New London — When is a mural not a mural?

When the city declares it a sign.

The owners of Lou-au's Tiki Bar at the Bulkeley House on Bank Street are taking down a three-year old mural — which includes images of palm trees, a totem, Ledge Light and the name of the bar — from the side of its building after the city declared it an illegal sign.

Lou Mase, who owns the family business, said Thursday he applied for a permit after the city zoning enforcement officer issued a cease-and-desist order, but the permit was denied.

"I don't know why they asked us to apply for a permit when they were going to deny it,'' said Amy Mase, his daughter, who was working at the bar Thursday. "We could have saved $25."

The bar received a court summons May 10, in which the image was declared a sign located in the city's Central Business District and therefore needed a permit from the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Three years ago, Artist Dave Lamirande of Montville created the mural in 14 pieces and then applied it to the side of the building using heat. The result was the look of a painting on the building.

On Thursday, Lamirande was up on a ladder stripping off the pieces.

"I don't understand. I'm devastated,'' he said. "There's art everywhere downtown."

He said the image, which was the largest piece he's ever made, had become a tourist draw. He's seen people taking pictures of themselves in front of it.

"It's part of downtown,'' he said.

It faces the iconic mural of the Caryatids, the topless ladies painted on the side of Hygienic Art Inc. building.

Because the tiki bar image is on the north side of the building, drivers heading south on Bank Street do not see it. It is visible mostly to pedestrians and those spending time on the outdoor deck.

The city and the owners of the bar have been at odds over the image for more than a year. The city considers it a sign because it has the name of the bar on it.