Politics & Government
City Adopts 'Zero Tolerance' Policy on Graffiti
The Gig Harbor City Council members voted unanimously to approve the ordinance to crack down on graffiti in public or private places.
City council members voted unanimously to adopt the graffiti control ordinance Monday night at the meeting.
To avoid attracting crime and additional graffiti in the area, the city has implemented a "zero tolerance" policy for graffiti vandalism. Under the ordinance, the city will aggressively prosecute those responsible for damaging public or private property.
Meanwhile, property owners must remove the graffiti within 48 hours after they discover and report the vandalism. Failure to comply could result in fines, ranging from $25 to $250.
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The city has agreed to help its residents and businesses find graffiti removal assistance programs. However, property owners must repay the city the amount that was used to remove the graffiti.
The law prohibits minors from carrying materials that could damage any surface while they are on school grounds, in areas immediately next to public property, or on private property without prior written consent of the property owner.
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As well, no one may carry a graffiti implement at public places, including parks, pools and recreational facility.
The ordinance allows the city to offer a reward up to $300 for information leading to the identification, arrest or charging of the person responsible of damaging any public or private property. The ordinance goes into effect on June 6, five days after it's published.
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