[Archived] Alexandria Strengthens City’s Graffiti Ordinance

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	June 23, 2005 PIO# 209-05/rdo	Barbara J. Gordon, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria Strengthens City’s Graffiti Ordinance

The Alexandria City Council toughened the City’s graffiti ordinance during its June 21 meeting. The newly approved ordinance increases the minimum penalty to $500 for acts of vandalism that involve the placement of graffiti on bridges and overpasses, and at other locations that are more than 20 feet above ground; and gang-related graffiti. It also gives property owners 15 days to remove or cover graffiti before the City removes it. Council took action in response to recent changes in the Code of Virginia that were made by the 2005 General Assembly.

The previous City Code gave property owners 10 days to remove graffiti and did not mandate specific penalties for the defacement of public and private property.

In 2004, there were 76 graffiti incidents in the City, and most of the graffiti was voluntarily removed by property owners. So far this year, there have been approximately 40 reported incidents.

To report incidents of graffiti, call the Alexandria Police Department at 703.838.4444.

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