Graffiti & Postering

Graffiti vandalism and postering can clutter our public spaces.  To help to keep our city clean, residents and businesses should use the city’s public kiosks and message centres for posters. Graffiti vandalism must be removed.

To report an issue, contact 311.

Postering structures provide space for members of the public to post and share information with the community.The City actively patrols and enforces postering on public property.

  • Only place posters on permitted city kiosks and message boards.
  • Community posters regarding community issues such as a lost pet, yard sale or cultural and/or religious events can be placed on utility poles.
  • Even though you did not place the graffiti on your property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove it (or have it removed).
  • Graffiti must be removed within 72 hours.
  • Hate or gang-related graffiti must be removed within 24 hours.

However, not all graffiti is vandalism.

If graffiti art or an art mural on your property has been mistaken for vandalism and you have been issued a Notice of Violation for graffiti, you can apply for a Graffiti Art/Mural exemption. Please send an email to GraffitiExemption@toronto.ca, providing the following details:

  • Exact address and location (e.g. garage, fence etc.) of art mural or graffiti art
  • Acknowledgement that the art mural or graffiti art was created with the permission of the property owner;
  • A statement explaining why the art mural or graffiti art aesthetically enhances the surface it covers;
  • A statement explaining how or why the art mural or graffiti art has regard to community character and standards; and
  • One or more photos that accurately portray all aspects of the art mural or graffiti art.
  • If applicable, artist/company name commissioned to complete the art mural or graffiti art
  • Not all graffiti is vandalism.
  • Graffiti art and art murals are a legal and acceptable form of street art that are different from tagging.
  • Find out where in the City graffiti has been designated as an “art mural’’ as defined by the Graffiti Bylaw.
  • In order to maintain the status of “graffiti art”, the murals must be kept in a state of good repair as approved.
  • If your graffiti art has been mistaken for vandalism and you have been issued a Notice of Violation for graffiti on your property, you can apply for a Graffiti Art/Mural exemption by contacting GraffitiExemption@toronto.ca for review.

There are three Municipal Licensing & Standards district offices that can accept your request in person or by mail.

To determine which office serves your area, contact 311.