Following an outbreak of graffiti on the vacant Carrows Restaurant and other empty commercial buildings in Carpinteria, the city will now require property owners to clean up the mess in 10 days instead of 30.
Since the early 1990s, Carpinteria has required property owners to clean up graffiti within 30 days of being notified by the city. By shortening the time frame, city officials aim to discourage taggers by limiting their exposure, a known deterrent, said Paul Kermoyan, the city's director of community development.
He said other cities, such as Oxnard and San Diego, have a 10-day limit. The city of Santa Barbara is considering an abatement ordinance that would require property owners to remove graffiti within three days.
Posted by gandlwoods at October 17, 2004 07:03 AM