Cranbrook City Council are updating the City’s unsightly premises bylaws to include graffiti.
The update means graffiti is defined as writing or images scratched, painted, or drawn on walls, fences, signs, buildings, or other structures, while approved public art murals are not included.
It would also make it clear that graffiti visible from a road or public place cannot be placed or left on private property.
Around Cranbrook, graffiti has become more noticeable, including downtown, affecting how safe and welcoming an area feels.
The city says adding graffiti provisions to the bylaw would give property owners clearer expectations and provide a way for the City to respond when voluntary cleanup does not happen.
In most cases, Bylaw Services would respond to complaints rather than proactively enforce the bylaw, unless the graffiti is vulgar or includes racial slurs.
In addition, the City also needs to update the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw so that Bylaw Enforcement Officers can issue tickets for graffiti violations.
The proposed fine would be $150, which is consistent with other Unsightly Premises Bylaw offences, with a reduced early payment amount of $100 and a late payment penalty of $200.
The proposed amendment was given three readings by Council on Monday night (July 13).
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