Graffiti

Graffiti Hotline: Call 311 (or 847-931-6001)

The Graffiti Removal Program was established to provide citizens with an easy and efficient method of reporting graffiti within the City of Elgin.

How Do I Report Graffiti?

Citizens, property owners, or City of Elgin employees can call the graffiti hotline 24/7 by dialing 311 (or 847-931-6001) to report graffiti. You may also submit a Graffiti Removal Request Form.

Reports of graffiti are turned over to public works staff for investigation and removal.

Graffiti Removal

The process of graffiti removal is contingent upon several factors, including the amount or extent of damage, the type of surface the graffiti is on, and whether the property involved is public or private.

In cases of minor damage, graffiti can often be cleaned or painted over by community service workers. If the damage is more extensive, such as on brick, concrete, or asphalt surfaces, the graffiti is removed by power washing. If a power washer is utilized, ideal operating conditions are above 50 degrees; however, in extreme circumstances, the pressure washer can operate as long as temperatures are above freezing.

Graffiti Removal Time Frame

For graffiti on public property, the removal time can be up to five business days, depending on weather conditions.

On private property, a graffiti removal waiver must be signed by the property owner. This document authorizes city staff to enter the property and complete the graffiti removal process. Therefore, prior to initiating the removal process, the city staff must locate the property owners, advise them of the removal options, and obtain written consent via the graffiti removal waiver.

This process can be time consuming and at times may create a delay in the removal of the graffiti. Once the graffiti removal waiver is signed, it remains valid for two years.