Larkspur is poised to adopt a policy on public art projects.

The City Council voted 4-0 on Wednesday to introduce the policy, which establishes guidelines for projects and gives the Park and Recreation Commission the authority to approve them. Councilmember Scot Candell was absent.

The policy states that art must reflect the community’s diversity and meet city standards for artistic quality, “readiness” and design. It outlines the requirements needed to submit a proposal — such as proof of funding, letters of support, resumes — and lays out appropriate types of art based on the site, design and maintenance needs.

The policy applies to structures or spaces that can be seen or accessed from public rights of way such as sidewalks, plazas, parks, bridges, trails and parking garages.

The policy also says projects should align with the city’s “aesthetic and cultural goals.” Councilmember Sarah Margulies asked if the city has a clear definition of those goals. Assistant City Manager Shannon O’Hare said no document defines them.

O’Hare said city staff approached the policy by creating general guidelines on “big items” such as insurance, cost and maintenance, and that as applications come in, the parameters will evolve. The proposed policy is meant to encourage submissions, she said.

“This is brand new to us,” O’Hare said. “We’re not like some other cities, where San Francisco’s been in this game officially for over a century.”

Margulies asked that language be added to the policy explaining that while the city does not define its aesthetic and cultural goals, the definitions would be developed over time. She also asked about the appeals process.

The policy says creators can appeal project rejections to the city manager, which is quicker for the applicant than going to the City Council, O’Hare said.

City Manager Dan Schwarz said that unlike other appeal processes, like on Planning Commission decisions, “artists are not entitled to the installation of their art.”

Mayor Catherine Way said creating a public art policy was something she wanted to accomplish before she retired, and that it has been an issue in Larkspur for a long time.

“I think it’s an opportunity to contribute and enhance the community in ways that bring out the beauty of Marin here,” Way said.

If approved by the City Council, the policy would formally be adopted after a second reading.