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Council highlights enforcement tools for graffiti as residents press for faster cleanup and resources
Summary
City staff and police described the city’s anti‑graffiti approach — removal on public property, code enforcement notices for private property with a 10‑day compliance window, and sizable penalties for offenders — after residents urged a more proactive response and youth outreach.
Lake Havasu City’s police, code enforcement and city management presented the city’s existing approach to graffiti and vandalism during a public discussion Dec. 9, after Vice Mayor David Diaz requested the item to inform residents and spur action.
The city produced a short informational video emphasizing that graffiti on private property without permission is a crime and detailing penalties: for adults, staff noted a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail, at least $1,500 in fines and a minimum of 80 hours of community service; for minors the video cited a minimum $500 fine and potential parental restitution up to $10,000. Staff told the council that the city removes graffiti on public property promptly when it is reported and that code enforcement issues a 10‑day notice for private property owners, with some discretion for code staff to coordinate volunteer or city assistance in cases of hardship.
Chief Sterling and the street‑crimes unit described investigative work that has produced anonymous tips and leads; the chief said arrests would be publicized when completed. Public commenters pushed the council to allocate more resources for immediate cleanup, suggested youth‑engagement programs that pair offenders with remediation work, and asked for social‑media and school distribution of the video and penalties. Council members and staff discussed volunteer cleanup opportunities and potential partnerships (for example, with local retailers for paint donations) to speed remediation on private properties.
No formal action was taken, but the council directed staff to continue public messaging, consider volunteer and youth program options, and keep the community informed about enforcement outcomes.
