|
|
Code Enforcement
Graffiti Abatement Program
General Information about Code Enforcement
Roanoke's graffiti ordinance (Chapter 21, Article I, of the Code of the City of Roanoke) prohibits painting, marking, or spray painting a building without the property owner’s authorization.
THE PROCESS
- The city receives a referral or complaint from an individual about graffiti on a property.
- City staff inspects the property to determine if there is a violation, if the violation is on public or private property, and whether the violation is visible from the right-of-way.
- The inspector updates the city's database and verifies property ownership.
- The inspector attempts to make personal contact with the property owner to determine if the graffiti was authorized and, if not, whether the owner will remove it himself or herself. If the graffiti is authorized and is not objectionable, the case is closed.
- If the owner cannot be contacted, the inspector sends a certified letter to the property owner asking that the graffiti be removed or covered within 15 days, or give the City permission to abate the graffiti.
- If permission is obtained, the graffiti is abated by the city.
- The case is closed.
Note that it may take several weeks for the process to play out before the violation is actually abated. During this time, the city is actively pursuing abatement of the violation, and we appreciate your patience.
TO REPORT A VIOLATION
IF YOU WERE CITED...
If you were cited for a violation and would like to speak with an inspector, please call the Code Enforcement Office at 540-853-2344. Our goal is to obtain voluntary compliance. Most reasonable requests for extra time or for referrals for special assistance are granted, whenever possible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GRAFFITI
Graffiti can cause problems in a neighborhood. Graffiti can give the impression that nobody cares and attract other forms of crime to a neighborhood. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that "graffiti contributes to lost revenue associated with reduced ridership on transit systems, reduced retail sales and declines in property value."
If you have graffiti issues in your neighborhood there are things you can do. For community-based graffiti prevention resources, the website, Graffiti Hurts, is available for your convenience.
|
|
|