§ 3.48.040. Notice and consent for removal of graffiti.

(a)

Whenever the Sheriff or designee, or the Director of Public Works or designee, determines that graffiti exists on any permanent structure in the unincorporated area of San Mateo County which is visible from the street or other public or private property, the Sheriff or Director shall cause a notice to be served on the property owner demanding abatement of the graffiti as provided by this section.

(b)

The notice shall be served on the owner(s) of the affected property, as such owner's name and address appear on the last equalized property tax assessment rolls of the County of San Mateo. The notice shall be served by either personal delivery or certified or first class mail. In addition, where the property is known to be occupied by other than the record owner, a copy of the notice shall be sent by certified or first class mail to the occupant at the property address or posted on the affected property.

(c)

The notice shall inform the property owner that the graffiti exists and must be immediately abated. The notice shall request that, within ten days of personal delivery or mailing of the notice, the owner either abate the graffiti or sign and return a consent form authorizing the County to enter the property and abate the graffiti, at County expense, by cleaning, painting or otherwise removing the graffiti. The consent form to be signed by the owner shall be prepared by the County and served with the notice to abate.

(d)

If the property owner consents to removal by the County, as provided by subsection (c) of this section, the Sheriff or the Director of Public Works may enter and abate the graffiti by County forces, volunteer labor, private contractor, or other means.

(Prior code § 3203; Ord. 3515, 10/26/93; Ord. 3568, 05/10/94; Ord. 3624, 01/24/95; Ord. 4405, 01/08/08)