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Graffiti Removal
The Maintenance Division in the Public Works Department is committed to ensuring an optimal quality of life by providing a safe, attractive and healthy community in which to live, work and play. Thus, the Division relies on a collaborative partnership with its citizenry and businesses to maintain the City's image by promptly removing graffiti. Prompt graffiti removal maintains the health, safety and welfare of the community.
City Policy
The Lake Forest City Council adopted Graffiti Abatement Ordinance No. 225 on February 15, 2011, to amend and restate Lake Forest Municipal Code Chapter 6.14. This Chapter provides the City's policy of covering graffiti on public or private property visible from the public-right-of-way within 24 hours.
Thus, the City has established a zero tolerance policy for graffiti vandalism. The City recognizes that its hard working residents do not deserve, or want to see, graffiti in their community. Therefore, Lake Forest Municipal Code Section 6.14.102 prohibits the placement of graffiti on both public and private property and declares any placement a public nuisance. Per California Government Code Section 38772, holding each person, including parents or guardians having custody of a minor, who places graffiti to be held accountable and liable for all costs in connection with the graffiti's removal, the City actively pursues restitution on behalf of its taxpayers for all graffiti vandalism within its jurisdiction.
City Policy
The Lake Forest City Council adopted Graffiti Abatement Ordinance No. 225 on February 15, 2011, to amend and restate Lake Forest Municipal Code Chapter 6.14. This Chapter provides the City's policy of covering graffiti on public or private property visible from the public-right-of-way within 24 hours.
Thus, the City has established a zero tolerance policy for graffiti vandalism. The City recognizes that its hard working residents do not deserve, or want to see, graffiti in their community. Therefore, Lake Forest Municipal Code Section 6.14.102 prohibits the placement of graffiti on both public and private property and declares any placement a public nuisance. Per California Government Code Section 38772, holding each person, including parents or guardians having custody of a minor, who places graffiti to be held accountable and liable for all costs in connection with the graffiti's removal, the City actively pursues restitution on behalf of its taxpayers for all graffiti vandalism within its jurisdiction.
City Property
The City only removes graffiti from the public right-of-way:
- Curbs
- Outside perimeter walls facing the public right-of-way
- Public walls
- Sidewalks
- Streets
- Traffic Light Poles
Per City policy, graffiti is promptly removed. The City asks its residents not to paint over any graffiti areas, thus allowing our professional vendor company to match the existing colors.
County Property
Graffiti located on County property or trails is removed by the appropriate County agencies: OC Parks, OC Public Works, and OC Flood Control.
- Flood control basins
- Flood control channels
- Trails
- Trail tread
Private Property
Graffiti located on private property or streets is removed by the homeowner's association, property homeowner, or utility company:
- Automobiles
- Driveways
- Garages
- Houses
- Inside property walls
- Irrigation pedestals
- Private streets
- Street light poles
- Utility boxes
The homeowner is responsible for contacting his or her homeowner's association for graffiti removal. The City's Code Enforcement Division is available as a resource for assistance with the commencement of a nuisance abatement action.
For assistance with graffiti removal from private property, residents, homeowner's associations, and utilities are eligible to use the City's graffiti abatement contractor Superior Graffiti Solutions.
For assistance with victim restitution, please see the resources available through the Orange County Probation Department's Victim Services.
For assistance with graffiti removal from private property, residents, homeowner's associations, and utilities are eligible to use the City's graffiti abatement contractor Superior Graffiti Solutions.
For assistance with victim restitution, please see the resources available through the Orange County Probation Department's Victim Services.
How to Report Graffiti?
If you see someone spraying graffiti, call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (949) 770-6011 and provide as much detailed information as possible about the suspects and location.
The City has three resources available for residents to report graffiti on public property listed under Contact Us. Residents can call or email the Graffiti Hotline or submit a request via Ask Lake Forest.
More than half of the City's graffiti abatement requests are on private property. To report graffiti directly to the responsible outside agency, please reference the Utility Resource Guide and the below contact list .
Reference the City's Utility Resource Guide to identify utility equipment and expedite graffiti removal!
Outside Agency Graffiti Hotlines
| Outside Agency | Phone Number/Email |
|---|---|
| AT&T California | (866) 243-6122 |
| Caltrans | (949) 936-3500 |
| County of Orange - Public Works/Flood Control |
(714) 834-3400 Report Graffiti |
| County of Orange - OC Parks |
(866) 627-2757 |
| Cox Communications | (888) 566-7751 |
| El Toro Water District | (949) 837-0660 |
| Irvine Ranch Water District | (949) 453-5535 |
| Orange County Transportation Agency (Public Right-of-Way) |
(714) 560-6282 |
| Southern California Edison | (866) 421-4688 |
| Trabuco Canyon Water District | (949) 858-0277 |
| United States Postal Service | (949) 837-1976 |
