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Addressing graffiti vandalism Addressing graffiti vandalism Vandalizing private or public property with unauthorized graffiti is illegal and has negative impacts on the entire community. Taggers typically work in the dark, are rarely seen and often hard to catch. However, their crime is left in the open for all to see. The key to graffiti prevention is the combination of community involvement, targeted law enforcement action, youth involvement and using both the criminal and civil legal processes. PREVENTION TECHNIQUES Remove graffiti as soon as possible - it is easiest within the first 24 hours. Apply anti-graffiti coating to surfaces whenever possible for easier removal. Prevent rooftop access by moving cars, dumpsters and keep pallets away from buildings. Keep your property well lit. Install motion activated lighting in low traffic areas. Plant hardy shrubbery or trees to cover current or potential graffiti areas. Consider using a dark colored paint or painting a mural to cover areas that are being tagged. If you observe someone vandalizing private or public property, call 911 immediately. Consider involvement in community activities/ programs for at-risk youth. Join your Neighborhood Association and the Community Watch program. GRAFFITI REMOVAL TECHNIQUES Consider the surface material used before selecting a removal method. Options include: painting, sanding, scraping, chemical removers, power washing and wet/dry sandblasting. Power washing and sanding can wear down underlying materials. Scrapers can remove sticker tagging from poles, boxes, etc. If using chemical removers, ALWAYS consult the directions for safety and precautions. When possible, paint the entire surface to a uniform color so future “tags” can be covered easily. Do not let paint-contaminated material flow into storm drains; they flow directly into creeks. Do your best to match the paint color; primers help! Reach out to your Neighborhood Association or start a Community Watch group to connect with neighbors that are interested in helping address and prevent graffiti in your community. To report graffiti vandalization within the city of Everett Call Code Enforcement: [PHONE REDACTED] Submit a request on Everett At Work: everettwa.gov/everettatwork EVERETTWA.GOV/GRAFFITI ---PAGE BREAK--- Addressing graffiti vandalism Addressing graffiti vandalism Single-Family and Duplex residential properties hit by graffiti vandalism may be eligible to participate in the City of Everett’s Graffiti Removal Program, which provides assistance to property owners by removing graffiti at no cost. To be eligible for the program, graffiti must be publicly visible. Upon receipt of a signed graffiti removal waiver, graffiti tagging is typically scheduled to be removed within 48 hours, however, inclement weather (rain, snow, severe cold or heat) could delay the removal of the tagging. About the Program To report graffiti vandalization within the city of Everett Call Code Enforcement: [PHONE REDACTED] Submit a request on Everett At Work: everettwa.gov/everettatwork EVERETTWA.GOV/GRAFFITI City of Everett graffiti removal program City of Everett graffiti removal program If reported tagging is removed by the property owner(s) prior to the city abating it, please alert the Code Enforcement Unit, so the work is not scheduled with the contractor. The painting contractor uses paint to cover the graffiti tagging. The Everett Police Department is notified of all graffiti tagging activity. In the City of Everett, graffiti vandalism removal the responsibility of property owners. Property owners will be required to remove the graffiti per Everett Municipal Code (EMC) 8.20.020. For graffiti along interstates or state routes, please report to WSDOT: [EMAIL REDACTED] To participate in the program complete and submit the online Graffiti Removal Consent Waiver, available by visiting: everettwa.gov/graffiti. This notifies the City of Everett where the vandalism is and gives the City permission to remove the vandalism from the property. Questions? Contact Code Enforcement: [PHONE REDACTED] or [EMAIL REDACTED] How to submit a graffiti removal request How to submit a graffiti removal request Additional program information