Graffiti Ordinance

Here is the graffiti ordinance for Ann Arbor.

(1) "Graffiti" means any mark or marks on any surface or structure made without the prior permission of the property owner and made in any manner, including but not limited to, writing, inscribing, drawing, tagging, sketching, spray-painting, etching, scratching, carving, engraving, scraping, or attaching. Chalk marks on sidewalks in not "graffiti." "Graffiti" does not include any attaching which is permitted under Chapter 82, Section 7:102(3).

(2) No person shall apply graffiti to any surface or structure.

(a) Community service that is as relevant and appropriate to the violation as possible;

(b) Restitution;

(c) A fine of not more than $500 plus costs.

(3) The victim may proceed with any private right of action provided under law against a person who has applied graffiti or the parent or guardian of a minor.

Okay, so it looks like all one has to do is say they approved the work if they like it and want to keep it or are not interested in covering it up. Seems like a big loop hole to me. (See below.)

You never know what you'll find....

I found this while I was taking a short cut through an alley in downtown Ann Arbor the other day. I have mixed feelings about graffiti. I personally love well done pieces like this one. I get very annoyed at tagging for taggings sake. 

But the real dilemma for me is when this is done on private property. No one has the right to deface another persons building. Imagine the outcry if this was done on someones car. No doubt someone would notify the authorities quickly. But would they do the same for a building? Oddly we don't take the vandalism as seriously when it occurs to fixed property. Why is that?

Currently Ann Arbor is entertaining the thought of adding a graffiti removal ordinance. It would require property owners to remove graffiti within a proposed amount of time or face a fine. Ypsilanti has one of these in place currently. This seems to be punishing the wrong party for the defacement. I understand the importance of removing graffiti as soon as possible as it is a deterrent to repeat hits. But what if you like the graffiti? What is you consider this a piece of art and you like it? I'll bet no one has considered that aspect. 

In fact that is how Jean-Michel Basquait got his start. He painted walls in alleys and anywhere else he could. They became so valuable that people looked at removing portions of buildings. Unfortunately he died of a heroine overdose when he was 27, otherwise who knew what would have happened?