City of Cranbrook council July 27 requested city staff to update the City’s Unsightly Premises Bylaw to include graffiti.

The proposed changes to the bylaw, which was given three readings by council on July 13, would define graffiti as writing or images scratched, painted, or drawn on things like walls, fences, signs, buildings, or other structures, while making it clear that 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.

Graffiti has become more noticeable in the community, including downtown, and it can affect how safe and welcoming an area feels, noted a report to council by Amanda Peters of Bylaw Enforcement Services.

 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 updated the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw so 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.

Council adopted that amendment, too.

Lead image: Graffiti has increased in the downtown to such an extent that last year Cranbrook Downtown Business Association President Joey Hoechsmann offered a $1,000 reward for information on the identity of the serial tagger who has littered city walls and fences with “Seko.” Cranbrook RCMP  file photo

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