The City Council finds as follows:
(A) Graffiti on either public or private property, results in blight, decreases property values and deprives surrounding residents and owners of the right to comfortable enjoyment of life and property.
(B) Graffiti is obnoxious, constitutes a public nuisance, and is a threat to public safety which must be abated to prevent its proliferation.
(C) Graffiti must be removed as quickly as possible to minimize harm to persons and property in the community.
(D) This division is intended to be complementary to, and not in conflict with, Cal. Penal Code § 594, which provides that any person who maliciously defaces property is guilty of vandalism, and Cal. Penal Code § 594.1, which provides that certain activities involving the possession, sale and use of aerosol paint containers are misdemeanors.
(Ord. 1072, passed 9-15-03)