San Francisco Board reinstates graffiti abatement ordinance after pandemic suspension

San Francisco County is set to reinstate its graffiti removal and abatement ordinance, lifting a suspension that has been in place since the pandemic. During a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Aaron Peskin emphasized the need for this legislation, citing a backlog of 11,000 graffiti cases that have not been addressed due to the suspension. The ordinance aims to resume the issuance of violations and the collection of associated fees, which had been halted to alleviate burdens during the COVID-19 crisis.

Supervisor Peskin noted that the graffiti situation in the city has worsened, with many complaints from residents and business owners. He highlighted that the majority of graffiti is found on properties that are either vacant or owned by absentee landlords, which complicates enforcement efforts. The reinstatement of the ordinance is expected to encourage property owners to take responsibility for maintaining their properties and addressing graffiti issues promptly.

Public Works representatives reported that they have successfully abated over 29,000 instances of graffiti on public property during the pandemic. They also confirmed that the process for addressing graffiti on private property involves a series of notices before penalties are issued, with a high compliance rate observed when property owners are notified.

The Small Business Commission expressed support for the legislation but raised concerns about the impact on small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 100 employees. Discussions are ongoing about potential amendments to provide additional support for these businesses, including exploring whether the city could assist with graffiti removal on private properties.

The Board of Supervisors is expected to continue discussions on this ordinance, with a commitment to ensuring that small businesses are not unduly burdened by the reinstated regulations. The next steps will include a report from Public Works within two months to provide updates on the implementation of the ordinance and any necessary adjustments to support the community effectively.