The purpose of this Section is to prevent the spread of graffiti in the City through measures reasonably calculated to deter graffiti and to encourage and facilitate rapid removal when it occurs.
The City makes the following findings in enacting this Chapter:
(a) Graffiti is a form of vandalism defacing public and private property without the consent of the owner;
(b) Graffiti creates visual pollution and blight that adversely affects the enjoyment and value of public and private property and causes citizens, businesses and the City to incur the cost of removal and repair;
(c) Graffiti is a visual symbol of disorder and lawlessness. In contributes to a downward spiral of blight and decay, decreasing property values, lessening business viability and potentially adversely affecting tax revenues; and
(d) There is substantial evidence that rapid removal of graffiti is an effective prevention strategy that discourages its return. In addition, there is substantial evidence that failure to promptly remove graffiti increases the likelihood that more graffiti will occur on the same site and on other nearby property.
(Ord. 5-10. Passed 5-17-10.)