Gang graffiti at area school sparks police investigation

If the property owners refuse action, Early said the city can file a court order to have graffiti removed at the owner's expense.

"Usually when I file charges against a property owner, they will get it removed immediately," he said.

Engel's department was planning to seek a judge's order on Friday to clean up graffiti at a vacant property in the 1600 block of Lake Street that has recently become a target for taggers after a 10-day notice recently expired.

Residents can call in graffiti to the city's graffiti removal services and have tags painted over for a suggested donation to cover material costs.

Prices range from $35 for up to 400 square feet to $100 for up to 1,000 square feet for one-time clean-ups.

The money helps the city's Committee for a Clean and Beautiful Glendale pay for graffiti prevention programs, Engel said.

Property owners can also sign a waiver with the city and pay an annual $150 fee allowing workers to enter the property and remove graffiti the day it is discovered.

The program is in its eighth year but has been promoted heavily this year as the most effective way to keep a cap on tagging, Engel said.

People have really taken to it," he said. The city has signed waivers with about 400 homeowners and businesses, Engel said.