Understanding Graffiti: What You Need to Know
Graffiti refers to various markings or inscriptions that disfigure or deface structures and other surfaces. This can include letters, symbols, figures, etchings, scratches, stains, or other forms of markings. It does not include art murals, which are often considered legitimate forms of artistic expression.
Graffiti vandalism involves the tagging or marking of property without the owner's consent.
Common Materials Used for Graffiti
Graffiti vandals use a range of materials to deface property, including:
- Spray paint
- Crayons
- Permanent ink
- Hobby knives
- Razor blades (for damaging glass and other surfaces)
Impact of Graffiti
If left unattended, graffiti can lead to negative outcomes such as:
- Increased crime
- Urban blight
- Reduced property values
- Loss of business opportunities
- A diminished sense of community pride and enjoyment
Graffiti Art
Not all graffiti is considered vandalism. If your property has a legitimate art mural or graffiti that has been mistaken for vandalism and you have been received a Notice of Violations, you may apply to have it re-categorized as graffiti art. Please contact GraffitiExemptions@toronto.ca to request a review. In your email request, please provided the following the details:
- The exact address and location of the art (e.g., garage, fence).
- Confirmation that the art was created with the property owner’s permission.
- A statement explaining how the art enhances the surface and contributes positively to the community.
- Photos showing all aspects of the art.
- If applicable, the name of the artist or company who created the mural.
Responsibility for Graffiti and Postering Removal
- Even if you did not create the graffiti on your property, it is still your responsibility as a property owner to remove it.
- If the owner does not comply within the specified timeframe, the City may remove the graffiti at the owner’s expense. The cost will then be added to the property tax roll.
How to report graffiti
Click below to submit a service request regarding exterior graffiti on private property or call 311. For interior graffiti in a building, submit a Property Standards service request found via the Bylaw Violations and Property Issues.
- For graffiti vandalism in progress, please call 911.
- For graffiti that is discriminatory, hate-motivated, or gang-related, also report it to Toronto Police Non-Emergency by calling 416-808-2222 or online at www.tps.ca/services/online-reporting.
Municipal Regulations on Graffiti
In Toronto, two key bylaws regulate graffiti on private property:
- Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 629 - Property Standards
- Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 485 – Graffiti
Both bylaws aim to manage and remove graffiti from private properties and encourage owners to maintain clean, graffiti-free environments.
Enforcement and Compliance
Bylaw officers work with property owners to ensure compliance with graffiti regulations, they will:
- Inform the property owner or occupant of the issue.
- Require the removal of the graffiti.
- Issue a written notice to comply.
- Graffiti vandalism must be removed within 72 hours
- Hate or gang-related graffiti must be removed within 24 hours
Exceptions for Compliance
If the property owner cannot comply within the given timeframe due to factors like weather conditions (e.g., rain or freezing temperatures), they can request an extension. Bylaw officers will assess and adjust the compliance period as needed.
Tips for Preventing Graffiti on Your Property
The City of Toronto offers several tips for preventing graffiti vandalism:
- Improve lighting and visibility in vulnerable areas
- Quickly remove graffiti, as prompt action is the most effective deterrent against further vandalism
- Install security cameras to deter vandals
- Establish neighborhood watch groups to monitor and report suspicious activity
- Limit access to buildings and structures to prevent unauthorized entry
- Plant thorny or climbing plants along building walls to make it harder to reach vulnerable surfaces
- Use art murals to transform surfaces into legitimate artistic expressions and deter graffiti
Removing Graffiti
The process of removing graffiti depends on several factors, including:
- The type of surface
- The condition of the surface
- The type of paint or marker used
To determine the best cleaning method, it’s recommended to consult a graffiti removal specialist. You can find professional services by searching online or in your local business directory under "graffiti removal," "building maintenance," or "exterior cleaning.
For more information on graffiti and postering, visit the City of Toronto webpage.
