Graffiti Abatement
The Public Works Department is responsible for implementing the City's Graffiti Abatement Program and ensuring that graffiti is removed from all areas in the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, streets, telephone/light poles, and utility boxes. The graffiti abatement team works to ensure that all graffiti is removed from private and public property within 72 hours of the initial report.
Staff will inspect the location of the graffiti, and will either remove the graffiti (as long as it falls under the City Guidelines) or notify property owners if they are unable to remove.
Graffiti may be reported using the My San Fernando app.
Available in both the Apple App Store or Google Play to download the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a tagger if I see him/her in the process of defacing property?
If you observe someone in the process of tagging, you can contact the San Fernando Police Department's non-emergency line (818) 898-1267 (dial "0" to immediately reach a dispatcher) to report taggers in the act, not to report the graffiti itself.
Do not try to approach or apprehend the person; provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, description of the person or persons involved, a vehicle license plate if possible, and your exact location.
What if the tagger leaves before he/she is detained by the police?
Call the San Fernando Police Department's non-emergency line (818) 898-1267 (dial "0" to immediately reach a dispatcher). This allows police to record the criminal activity, obtain the direction of travel of the person leaving, get their accurate description, and possibly develop suspects in this or other similar cases.
I know of someone who has defaced property. Who do I call?
Call our graffiti hotline at (818) 898-7315. Try to provide as much information as possible, such as car license plate, description of the person or persons involved, where they live (if it is known), and a description of the person's tag or moniker, if that is known. Callers may remain anonymous.
What is the penalty if a tagger is caught defacing property?
Parents of minors who are caught defacing property are responsible for paying the fees. In addition to administrative fees, taggers are subject to criminal prosecution which could include fines and or jail.
How long does it take to remove graffiti?
Once graffiti or tagging is observed by City staff, or called in by residents, property owners are notified of the situation by the Public Works Department. If the graffiti is on public property, City Crews will remove the graffiti within 72 hours. If on private property, the property owner has 72 hours to remove the graffiti. If after 72 hours the property owner has not complied with the City Ordinance, a code enforcement case will be initiated.
I want to take a stand against graffiti. What can I do?
You can attend one of the many ongoing Neighborhood Watch meetings for information on how you can be involved.
To learn about a Neighborhood Watch meeting near you or to start a new one, visit the San Fernando Police Department's webpage: Neighborhood Business Watch.
What else can I do to stop this problem?
Are you a parent? Do you know where your kids are and what they are doing?
Be aware of your kid's activities, particularly in the early morning hours. Be aware if your child begins using tagging monikers or nicknames. Notice if they are writing graffiti type lettering on walls, clothing or notebooks. If your kids are minors and are caught tagging, or in possession of tagging tools, you will be responsible for any citation issued, as well as any corrective action to have the property cleaned up.
Take concern in your children's lives, it will make a difference in yours!