Online Graffiti Removal Request Form

·         Click here to report graffiti using the online form.

Graffiti Hotline Phone Number: (805) 897-2513

You can call the graffiti hotline at anytime to report graffiti.  Please be very detailed and state the following:

• Street name
• Nearest cross-street
• What type of structure has been hit by graffiti
• Color of the structure
• Your name and phone number

Your detailed reporting helps staff save time and get the problem taken care of quickly.

If you are reporting graffiti in progress, please call the Santa Barbara Police Department at (805) 897-2600.

Record and Remove

Recording the incident helps Police to possibly solve graffiti or other related crimes.  Recording an incident includes taking a picture of the graffiti, writing your name, phone number, date and location of the graffiti on the back of the picture and sending it to the Santa Barbara Police Department at:

Santa Barbara Police Department
ATTN: Graffiti
P.O. Box 1990
Santa Barbara, CA  93102-1990

Remove the graffiti using the proper method.  Many types of graffiti can be cleaned with a spray gel remover (e.g. Oops Graffiti Remover or SO-SAFE Graffiti Remover), available at local hardware and home stores.  Spray gels can be used on concrete, porous, and smooth surfaces to remove spray paint, markers, stickers, and paint.  Be sure to wear any protective gear recommended by the manufacturer, including protective glasses and gloves.

Use paint to cover graffiti only when spray gels will not work, and try to color match the surface you are painting.  Some types of graffiti require the use of professional power washing or sandblasting equipment (e.g. graffiti on stone walls), and should be reported to the graffiti hotline. 

If you choose to remove gang-related graffiti, it is recommended that you do it during daylight hours.  If you see gang-related graffiti and feel at risk, you can record and report the graffiti, but not remove it. 

Agency Information

Many agencies in Santa Barbara are quick to remove graffiti on their property if they are notified.  If you notice graffiti on any of these structures, please notify the agency indicated.