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City of Fort Collins
 

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Graffiti#

Report Graffiti#

You can report graffiti using any of the following options

In order to keep Fort Collins graffiti-free, community members must be the eyes and ears for reporting defaced property. 

Graffiti is a crime. When left unchecked, it can contribute to the deterioration of our neighborhoods and the beauty of Fort Collins. So, if you observe graffiti anywhere in the city, take a minute to contact us and help keep Fort Collins beautiful.
Call our Graffiti Hotline any time, day or night, at 970-416-2400. Or report online using your computer or smartphone at fcgov.com/accessfortcollins. Both options are completely anonymous.

When you report graffiti, the Graffiti Abatement Team will contact the private property owner, business or City department as soon as possible about the issue and/or assist with the removal. Every effort will be made to see that the graffiti is abated within two (2) business days.

If you find graffiti on your property it is extremely important to remove it as soon as possible. If it is left up for even a few days, others will add to it.

Note: Graffiti removal is the responsibility of the property owner. If a police report is wanted or needed, then you must contact the Fort Collins Police Services at 970-221-6540 to file a report.

To report graffiti in progress, call 9-1-1.

Volunteers#

If you would like to register as a volunteer for the next clean-up event, contact the Graffiti Abatement Coordinator by calling 970-416-2400 or email graffiti@fcgov.com

Speaking#

If your group or organization would like to arrange for a 15-20 minute presentation regarding Graffiti in Fort Collins, please contact the Graffiti Abatement Coordinator, at 416-2400 or graffiti@fcgov.com.

Crime Stoppers#

If you know of someone that is a graffiti tagger and want to report this to us, you can utilize the local Crime Stoppers website to do so. 

Tips For Preventing Graffiti#

  • Apply anti-graffiti coatings to structures
  • Make sure area has adequate lighting
  • Limit roof accessibility
  • Security cameras
  • Increase employee/ resident awareness
  • Creative landscaping – the use of plants to limit accessibility and lessen open spaces or create barriers for areas viewed as potential canvases (e.g. sticker bushes, vines, lava rocks).

Tips For Removing Graffiti#

  • The City of Fort Collins provides at no cost to residents an environmental friendly graffiti removal product which can be obtained by either calling the Graffiti Hotline at (970) 416-2400 or email us at graffiti@fcgov.com.
  • On glass, metal poles, boxes, signs and hard plastics a product such as Soy Safe works very well; however, caution should be used on some pre-painted surfaces. Graffiti on these types of surfaces will often cause the paint or lettering underneath to be removed also during the abatement process.
  • Wood fences – lightly sanding will often remove the graffiti, but at the same time it will also remove any weather protection that may have been applied. The same applies to pressure washing, but care must be taken to control the water runoff. The City of Fort Collins has strict guidelines pertaining to waste water and storm drains.
  • Trees – first try using a garden hose or low pressure power washer. Consult a nursery for other suggestions and cleaning products that may be used.
  • Walls – if removal is not possible then paint over maybe your only option. Attempt to color match the original color if possible. Prepare the surface by cleaning, drying or sanding if necessary. Depending on the color of the graffiti and surface type, multiple applications may have to be applied.
  • Select the right paint for your surface. Acrylic latex is best for wood, concrete, block walls and brick surfaces. Contact your local paint specialist for advice if you are unsure.

FREE recycled paints and stains are available through Larimer County Solid Waste Department at the Drop "N" Swap shop located at the Larimer County Landfill – 5887 S Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526.
For more information see: Larimer County Landfill Information.

Don't Want to Clean Your Brushes Every Time?

If you are working on a continual problem, you can put the roller or brush in a plastic bag, or wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. It will last for months. If you are using a 5 gallon bucket and the roller will fit, leave the roller in the bucket and reseal it.

Historical Locations pose a unique challenge concerning graffiti abatement. Often specialty companies that are equipped with certain equipment such as dry ice or soda pressure washing equipment have to be contracted. Refer to internet or phone book to locate these types of companies.
For more information see: fcgov.com/historicpreservation/.