The purpose of this article is to prohibit the defacement of
public and private structures with graffiti, and to provide a procedure
for removal of graffiti from both public and private property in order
to reduce blight and protect public safety.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
GRAFFITI
The unauthorized application by any means of any writing,
painting, drawing, etching, scratching, or marking of an inscription,
word, mark, figure, or design of any type, on any public building,
wall, fence or other structure, or any private building, wall, fence
or other structure, where visible from any public right-of-way. The
term does not include marking any public sidewalk or public street
with sidewalk chalk. The term does not include the City or a public
service company marking any public street for utility facility location
as required by Virginia Code Title 56 Chapter 10.3, the Underground
Utility Damage Prevention Act.
The existence of defaced structures within the City of Fredericksburg
is obnoxious and a public and private nuisance which must be quickly
abated to avoid its detrimental impact on the City and its residents,
and to prevent further spread of graffiti.