Politics & Government

Graffiti Victims Could Face Fines

The Hatboro Borough Council set the wheels in motion for a local ordinance that would impose fees on property owners who fail to remove or cover graffiti.

Property owners who fall victim to graffiti may be up against a 30-day window to remove the markings – or face daily fines.

The Hatboro Borough Council this week voted unanimously to draft and advertise an ordinance pertaining to the removal of graffiti.

Under the prospective law, which officials said is modeled after a similar ordinance in Upper Moreland Township, property owners would have 30 days to remove or cover over graffiti or face fines of up to $300 per day. 

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The goal is “not to penalize crime victims,” Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner said, adding that, “we need to get the graffiti removed.”

“Our goal is to use this as a tool if we can’t get it removed by other means,” Gardner said.

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When the ordinance was first discussed last month, Gardner told Patch that he’s been discussing with Hatboro’s Elm Street group the possibility of stepping up graffiti prevention and removal efforts, particularly in the northeast part of town.

Borough attorney Christen Pionzio said that unlike Upper Moreland’s ordinance, Hatboro is not proposing jail time for property owners who fail to comply. 

Pionzio said a draft ordinance would be ready prior to the July 22 council meeting, at which time officials could discuss to see if other changes are needed.

The graffiti ordinance will be considered for adoption on Aug. 12. 


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