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595 Silver Lace Boulevard Fernley, NV 89408 Telephone: [PHONE REDACTED] Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] www.cityoffernley.org Building Permits Building Inspection Building Consultation Plan Review Disaster Assessment Code Enforcement CITY OF FERNLEY GRAFFITI ORDINANCE Vandalizing or otherwise defacing public and private property with graffiti is a serious public nuisance. To combat the injurious effects caused by the public nuisance of graffiti, the City of Fernley enacted a graffiti ordinance. This ordinance is not intended to re-victimize the property owners who suffer graffiti damage but intends to create a partnership to reduce crime and improve public safety for Fernley’s residents and business owners. Studies show the most effective deterrent to repeated graffiti offenses is the expedient removal of graffiti. A vandal is unlikely to repeat a graffiti offense if the mark is immediately erased. Immediate cleanup also discourages rival “taggers” and gangs from coming graffiti crimes in the area. City of Fernley ordinance 2006-006 prohibits graffiti and the possession of a graffiti device such as a marker, spray paint can or other device with the intent to commit graffiti- related vandalism. If apprehended, violators may be required to remove graffiti, pay reparations, or serve jail time. Unfortunately, property owners are ultimately responsible for the removal of graffiti. The City will send a written notice and graffiti removal tips to the victim. The property owner will be required to remove the graffiti within (10) days. PREVENTING GRAFFITI In addition to prompt reporting and clean-up of graffiti, the following strategies are proven to prevent recurrence of graffiti problems. Report suspicious activity. Call 575-3383 if you see suspicious person’s vandalism, or graffiti. Make sure your property is well maintained and cared for. Nicely maintained buildings and grounds discourage vandalism. CITY OF FERNLEY BUILDING DEPARTMENT Randy A. Rudy Building Official ---PAGE BREAK--- Increase code compliant lighting around your property, and trim vegetation to allow observation of suspicious activity. Form a neighborhood watch program in your area. Inform your neighbors and police of graffiti. GRAFFITI CLEANUP Graffiti removal methods vary based on the surface and graffiti implement used. Consult a cleanup contractor or hardware store for your specific needs. Graffiti is easiest to remove immediately after it occurs. This discourages the perpetrator from striking again. Delayed cleanup often requires harsher solvents, more scrubbing, and a greater chance of damage to the vandalized surface. Warning! Many graffiti cleanup up products are toxic, Read manufactures directions and protect yourself and others from these products. Concrete, Brick or Cement: Use extra strength paint remover. Apply with a wire brush and allow to dry. Rinse with water. Repeat if necessary. Stucco: Apply extra strength paint remover. Seal area with primer such as “kILZ” and paint over with stucco paint. Vinyl Siding: Use paint remover sparingly and test first on a inconspicuous area. Use a small amount and wipe each time with a clean rag. Repaint if necessary. Clean to avoid damage. Aluminum Siding: Use “goof-off” or “Oops” for latex paints. Oil paints may be cleaned with paint remover but use sparingly and test first on a small area. Wood: Unpainted remove with paint thinner and re-stain/varnish. On painted wood, seal with a stain killing primer such as “KILZ” and repaint. Glass and Plexiglas surfaces: Use carburetor cleaner and a clean rag. Metal: Use carburetor cleaner. If this doesn’t work, use paint thinner. CAUTION: MOST SOLVENTS ARE EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE! Check with your local paint and hardware stores to find out about anti-graffiti coatings. Report graffiti problems immediately ---PAGE BREAK--- To the Sheriff’s dispatch at 575-3383 Report: Before removing the graffiti call 575-3383 and request that a Deputy Sheriff respond to your property to take a report. The responding officer will file a report and photograph the damage. Document: Take your own photos of the graffiti damage for your records. Ask the Sheriff for the case number in case you need a copy for your records. Contact your insurance agency to see if damage is covered. Identify: Work with local authorities to identify the person(s) responsible for the damage. Remove: Completely and quickly remove the graffiti. The property owner may be required to clean graffiti within 10 days. CONTACT INFORMATION Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch [PHONE REDACTED] City of Fernley Graffiti Hotline [PHONE REDACTED] HOW TO REPORT GRAFFITI: When reporting graffiti to the graffiti Hotline (784-9820) please make sure you have the following information available: Address ( street and number ) Nearest cross street Structure Original Color Your Name Your day time phone number Your name and number is requested in case that we cannot find the location. Please speak slowly and clearly into the phone. More information is available on the City of Fernley website at: www.cityoffernley.org. Or Jeff Ball at [EMAIL REDACTED]