Skip to main
City of Toronto - Online Information and Services

Bylaw enforcement - graffiti - on a building - on private property

Back to Search

Cleanup of graffiti on a private property is still the responsibility of the owner.

A service request to report graffiti on private property can be submitted online at http://www.toronto.ca/311/ or call 311

There are two bylaws that regulate graffiti on private property:

  • Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 629
  • Property Standards and Chapter 485 - Graffiti.

Enforcement
When City staff enforce compliance with the graffiti bylaw they try to provide owners with as many ways as possible to comply.

An bylaw officer will educate the property owner or occupant about the issue and require graffiti removal. The officer may issue written notice. The owner is given fixed time period that they have to comply (remove the graffiti), e.g. 72 hours. If the owner provides justifiable reason for not complying within an appropriate period of time (cannot paint when it is raining, freezing, etc.), the bylaw officer will adjust the complying period.

Note: If the property owner does not comply within the specified compliance period, the City will remove the graffiti and the cost will be added to the tax roll.

Graffiti definition
The graffiti is defined as one or more letters, symbols, figures, etchings, scratches, inscriptions, stains or other markings that disfigure or deface a structure or thing. The graffiti does not include an art mural. (Municipal Code, Chapter 485). Graffiti vandals use a variety of materials such as spray paint, crayons and permanent ink to deface property. Hobby knives and razor blades are used to cause permanent damage to glass and other surfaces.

Properties left unattended with respect to graffiti may promote community degradation and can result in; increased crime, urban blight, affected property values, the loss of business opportunities as well as the enjoyment of community life.

City recommends a few tips for how to keep graffiti off one's property, a combination of some or all can be helpful:

  • Increase lighting and visibility in vulnerable areas.
  • If graffiti occurs, the quick removal is recognized as the most effective prevention of further acts of vandalism.
  • Other steps may include installation of security cameras;
  • Re-establishment of neighborhood watch groups;
  • Restriction of access to buildings and structures, i.e. fences; using protective coatings;
  • Planting climbing vines or thorny plants along building walls; and use of murals.

Removal of graffiti
Without knowing the type of surface, its state of repair, the type of paint or other marker used, etc., it is not possible to recommend a cleaning material or process. Any advice offered that led to property damage might expose the City to legal action. Consult graffiti specialists by searching the internet or using your local business directroy, under the heading "Building Maintenance and 'Cleaning Exterior", for advice or assistance.

More information on graffiti: http://www.toronto.ca/graffiti/