On February 17, 2004, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2004-03, establishing Monrovia's Art in Public Places program. The regulations require specified residential development with five or more dwelling units costing more than $1 million, or commercial, office or other developments costing more than $1 million to include a public art component either through the provision of public art or to pay an in lieu fee to the City to be used for public art.
The Art in Public Places Committee advises the City Council regarding public artwork using these funds, whether commissioned by the developer or the City is reviewed initially by the Art in Public Places Committee who makes the recommendation on art to the City Council.
As of 2024, the City has amassed over 165 public art pieces.