New Fines for Unwanted Graffiti in the City of Everett Approved

The Everett City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance establishing a civil infraction for unauthorized graffiti on public and private property, imposing a $250 fine. This measure seeks to reduce the financial burden of graffiti removal, which costs the city about $75,000 annually. Local businesses and homeowners have reported incurring higher expenses from graffiti cleanup, with the Downtown Everett Association documenting 2,000 graffiti tags removed this year. The ordinance mandates restitution for property owners for cleanup costs and holds parents of 16 and 17-year-olds accountable for their children's actions. Community organizations like the Bunker Arts Collective emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts to combat graffiti and promote murals as a deterrent.

The new ordinance allows for defenses against liability when property owners consent to graffiti. This initiative complements existing civil and criminal penalties for graffiti offenses. Gang-related graffiti has been linked to broader criminal activities in the area, highlighting the need for effective intervention.