Graffiti
Prohibits creating graffiti and requires property owners to keep their property free of graffiti, removing it within the timeframe set by the City after notice.
This chapter is relatively focused. The key practical requirements are summarized below in plain English.
Plain-English Overview
Chapter 485 prohibits graffiti vandalism and requires property owners and occupants to keep their property free of it. Approved art murals and graffiti art are treated differently and can be 'regularized' so they aren't considered vandalism. The City can issue a notice to remove graffiti and, if it isn't removed, can remove it and recover the cost.
Who it applies to: All property owners and occupants; anyone who creates graffiti.
Key Requirements
Keep your property free of graffiti vandalism
Chapter 485, § 485-3 (Graffiti vandalism prohibited)The owner or occupant of a property must keep it free of graffiti vandalism, and no one may place graffiti vandalism on property. 'Graffiti vandalism' generally means deliberate, unapproved markings such as tags — not an approved art mural.
Compliance looks like
Painting over or removing a tag sprayed on your garage or fence.
May be a concern
Leaving unapproved tags on a street-facing wall after being notified.
The City can require removal after notice
Chapter 485, §§ 485-4, 485-5An officer who finds graffiti vandalism may give written notice to comply, generally allowing no sooner than 72 hours. You can ask the Graffiti Panel to review whether the markings are actually approved art.
Compliance looks like
Removing the graffiti within the time set out in the notice.
May be a concern
Ignoring the notice, after which the City may remove it and bill you.
Approved murals can be 'regularized'
Chapter 485, § 485-6Art murals and graffiti art that aesthetically enhance a surface and have owner approval can be regularized so they are not treated as vandalism.
Compliance looks like
Registering a commissioned mural so it's recognized as art.
May be a concern
Assuming any spray-paint is 'art' without approval or regularization.
Practical Compliance Guide
- 1
Remove tags promptly
Paint over or clean off graffiti vandalism, especially on street-facing surfaces, before it spreads.
- 2
Respond to any notice
If you receive a notice to comply, act within the time given. If you believe it's approved art, request a Graffiti Panel review.
If you don't comply, the City may remove the graffiti and add the cost to your property taxes.
- 3
Report graffiti you don't own
Report graffiti on public property (utility boxes, transit, etc.) so the responsible body can address it.
Common Questions
Do I need to remove graffiti from my private property?
Generally, property owners and occupants are expected to keep their property free of graffiti vandalism. If graffiti is present, the City may require removal within a set time after notice. Check the official Chapter 485 for exact requirements and any exemptions.
Reference: §§ 485-3, 485-4
Remove the tag, or if you think it's approved art, request a Graffiti Panel review.
How do I report graffiti on a utility box or public property?
Report it to the City through 311; graffiti on public assets is handled by the responsible agency.
Submit a 311 request with the location and a photo.
Is a commissioned mural treated as graffiti?
No — an art mural or graffiti art approved by the owner and registered/regularized is generally not treated as vandalism.
Reference: §§ 485-1, 485-6
Apply to regularize an approved mural so it's recognized as art.
What This Chapter Generally Covers
- Prohibition on creating or placing graffiti
- Owner responsibility to remove graffiti from their property
- Timeframes for removal after a City notice
- Application to walls, fences, and structures
Common Examples
- Tags or murals on a building exterior
- Graffiti on a wooden or metal fence
- Vandalism on a utility or hydro box
- Graffiti on a garage door
Related Topics
This page summarizes Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 485, Graffiti in plain language for general reference only — it is not legal advice. Always confirm the exact requirement, wording, and any exemptions in the official chapter or with the City of Toronto.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-14
Information on this page is summarized for general reference only and is not legal advice. Always confirm the official requirement using the City of Toronto Municipal Code or other official City sources.