Graffiti is illegal and a growing concern in almost every community in the country. Graffiti is a problem in Sunnyvale on both private and City property. Graffiti vandalism includes symbols, nicknames or pictures painted on walls, fences or signs. The graffiti is drawn without the permission of the property owner and is used by the tagger as a means of gaining recognition.

Graffiti can be associated with gang activity and is an indication of neglect in the community. Graffiti is also caused by “taggers” who develop a personalized symbol and try to put it on as many places as possible. When public and private property- including industrial, commercial, and residential, is vandalized with graffiti it cost property owners and the City time and money to remove it.

Graffiti affects property values, quality of life, and damages the City’s reputation for livability. When graffiti is allowed to remain, it invites more graffiti and may lead to an increase in vandalism and other criminal activity. Studies have shown that removal of graffiti within 24 to 48 hours results in a nearly zero rate of reoccurrence.

Below are examples of graffiti

Who is responsible for removing graffiti?

Graffiti on private property is deemed a nuisance per Sunnyvale Municipal Code section 9.60.095.

The Sunnyvale Municipal Code states that it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove graffiti from a property. Neighborhood Preservation provides property owners 72 hours to remove graffiti. If the property owner fails to remove the graffiti, the City may issue administrative citations until it is removed.

The City is responsible for removing graffiti from City property. The Public Works and Community Services Departments respond to graffiti complaints on City property within 72 hours for typical graffiti and within one business day for racial or obscene graffiti.