Graffiti Abatement Program

Per the City's Municipal Code 5-41.03 "Abatement of graffiti is the responsibility of the commercial property owner. Commercial property owners and tenants shall remove graffiti within seventy-two (72) hours of its placement." Graffiti left on walls and fences has a negative impact on our neighborhoods and business districts. It also creates a condition of blight within the City which can result in the deterioration of property values, business opportunities, and the enjoyment of life for persons using adjacent and surrounding properties.

The City of Watsonville addresses graffiti and litter problems through education, abatement, enforcement, and community participation. The Graffiti Abatement program is responsible for the abatement of graffiti on public property. 

Examples of Public Property


  • Streetlight poles
  • Traffic signal poles
  • City utility boxes (at traffic signals)
  • Sidewalks, curb and streets
  • City-owned facilities (parks, etc.)

Examples of Private Property


  • Commercial
  • Industrial
  • Residential

Report Graffiti


Graffiti Prevention Tips


  • Clean up graffiti on your property within 48 hours to deter repeat vandalism.
  • Install motion-activated lights around your building.
  • Plant vines or other landscaping along walls and fences
  • Deter graffiti with murals
Together we can all do our part to keep Watsonville beautiful.
  1. How do you report graffiti?
  2. Who removes graffiti?
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