What is graffiti?

Graffiti is a public nuisance and a common form of  vandalism.   Graffiti vandals write, scribe, etch, or
spray?paint on many surfaces.  Graffiti perpetrators  are often associated with other criminal activities,
including violent crimes. A neighborhood plagued by  graffiti becomes unappealing to perspective
omeowners and tenants.  Not removing graffiti  encourages littering, violence and more graffiti.

<strong>Prohibited Acts </strong>
Defacement: It is unlawful for any person to apply  graffiti to any natural or man?made
surface on any  publicly or privately owned property.

Graffiti As Nuisance  The existence of graffiti on public or private property  in violation of
city ordinance is expressly declared to  be a public nuisance and therefore is subject to the
removal and abatement.  ¾  Duty of Property owner: It is the duty of  both the property owner and/ or the
occupant in possession of a property, to at all  times keep the property clear of graffiti. ¾
Perpetrator: The City may require the guilty  perpetrator to either remove or pay for the  costs
for the removal of the graffiti within  twenty?four (24) hours. A perpetrator may
be charged civilly, as well as criminally.