Forcing Property Owners To Tackle Graffiti

Don't like the new paint job someone gave your fence last night? Well, you'd better find someone to paint over it or it could cost you some extra bucks.

The Larkspur City Council is expected to adopt a graffiti abatement ordinance during Wednesday night's meeting. The ordinance, according to city officials, would put the burden on the property owner to remove graffiti within a timely manner. Otherwise, the city could go after the owner's wallet, even place a lien on the property — as an incentive.

The ordinance would also provide for stricter penalties against the vandals, including community service and suspension of the person's driver's license.

Corte Madera's graffiti ordinance gives property owners 24 hours from the time they are notified by the Town to clean off any graffiti. Larkspur's ordinance would like give property owners more time.

The Larkspur City Manager could be allowed to help property owners cover up graffiti in the case of financial hardship.

The City Council on Wednesday will also discuss a proposed rate increase by Marin Sanitary Service. There will also be a public hearing on what kind of fee to charge garbage and recycling trucks. The proposed fee could be 30 percent of the City's annual street maintenance costs.