§ 8.36.020. Graffiti—Removal required.

The city council has determined that graffiti on structures or surfaces which are visible to persons is obnoxious and it is in the public interest that such graffiti be abated.

A.

"Graffiti" means any writing, printing, symbol, figure, design or other material written, sprayed, painted or otherwise applied to any exterior surface of a building, wall, fence, sidewalk, curb or other permanent structure without the authority or consent of the owner of such property or of a person authorized by the owner of such property to give consent.

B.

Upon determining that graffiti exists on private or public property not owned by the city, the city manager or his designee shall mail or deliver a notice to the owner of the property on which the graffiti exists advising the owner to remove the graffiti within three days after receipt of such notice; and that failure to do so shall constitute a violation of this section. The notice shall also contain the provisions as set forth in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection.

1.

If the owner of the property does not remove the graffiti within the three-day period set forth herein, the city manager may initiate nuisance abatement proceedings pursuant to Chapter 8.12 of this code.

2.

If the owner does not remove the graffiti within the three-day period set forth herein and the graffiti is on a surface which is adjacent to city-owned property or public right-of-way, the city manager may cause the removal of the graffiti either through utilization of city staff or private contractor and bill the property for the cost of the time and materials necessary for removal of the graffiti.

The city council has determined that graffiti on structures or surfaces which are visible to persons is obnoxious and it is in the public interest that such graffiti be abated.

(Ord. 580 § 1 (part), 1995: prior code § 687)