Graffiti Art Exemption

There are two types of graffiti. Graffiti art and art murals add to the street culture of a community or neighbourhood. Graffiti vandalism, on the other hand, involves the “tagging” or marking of property without the owner’s consent. In Toronto, graffiti vandalism must be removed within 72 hours, while hate graffiti must be removed within 24 hours.

Map of Approved Graffiti in Toronto

If you have been issued a Notice of Violation, requiring you to remove graffiti from your property, you may apply to have it re-categorized as graffiti art. Please contact GraffitiExemption@toronto.ca to request a review. In your email request, please 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

For information about applying for a Graffiti Art Exemption, the differences between graffiti vandalism and graffiti art, or to register a complaint about graffiti on private or public property, contact 311:

Phone within Toronto: 311
Phone outside Toronto: 416-392-CITY (2489)
TTY: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Email: 311@toronto.ca