The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
means a word, figure, mark, painting, covering, drawing,
slogan, design or other inscription placed on the structure, sidewalk,
wall, building, fence, sign, or other structure or surface of the
owner by another person without the consent of the owner.
(Ordinance 1307, sec. 1(C), adopted 1/9/03)
It is the purpose and intent of this division to provide a procedure
for the prevention, prohibition and removal of graffiti from walls,
structures, or surfaces on public and private property in order to
reduce blight and deterioration within the city and to protect the
public health and safety.
(Ordinance 1307, sec. 1(A), adopted 1/9/03)
The city council expressly finds and determines that graffiti
is a nuisance per se, contributes to neighborhood deterioration, provides
a communication system for gangs and other vandals, damages property,
is likely to endanger persons or property, and constitutes a public
nuisance, and must be abated immediately to avoid the detrimental
impact of such graffiti on the city and its residents, to disrupt
the communication system for gangs and other vandals, and to prevent
the further spread of graffiti.
(Ordinance 1307, sec. 1(B), adopted 1/9/03)
(a)
If it is determined by the chief of police that graffiti exists on public property or on private property that is within public view, the city shall notify the property owner or responsible party in writing, as provided in section 18-54, requesting the removal of such graffiti within seven days.
(b)
If the property owner or responsible party fails to remove or abate the graffiti as requested, the city may abate the graffiti and assess the expense as provided in section 18-57. The city, through its representatives, is expressly authorized to enter onto private property for the limited purpose of abating the graffiti thereon in accordance with this division.
(Ordinance 1307, sec. 1(D), adopted 1/9/03)
