Graffiti
Definition
SECTION 18-1102 DEFINITIONS
Graffiti means any unauthorized inscription, word, figure, painting or other defacement that is written, marked, etched, scratched, sprayed, drawn, painted, or engraved on or otherwise affixed to any surface of public or private property by any graffiti implement, to the extent that the graffiti was not authorized in advance by the owner or occupant of the property, or, despite advance authorization, constitutes a public nuisance as defined in Section 18-302.
Graffiti implement means an aerosol paint container, a broad-tipped marker, gum label, paint stick or graffiti stick, etching equipment, brush or any other device capable of scarring or leaving a visible mark on any natural or man-made surface.
Owner means any entity or entities having a legal or equitable interest in real or personal property including but not limited to the interest of a tenant or lessee.
Paint stick or graffiti stick means any device containing a solid form of paint, chalk, wax, epoxy, or other similar substance capable of being applied to a surface by pressure and leaving a mark of at least one-eighth (⅛) of an inch in width.
Perpetrator means a person who applies graffiti to or on any property located within the City of Billings.
Person means any individual, partnership, cooperative association, private corporation, personal representative, receiver, trustee, assignee, or any other legal entity.
Property means any real or personal property and that which is affixed, incidental or appurtenant to real property including but not limited to any structure, fence, wall, sign or any separate part thereof whether permanent or not.
Responsible party means an owner or entity or person acting as an agent for an owner by agreement who has authority over the property or is responsible for the property's maintenance or management. Irrespective of any arrangement to the contrary with any other party, each owner shall always be a responsible party for the purposes of this chapter. There may be more than one responsible party for a particular piece of property.
Unauthorized means without the consent of the responsible party.
Graffiti Vandalism Ordinance brochure
Graffiti Victim Assistance
If you have been targeted by graffiti vandalism there is help available!
The following local retailers are offering discounts on paint products to help you remove graffiti
- Kings Ace Hardware: 15% - 4170 State Ave and 2264 Central Ave
- Billings Hardware: 15% - 3175 Grand Ave
- Home Depot: 10% - 2784 King Ave West
Note:
To receive the discount you must bring your official letter from the City Code Enforcement Division or your Police Department C & O number.