Agenda Item Wording:
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Graffiti Ordinance - Consideration of and direction on initiating potential Municipal Code updates to Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 9.16 Graffiti.
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Deadline for Action: 4/15/2024
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Tracy Robertshaw, Neighborhood Preservation Manager, (559) 713-4187, tracy.robertshaw@visalia.ciy
Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, (559) 713-4025, paul.bernal@visalia.city
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Visalia City Council receive the staff report, staff presentation, conduct a review of current processes and ordinance requirements related to Graffiti (i.e., Chapter 9.16 of the Municipal Code) and consider any addition information presented during the work session. Based on all the information provided, the City Council may direct staff to formulate changes related to graffiti violations and abatement requirements and begin processing a Municipal Code Text Amendment to implement these changes.
Summary:
Although graffiti is a common problem, its intensity varies substantially from place to place. Because of its rising prevalence in many areas, and the high costs typically associated with cleanup and prevention, graffiti is often viewed as a persistent problem. While a single incident of graffiti does not seem serious, graffiti has a serious cumulative effect; its initial appearance in a location appears to attract more graffiti. In addition, graffiti generates the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity in an area.
To address this continuing problem, the City's Graffiti Abatement program was established to ensure that graffiti found and/or reported throughout the community was addressed in an efficient manner and removed promptly as graffiti is considered an unsightly nuisance. With the recent City reorganization of several departments, the Graffiti Abatement program was transferred from the Public Works De...
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