Sonora Municipal Code § 8.22 Graffiti

"Graffiti," as used in this chapter, means crude drawing, inscription, scratching, scrawling or otherwise marking by any person on any wall, fence, stucco, plaster, signs, vehicles, roadways or other hard surface not his own, written or drawn so as to be seen by the public.

(Ord. 652 (part), 1990.)

The city council finds and declares that graffiti on public or private property creates a condition tending to reduce the value of such property, and promotes blight and deterioration of surrounding property inviting further vandalism and loss of pride in affected neighborhoods, and loss of business to neighboring commercial enterprises.

(Ord. 652 (part), 1990.)

It is unlawful for any person to paint, chalk, or otherwise apply graffiti on public or privately owned surfaces located on public or privately owned real property within the city.

(Ord. 652 (part), 1990.)

Pursuant to Section 53069.5 of the Government Code, the city does hereby offer a reward of one hundred dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person maliciously injuring or destroying property, not his own, by the use of graffiti, as defined in Section 8.22.010.

(Ord. 652 (part), 1990.)

A. Any person applying graffiti within the city shall have the duty to remove the same within twenty-four hours after notice by the city or the public or private owner of the property involved. Failure of any person to so remove graffiti shall constitute an additional violation of this chapter. Where graffiti is applied by juveniles, the parent or parents shall be responsible for such removal or for the payment therefor. The chief of police or his/her designated representative will order the individual(s) to comply with the twenty-four-hour notice.

B. If removal has not commenced within the twenty-four-hour period, the chief of police or his/her designated representative will activate Section 8.22.060.

(Ord. 652 (part), 1990.)

Any person who or which violates any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor, Section 594, of the California Penal Code and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. If the extent of damages exceeds five thousand dollars (materials, labor) it carries a sentence of up to one year in jail, a one thousand dollar fine or both.

(Ord. 652 (part), 1990.)