Business Matters | Volume 4, Issue 3

PARTNERING TO CLEAN UP

A new municipal code section addressing graffiti abatement is now in effect. The ordinance was originally presented to the City Council in a study session held on March 8. After considered the Ordinance as part of their business agenda on April 5, the council and requested staff research and propose a code provision to provide relief for property owners impacted multiple times by graffiti.

This new graffiti code section requires abatement within twenty (20) days of a voluntary correction notice agreement, however when a property owner notifies the city of each instance of graffiti and abates the graffiti within the time period specified above, the abatement period is extended to 180 days for the third and any subsequent graffiti impacts.

“Graffiti” means any unauthorized inscription, word, letters, numbers, figure, picture, or design, regardless of content, which is sprayed, marked, posted, pasted, or otherwise affixed, drawn, or painted on any surface of public or private property that is visible from any public right-of-way or public property. Markings made by chalk or other easily washable means shall not be considered graffiti.

Under the vandalism ordinances, the owner of the vandalized property is responsible for the cleanup, but the city will provide paint or the labor for the task.

This ordinance does not prohibit legal murals or arts projects commissioned by property owners. It is particularly aimed at addressing vandalism.

As with all city codes, Shelton Police Department's enforcement officers are responsible to educate and address violations. Officers Shannon Watanabe and Lexi McHargue reached out to the Chamber in an effort to develop resources to help property owners who have been targeted by this behavior.

Longtime Chamber member and community supporter Builders FirstSource was approached with a wish list of supplies need to kickoff the assistance program. Mike Gill kindly arranged for paint pans, roller handles, rollers, drop cloths, gloves, brushes, stir sticks, trash bags, can openers, and paint to be made available to support the program. Neighbors helping neighbors is the best!