Board reinstates graffiti fines in ordinance amid debate on business impacts

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed, on first reading March 22, an ordinance reinstating parts of the Graffiti Removal and Abatement Ordinance that had been suspended during the pandemic and authorizing the issuance of certain violations and the collection of associated fees.

Sponsor and supporters said the pandemic suspension had helped struggling small businesses but had produced unintended consequences, and they argued that enforcement must resume. Supervisor Safai asked to be added as a co-sponsor and said that graffiti had become ‘‘out of control’’ in some neighborhoods and that property owners who do not remove graffiti need to be held accountable. Supervisor Peskin noted the law assigns responsibility to property owners, not typically small business tenants, and said the city will examine whether lease arrangements that pass responsibility to tenants can be limited by law.

Peskin also reported that prior to the pandemic only about 3% of cases culminated in fines, meaning most problems were abated after notice. Supporters including Supervisors Ronan, Melgar and Mandelmann said they supported reinstatement while acknowledging a need to avoid harming small businesses and to work on new remedies.

Board action: The ordinance was taken on first reading and passed unanimously on March 22, 2022. Supervisors said they would continue work with public works to implement notices and processes and requested follow-up on protections for small businesses and private-property owners.

Ending: Supporters said reinstatement is a temporary step while legislative or administrative fixes are developed to support small business and reduce unintended impacts on tenants.