment.