Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council amends graffiti code to give enforcement flexibility, keeps restrictions on sales to minors
Summary
Council unanimously adopted ordinance 30-73 to repeal the graffiti chapter of the nuisance code and amend the general nuisance rules to give code enforcement more flexibility on timelines and appeal handling; the sale/gifting of graffiti implements to minors remains prohibited.
The Moses Lake City Council on July 8 adopted ordinance 30-73, which repeals a stand‑alone graffiti chapter in the nuisance code and moves graffiti enforcement into the general nuisance provisions with added flexibility for code enforcement.
Staff said the prior code required a 72‑hour cleanup standard and routed enforcement directly to appeal, leaving little room for negotiated extensions. The revised language lengthens time windows in some circumstances, allows code enforcement officers to negotiate extensions and preserve voluntary repair options, and retains language restricting the sale or gifting of graffiti implements to minors.
Council member comments noted cyclical patterns of graffiti (peaks and valleys) and supported the broader flexibility for staff. The ordinance carried unanimously.
