Ordinance 4106-25 - Laserfiche WebLink

1 ORDINANCE NO. ________ An ORDINANCE relating to a new civil cause of action against graffiti taggers for illegal graffiti on public and private property and requiring restitution, amending and adding a new section to chapter 10.62 EMC. WHEREAS, A. Illegal graffiti on public and private property is a significant public nuisance. B. Proliferation of illegal graffiti across Everett causes substantial public blight. C. In 2024, illegal graffiti was reported at many City-owned properties, including traffic signs, traffic control stations, parking pay stations, libraries, parks, and public utility facilities. D. In 2024, the City spent approximately $73,987.77 on the abatement of illegal graffiti from public property, after spending approximately $76,518.86 in 2023. E. In 2024, there were a total of sixty-five reports of illegal graffiti provided to the City. F. Washington law has long recognized the authority of municipalities to abate public nuisances through civil actions. G. Establishing an appropriate civil cause of action in the Everett Municipal Code will allow the City Attorney to bring these civil actions in the Everett Municipal Court. H. The intent of authorizing these civil actions is to discourage future illegal graffiti and remunerate the City for the substantial costs of abatement. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: Section 1. EMC 10.62.010 is amended as follows, with underlined text add and strikeout text deleted. 10.62.010 Definitions The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter. A. “Abate” means to repair, replace, remove, destroy, or otherwise remedy a condition which constitutes a violation of this chapter by such means and in such a manner and to such an extent 4106-25