Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information
Renton Police Department
Renton, WA 98057

What is graffiti?

    “Any unauthorized inscription, word, figure, painting, design, label, marking, symbol, or other defacement that is marked, etched, scratched, engraved, drawn, painted, sprayed, or otherwise affixed on any surface of public or private property, either natural or manmade; to the extent that the graffiti was not authorized in advance by the owner or occupant of the property, or, despite advance authorization, is deemed a public nuisance. The owner or occupant cannot authorize a public nuisance.”

    -Renton Municipal Code Title 6, Chap. 29

How do I report graffiti in my neighborhood?

Graffiti in progress:
If you see a “Tagging” in progress, call 911

Reporting Existing Graffiti:

Take a picture of the graffiti and record the address, cross streets, or park name. Report information to the City of Renton graffiti abatement via Renton Responds.

My property has been tagged. What do I do?

Report It

Take a picture of the graffiti and record the address, cross streets, or park name. Report information to the City of Renton graffiti abatement coordinator by email, online form, or by calling 425-430-7362.  Property owners should also file a police report, this can be done by calling 452-235-2121.

Check with insurance company to see if you are covered for property vandalism.

Remove It

Remove graffiti promptly and completely.

Is it really okay to call 9-1-1 for graffiti?

Yes. For immediate response, please call 9-1-1.

 

Once graffiti is reported, how long will it take the city to remove?

City properties are cleaned by specific departments throughout the city.  Once a report is submitted the responsible department will be notified and action will be taken to remove or cover the graffiti in a reasonable time period, weather permitting.

Per City of Renton Ordinance No. 5429 commercial and residential property owners are responsible for graffiti removal on their properties.  This is to be done in a reasonable time period.

Graffiti Notifications issued by the Graffiti Abatement Program give ten business days to remove graffiti from residences and commercial properties. 

What is the best way to prevent graffiti?

  • Rapid and continual removal is the best way to eliminate the problem. Studies show that removal within 24 - 48 hours results in a lower rate of recurrence.

  • Install motion activated lighting in areas frequently vandalized.

  • Install cameras in areas of frequent vandalism.

  • Plant climbing plants, or thorny bushes next to buildings.

  • Organize a mural project for walls frequently targeted.

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