City to property owners: Remove graffiti or face fines

A controversial ordinance that slaps fines on property owners slow to clean the handiwork of graffiti taggers becomes law Tuesday.

The measure, which passed the City-County Council 15-12 last summer, will impose $50 fines on home and property owners who don’t get rid of graffiti within 30 days.

Opponents of the ordinance contend it would essentially punish the victims (property owners) rather than the perpetrators (the vandals).

But city officials said they have worked out an arrangement with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to provide the victims with free paint and brushes.

The proposal’s co-sponsor, Councilman Jeff Miller, said the intent of the measure is two-fold: to punish absentee or negligent property owners, and to help upstanding property owners get graffiti off their buildings quickly.

“Graffiti represents disorder and lawlessness, and it and represents a neighborhood that doesn’t care,” Miller said. “This is another tool to go after bad owners.”

He noted that other nuisance laws — like prohibitions against trash, illegal dumping and high weeds — impose fines on property owners.

“This is the only city violation that comes with an abatement program,” Miller said.

Councilor Aaron Freeman, who voted against the ordinance, said it was “misplaced.”

“We are going after the wrong person,” he said. “We need to go after the person who did the wrong, not the person who was wronged.”

Steve Walton, 51, who has lived in a house in the 4000 block of North Ruckle Street his whole life, said homeowners already carry a big enough financial burden — and don’t need another.

“We tote a big share of the load, now,” said Walton, adding that his property never has been vandalized, though other homes on his block have been. “It sounds like another injustice for the property taxpayer. All I want is for them to leave me alone.”

The Department of Code Enforcement will issue notices to property owners, advising them they have 30 days to clean graffiti or face $50 fines. But the owners can log onto the KIB website to apply for free paint, brushes and rollers at www.kibi.org/graffiti-free-indy.

In addition, landowners can also apply for a 30-day extension if they need more time to remove graffiti.

Joesph Jarzen, director of community engagement for KIB, said the organization conducted a successful pilot program in October.

“We distributed 30 gallons of paint to the participants, and it worked out well,” he said.“If you need help, we will help you.”

Councilman Robert Lutz, who opposed the ordinance, said much of the graffiti in the city is on public property.

“But, of course, there’s no penalty for the city,” he said.

Miller said if KIB is unable to continue providing paint and supplies, which will be donated to them, the ordinance would be rescinded.

Call reporter John Tuohy at 444-6418 and follow on Twitter @john_tuohy.