Graffiti is markings, such as initials, slogans or drawings, that are written, spray painted or etched in any manner on property such as a sidewalk or wall of a building without consent of the owner.

Graffiti Laws

Graffiti is a crime punishable under the Texas Penal Code as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the level of damage. Call 9-1-1 if you see anyone in the act of graffiti. City Ordinance requires the city to provide free assistance to property owners with graffiti removal. The ordinance requires property owners to remove graffiti within 30 days. The City is responsible for its own property (e.g., city buildings, street signs and retaining walls).

Reporting Graffiti

Call 3-1-1 or the graffiti hotline at 512-974-1028 to report graffiti on any building in the City of Austin. You can also request graffiti removal online. If you do not own the property, we will contact the property owner to make arrangements for clean-up.

Who Removes Graffiti?

The Austin Youth Development Program employs young adults ages 17-22 to come to your property and remove graffiti at no charge, under the supervision of City employees. The program provides an opportunity to disadvantaged youth to learn primary work habits, work ethics and job readiness skills by employing them to assist with removing graffiti throughout the city. In addition, the program employs young adults who have dropped out of school, are enrolled in a high school vocational education program or are involved in the judicial system.

Contact

Contact the program at 512-854-4591 to request presentations to neighborhood/community groups, to volunteer with the program or to organize your own volunteer clean-ups.