Saint Paul Graffiti Abatement Request - City Program

Housing and Building Standards Minnesota 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, the city offers a graffiti abatement program for public rights-of-way and certain public properties and provides guidance for private property owners. This article explains how to request cleanup, who enforces removal, possible penalties under local code, typical timelines, and practical steps to report graffiti and follow up. Information below cites the city program and municipal enforcement channels so you can file a request, understand responsibilities, and pursue appeals if needed.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Saint Paul removes graffiti from city-owned property and maintains a reporting system for property owners and residents. Enforcement of graffiti removal on private property is handled through code enforcement and property-maintenance rules; specific fines and fee schedules for graffiti removal are not specified on the cited page. For reporting or requesting removal, use the city Graffiti Removal request page and contact details on that page City Graffiti Removal[1].

  • Enforcer: City of Saint Paul Public Works - Streets division and Department of Safety and Inspections for private property code enforcement.
  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for graffiti offenses are not specified on the cited city page; see the municipal code or contact code enforcement for amounts.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence escalation criteria are not specified on the cited city page; administrative orders or civil remedies may apply under city code.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, abatement by city personnel with possible cost recovery, civil enforcement actions and court proceedings may be used.
  • Inspection & complaints: file an online request through the city program or contact code enforcement to request inspection and enforcement.
City staff can remove graffiti from city property; private-property abatement may require owner action or a code enforcement order.

Applications & Forms

The city provides an online graffiti removal request form and instructions on the Graffiti Removal page. The official form name or number and any fees for city abatement are not specified on the cited city page. Private property owners may receive an abatement order and invoice if the city removes graffiti on their behalf; check the code enforcement notice or contact the Department of Safety and Inspections for details.

FAQ

How do I request graffiti abatement in Saint Paul?
File an online request via the City of Saint Paul Graffiti Removal page or contact Public Works; provide the exact location, photos, and preferred contact information.
Will the city remove graffiti from my private property?
The city prioritizes public property; in some cases the city may abate graffiti on private property and seek cost recovery, but specific eligibility and fees are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Document the graffiti: take clear photos showing the location and extent of markings.
  2. Identify ownership: note whether the surface is city-owned (utility pole, underpass) or private property.
  3. Submit a request: use the City Graffiti Removal online request or contact Public Works to report the location and upload photos.
  4. Allow inspection: city or code enforcement staff may inspect and determine if abatement or an enforcement action is required.
  5. Follow up & pay if required: if the city abates and bills the property owner, follow the invoice instructions or appeal through the listed review process.
Keep dated photos and correspondence to support appeals or cost disputes.

Key Takeaways

  • Use photos and exact location details when reporting graffiti to speed response.
  • City removal focuses on public property; private property owners may be responsible for cleanup or billed if the city abates.
  • Contact Public Works or Department of Safety and Inspections for enforcement questions or appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Saint Paul Graffiti Removal - Public Works

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