Graffiti is a Crime
It is costly and destructive and sends a message that the community is not concerned about the appearance of its neighborhoods. It generates neighborhood fear, causes instability, signals an increase in crime, lowers property values, hurts business revenue, is economically detrimental to the City, and is a sign of urban decay.
To report graffiti in progress call 911.
To report a graffiti concern that is not on your property, call (253) 591-5000 from anywhere or 311 when calling from within City limits, or submit a "Graffiti Concern" request by using this link.
If you are a victim of graffiti please take the following steps:
- File a police report online or by calling (253) 287-4455
- Take picture of the graffiti (for homeowner's insurance and/or police report)
- Contact your homeowner's insurance agent (if you choose to file a claim)
- Remove the graffiti on your property by following instructions in the graffiti removal guide.
Rapid Graffiti Removal Program
The City is partnering with Goodbye Graffiti to provide graffiti removal services citywide at no cost to property owners, for up to three cleanups during 2021 and 2022. To sign-up for the program, please submit an online authorization or mail or email us your authorization.
The City is also partnering with Safe Streets Campaign as a Graffiti Navigator. Safe Streets Campaign can provide outreach and assist with program enrollment, coordinate volunteers to assist with graffiti removal, and can provide private property owners with up to $100 of cost reimbursement for paint and supplies used to address graffiti on their property.
Please contact Safe Streets Campaign at (253) 272-6824 (Option 6) if you:
- Need assistance filling out an Authorization Waiver to enroll your property into the Rapid Graffiti Removal Program
- Would like to volunteer to remove graffiti in Tacoma
- Are a senior and/or disabled Tacoma resident who needs assistance removing graffiti from your property
- Would like information on how to receive a cost reimbursement for supplies used to address graffiti on your property
- Documentation must be submitted to Safe Streets Campaign to receive a cost reimbursement - you must submit before and after pictures of the vandalized area, as well as a picture of your receipt for the supplies purchased to address the graffiti.
Please Note
This program is intended to act as an additional tool for property owners and does not replace the code compliance process. As a property owner, you are responsible to remove graffiti on your property.