Carson Municipal Code Part 1 General Provisions

This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Graffiti Prevention and Removal Ordinance.

(Ord. 90-913 § 1)

For purposes of this Chapter:

(a)

"Broad tipped marker"

shall mean an indelible marker with a tip that exceeds four (4) millimeters in width.

(b)

"Director"

shall mean the Director of Public Safety for the City of Carson or his or her designee.

(c)

"Engraver"

shall mean an implement used to cut, scratch, etch, or engrave glass.

(d)

"Graffiti"

shall mean any writing, printing, symbol, figure, design, painting, marking, inscription, or other defacement that is written, sprayed, painted, scratched, etched, engraved, drawn, marked, or otherwise applied, with any paint, aerosol paint, indelible marker, engraver, chalk, ink, dye, graffiti implement or other substance capable of defacing property, to any exterior surface of a building, wall, window, fence, tree, sidewalk, curb, or other structure without the prior consent of the owner or person in possession thereof.

(e)

"Graffiti element"

shall mean a broad tipped marker, an engraver, a graffiti stick, spray paint, or etching creams and substances.

(f)

"Graffiti stick"

means any device containing a solid form of paint, chalk, wax, epoxy, or other similar substance capable of being applied to a surface by pressure and, upon application, of leaving a mark at least four (4) millimeters in width.

(g)

"Hearing Officer"

shall mean the Director or his or her successor or such City employee or officer as shall be designated by the Director or his or her successor.

(h)

"Indelible marker"

shall mean any marker, pen or similar implement which contains a fluid which is not soluble in water and has a flat, pointed or angled writing surface.

(i)

"Spray paint"

means any pressurized container containing six (6) ounces or less of the substance commonly known as paint or dye.

(Ord. 02-1243 § 1; Ord. 94-1030 § 1; Ord. 90-913 § 1; Ord. 93-1007 § 1)

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 38771 the City Council hereby declares the maintenance of graffiti visible from a public street or alley to constitute a nuisance, the abatement of which shall be provided as set forth herein.

(Ord. 90-913 § 1)

No person shall permit any graffiti which is within public view to remain on any building, structure, tree, shrub, sidewalk or curb owned or possessed by such person.

(Ord. 90-913 § 1)

Violation of this Chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(Ord. 90-913 § 1)