Chapter 9.19
Graffiti
Sections:
9.19.010 Declaration of policy--Findings.
9.19.030 Graffiti deemed nuisance.
9.19.040 Writing graffiti prohibited--Penalties.
9.19.050 Possession of graffiti implements prohibited--Penalties.
9.19.060 Allowing graffiti to remain prohibited--Penalties.
9.19.080 Graffiti removal--By City.
9.19.090 Summary abatement of graffiti by City authorized--Procedure.
9.19.100 Use of public funds for graffiti removal.
9.19.110 City costs enforceable--Debt--Lien.
9.19.120 Action against parent for graffiti violation by minor.
9.19.130 Rewards for graffiti information.
9.19.010 Declaration of policy--Findings.
City Council finds that graffiti on public and private buildings, structures and personal property creates a condition of blight within the City that can result in the deterioration of property values, business opportunities and enjoyment of life for persons using that property, surrounding property and the community.
The presence of graffiti is inconsistent with the City’s goals of maintaining property, preventing crime and preserving aesthetic standards. The continued presence of graffiti is a visual symbol of disorder that demoralizes and erodes feelings of safety in our neighborhoods. It contributes to neighborhood decline by inviting crime and leading to a climate of intimidation and reduces commerce, tax revenues and community pride. While it is appropriate to request that courts require offenders convicted of graffiti crimes to restore the property they defaced, obtaining convictions is difficult because graffiti offenses can be committed quickly and secretively without any witnesses. Therefore, prompt removal of graffiti from public and private property is in the public interest. The purpose of graffiti enforcement under this chapter is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(a) “Graffiti” means any unauthorized inscription, word, figure, painting or other defacement that is written, marked, etched, scratched, sprayed, drawn, painted, or engraved on or otherwise affixed to any surface of public or private property by any graffiti implement.
(b) “Graffiti implement” means any aerosol paint container, felt tip marker, graffiti stick or paint stick, gum label, brush, roller, or etching tool or any other device or substance capable of scarring or marking any natural or manmade surface, including but not limited to glass, metal, concrete, plastic, fiberglass or wood; and any piece, design, or scrapbook or drawings illustrating graffiti marks or signs.
(c) “Graffiti nuisance property” means property upon which graffiti exists and where, after the City issues a notice of violation pursuant to the procedures in Chapter 1.17 DMC, the graffiti has not been abated by the deadline set by the City.
(d) “Private contractor” means any person or entity the City contracts with to remove graffiti.
(e) “Property” means real or personal property, whether public or private, including but not limited to buildings, structures, walls, signs, poles, bridges, roads, sidewalks, fences, gates, motor vehicles, rocks, trees and other natural features. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.030 Graffiti deemed nuisance.
Graffiti is determined to adversely impact public health, safety and welfare and is deemed a public nuisance under this chapter and Chapter 9.16 DMC. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.040 Writing graffiti prohibited--Penalties.
It shall be unlawful for any person to apply graffiti to any natural or manmade surface on any public property or private property. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor pursuant to DMC 1.17.130 and 9A.03.050, which incorporates RCW 9A.48.090 and RCW 9A.48.105 by reference. Any person who applies graffiti in violation of this chapter shall be responsible for restitution to the affected property owner. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.050 Possession of graffiti implements prohibited--Penalties.
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any graffiti implement, in a manner or under circumstances demonstrating his or her intent to paint, spray, chalk, etch, or otherwise apply graffiti. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.060 Allowing graffiti to remain prohibited--Penalties.
It shall be unlawful for any person with responsibility for a property to allow a graffiti nuisance property to exist for more than 10 days after the City issues a notice of violation pursuant to the procedures in Chapter 1.17 DMC. Any person who violates this section will be subject to a penalty in the amount of $250.00 per violation. Each day a graffiti nuisance property is allowed to exist shall constitute a separate violation. The Chief of Police or his/her designee shall have the discretion to reduce the assessed daily penalty to not less than $25.00 per day upon a showing of good cause and need consisting of the following factors: frequency of offense, cooperation with the City in efforts to abate graffiti, progress in abating the graffiti and other relevant factors. Any person issued a notice of violation may appeal the violation to the hearing examiner pursuant to procedures in Chapter 1.17 DMC. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.070 Graffiti removal.
In addition to and as an alternative to the authority of the City to prosecute violations as gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors or infractions, whenever the City determines that graffiti exists that is visible to any person utilizing any public road, parkway, alley, sidewalk or other right-of-way within the City, the City may issue a notice of violation and follow the enforcement and abatement procedures pursuant to Chapter 1.17 DMC. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.080 Graffiti removal--By City.
Upon failure of persons to comply with the notice by the designated date, the City is authorized to cause the graffiti to be abated by City forces or by private contractor, and the City or its private contractor is authorized to enter upon the premises for such purposes using any lawful means. All reasonable efforts to minimize damage from such entry shall be taken by the City, and any paint used to obliterate or cover graffiti shall be as close as practicable to background color(s). If the City provides for the removal of the graffiti, the City shall not authorize nor undertake to provide for the repainting or repair of any more extensive area than the area where the graffiti is located, unless the City determines that a more extensive area is required to be repainted or repaired in order to avoid an aesthetic disfigurement to the neighborhood or community. All aspects of graffiti removal are at the discretion of the City, including but not limited to the method of and material used for repair.
Property owners may consent in advance to City’s entry onto private property for graffiti removal purposes. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.090 Summary abatement of graffiti by City authorized--Procedure.
(a) Public Property. Graffiti found upon a right-of-way, public easement or other public property may be abated summarily by the City without prior notice by removal, disposal or destruction at the City’s discretion.
(b) Threat to Public. Graffiti found to constitute an immediate threat to the public health, safety or welfare or to the environment may be abated summarily by the City without prior notice by removal, disposal or destruction at the City’s discretion. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.100 Use of public funds for graffiti removal.
Whenever the City becomes aware of or is notified and determines that graffiti is located on publicly or privately owned property visible from premises open to the public, the City is authorized, in its discretion, to use public funds for the removal of graffiti in a manner consistent with this chapter. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.110 City costs enforceable--Debt--Lien.
Any and all costs incurred by the City in the abatement of the graffiti nuisance as provided in this chapter shall constitute a debt owed to the City by the property owner or person in charge or control of the property, and shall, at the City’s discretion, be enforceable as a lien against the property upon which such nuisance existed. This remedy is in addition to all other legal remedies including legal remedies available for the enforcement of debts. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.120 Action against parent for graffiti violation by minor.
The parent(s) or guardian(s) legally responsible for any minor child under the age of 18 years who commits a graffiti offense in violation of this chapter shall be liable to the owner of such property for restitution in criminal offenses and/or in a civil action at law for damages. This section shall in no way limit the amount of recovery against the parent(s) or guardian(s) for their own common law negligence. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).
9.19.130 Rewards for graffiti information.
The City may offer a reward not to exceed $300.00 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of any person who willfully damages or destroys any public or private property by the use of graffiti. The actual amount awarded (not to exceed $300.00) shall be determined in the discretion of the Chief of Police. In the event of damage to public property, the offender or the parents of any unemancipated minor must reimburse the City for any reward paid. In the event of multiple contributors of information, the reward amount shall be divided by the City in the manner it deems appropriate. Claims for rewards under this section shall be filed with the Chief of Police in the manner specified by the City. No claim for a reward shall be allowed unless the City investigates and verifies the accuracy of the claim and determines that the requirements of this section have been satisfied. (Ord. 14-973 § 1).