14.200 Graffiti Prohibited.

(1) Definition. When used in this section, the term “graffiti” shall mean marks, symbols, signs, letters, names, phrases, writings, drawings or sentences which are inscribed or placed on real property without the consent of the owner or occupant that are not otherwise permitted by law.

(2) Declaration as Public Nuisance. The existence of graffiti on any real property within the City is expressly declared a public nuisance affecting public health, safety and welfare.

(3) Graffiti Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to write, draw, inscribe, mark, scratch, scrawl, paint, spray, etch, chisel or otherwise place graffiti of any kind on any public or private building, structure or place or on any other real or personal property without the consent of the owner.

(4) Abatement. Every owner of a structure or real property defaced by graffiti shall report the defacing to the Manitowoc Police Department upon discovery. The owner shall also comply with the terms of a written notice to abate served on the property owner by the Police Department ordering the removal or covering of such graffiti. The notice to abate shall be served personally or by certified mail. If a property owner fails to comply with the notice to abate within 72 hours, the City will have the graffiti covered or removed and all costs, fees, and expenses shall be entered into the tax roll as a special charge, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 66.0627, against the parcel of land on which the property defaced by the graffiti is located. Extensions to the 72-hour correction period may be granted by the Chief of Police or his designee.

[Ord. 12-328 § 1, 2012]