[HISTORY: Adopted by Council of the City
of Meriden 6-2-1986. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
Any letters, numbers, word or words, writing or inscription,
symbols, drawings, carving, etching or any other marking of any nature
whatsoever which defaces, obliterates, covers, alters, damages or
destroys the real or personal property of another. This chapter shall
not be construed to prohibit easily removable chalk markings on the
public sidewalks and streets used in connection with traditional children's
games.
Any felt-tip marker, china marker or similar device that
is not water soluble, which has a flat or angled writing surface of
1/2 inch or greater.
Any person under the age of 18 years.
The act of obtaining an item for money from any retail establishment.
A.
No person shall sell or otherwise transfer any spray
paint containers or indelible markers to a minor unless said minor
is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time of purchase
or transfer.
B.
No minor shall, at the time of purchase of the items
specified in the above subsection, knowingly furnish fraudulent evidence
of majority, including but not limited to a motor vehicle operator's
license, a registration certificate issued by the Selective Service,
an identification card issued to a member of the armed forces or any
document issued by a federal, state or municipal government.
[Amended 9-19-1994]
A.
No person shall write, paint or place any paint, chalk
or any other substance or substances or otherwise mark, scratch, carve
or etch graffiti on the real or personal property of another, whether
said real or personal property is publicly or privately owned, unless
the owner of the property has specifically consented to the same prior
to the commission of such act or acts.
B.
Any person violating any provision of this chapter,
upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding
$100 or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.
C.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter
shall also have the responsibility for cleaning, repairing, painting
or otherwise restoring the damaged property to the condition it was
in prior to being damaged.
[Amended 9-19-1994]
A.
In the event that the person violating § 177-3 of this chapter is not identified within 30 days of such violation, the owner, agent or person in charge of any commercial property, vacant residential property or roadway shall thereupon remove any and all graffiti located on such property or roadway within 30 days of notice to remove the same by the Department of Development and Enforcement.
B.
In the event of any violation hereof, the City may
cause such graffiti to be removed and enter upon such property for
that purpose, upon 48 hours' notice, and the expense therefor shall
be charged to the person(s) whose duty it was to remove such graffiti
and the debt therefor shall be collectible by the City; provided,
however, that no such charge shall be made if such person agrees to
allow the City entry to remove such graffiti, pay the cost of materials
necessary therefor, and hold the City harmless for any liability occasioned
thereby.
