Supervisors pass first reading of ordinance expanding civil remedies, restrictions for graffiti offenders

An ordinance to expand enforcement tools for graffiti offenses and to tighten controls on graffiti in parks and on municipal transit vehicles passed the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on first reading May 6.

The measure, introduced by Supervisor Breed, authorizes the city to collect and better preserve graffiti evidence, allows the city attorney to pursue civil lawsuits against repeat offenders for monetary penalties or community service, and extends administrative remedies for graffiti committed on public property. The board adopted several amendments on the floor, including language clarifying the ordinance applies to "graffiti vandalism," explicitly listing restorative justice outcomes such as community service and repair of affected properties as available remedies, and shortening the lookback period for prior graffiti convictions from 10 years to seven years.

Bree…