§ 31-29. Graffiti.

(a)

As used in this section, the term "graffiti" means any inscriptions, words, figures, paintings, or other defacements that are written, marked, etched, scratched, sprayed, drawn, painted, or engraved on or otherwise affixed to any surface of real property or improvements thereon without prior authorization of the owner or occupant of the property by means of any aerosol paint container, broad-tipped marker, gum label, paint stick, graffiti stick, etching equipment, brush, or other device capable of scarring or leaving a visible mark on any surface.

(b)

It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to apply graffiti to any structure within the city and for any person having a legal or equitable interest in a parcel of real property to permit graffiti to remain on a structure located thereon.

(c)

When the city becomes aware of the existence of graffiti in violation of this section, the designated code enforcement officer shall cause a notice to be issued to abate such nuisance. The property owner shall be given seven days from the date of the notice to remove the graffiti.

(d)

The notice to abate graffiti pursuant to this section shall be a written notice and shall be served upon the owner of the affected property, as such owner name and address appears on the last property tax assessment rolls. If there is no known address for the owner, the notice shall be sent to the property address. The notice may be served by personal service on the owner, occupant or manager of the property; by registered or certified mail addressed to the owner; or by posting a copy on the property.

(e)

If the graffiti is not removed within seven days of the date of the notice to remove, the property owner and occupant shall be issued citation for violation of this section and subject to penalties as provided in section 1-11 and assessment of costs as deemed appropriate by the municipal court.

State law reference

Similar definition of graffiti, O.C.G.A. § 17-15A-2.