Graffiti - All Matters

Report Graffiti to be Removed

Report Graffiti - In Progress

Report a Graffiti Vandal

Regulations for the Sale and Display of Paint Materials

Private Property Responsibilities

Private Property Hardship Waivers

Abatement Services and Programs

Penalties for Committing or Facilitating Graffiti Damage

Graffiti Watch Volunteer Program

Graffiti Advisory Board

Report Graffiti to be Removed

On any public or private property building, structure or pavement, call the 3-1-1 or submit a service request.

Report Graffiti In Progress

On any public or private property building, structure or pavement, call 9-1-1

Private Property Graffiti

If graffiti is located on private property most times the property owner is responsible for removing it. 3-1-1 will send a graffiti inspector to the location and if it's determined the property owner is responsible, the inspector will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the property owner.  More information on the Notice of Violation Process and Property Owner responsibilities can be found at: http://www.sfdpw.org/index.aspx?page=1099

Hardship Waiver - A property owner can ask for waiver if they receive a Notice of Violation and are not able to fix the graffiti problem. To request a waiver, you must send a letter to: Department of Public Works, 2323 Cesar Chavez, San Francisco, CA, 94124 – Attention: Graffiti Unit.

Report a Graffiti Vandal

Call the SFPD at 415-553-0123

Graffiti Watch Volunteer Program

For more information, visit the web page: http://38.106.4.205/index.aspx?page=342

Abatement Services and Programs

Do-It-Yourself Guidelines and other Self Help Information

List of Professional Abatement Companies

Request paint or supplies from the Dept of Public Works – Call the 3-1-1 Customer Service Center

Penalties for violating Penal Code 594 regarding Graffiti

Know the Law! Penal Code 594!

A person who maliciously:

1. Defaces with paint or any other liquid;
2. Damages; or
3. Destroys any real or personal property not his/her own

Graffiti damage up to $400 is punishable by up to 1 year in jail, $10,000 fine or both; Graffiti damage of $400.00 or more can be punished as a FELONY- even if the vandal is a minor - by up to 3 years in state prison and a fine of up to $50,000.00; Graffiti on a place of worship can be treated as a Felony punished by up to 3 years in State Prison; Graffiti with acid or caustic substances can be punished by up to 3 years in State Prison and $50,000.00

Parents and Guardians of Minors Who Commit Graffiti

If You Are Convicted Of Graffiti Vandalism, You Will Lose Your Driver's License For One Year. If You Don't Have A License, Issuance Will Be Delayed For 1 Year After You Are Eligible Up To The Age Of 21 Year Old

Graffiti Vandals May Be Suspended Or Expelled From San Francisco Unified School District Schools

SFUSD Policy Requires Suspension If A Student Has Spray Cans Or Markers In His/Her Possession With Out Permission Of School Authority.

Storekeepers and Suppliers Storekeepers and suppliers who enable graffiti - who illegally store, display, sell or supply graffiti tools - commit a Misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in the county Jail and / or $1,000 fine.

Regulations on the Display and Sale of Paint and Markers

SEC. 4201. STORAGE AND DISPLAY OF AEROSOL PAINT CONTAINERS AND MARKER PENS.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person who owns, conducts, operates or manages a retail commercial establishment where aerosol paint containers or marker pens are sold to store or display, or cause to be stored or displayed, such spray paint containers and marker pens in an area that is accessible to the public without employee assistance in the regular course of business pending legal sale or other disposition.

SEC. 4202. SALE OF INSCRIBING TOOLS.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, except a parent or legal guardian, to sell or give or in any way furnish to another person, who is in fact under the age of 18 years, any type of scribing tools, window etchers or diamond cutters that are capable of defacing property without first obtaining bona fide evidence of majority and identity.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation who owns, conducts, operates or manages a retail commercial establishment where scribing tools, window etchers or diamond cutters are sold to store or display, or cause to be stored or displayed, such scribing tools, window etchers or diamond cutters in an area that is accessible to the public without employee assistance in the regular course of business pending legal sale or other disposition.

Storekeepers and Suppliers Storekeepers and suppliers who enable graffiti - who illegally store, display, sell or supply graffiti tools - commit a Misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in the county Jail and / or $1,000 fine.