Graffiti contributes to reduced retail sales, a decline in property values, and citizen concern. The Downtown Bellingham Partnership has worked with the City of Bellingham, Bellingham Police Department, and neighboring community leaders to create best practices and removal programs.
Graffiti Removal & Prevention
Business owners and property owners are required to remove graffiti within seven days per City of Bellingham ordinance. To accelerate removal, the Downtown Bellingham Partnership has created a waiver which allows us to paint, buff, or chemically remove tags on behalf of the building. Please read and download forms for these programs.
Service Area
Before & After Impact
The City of Bellingham funds the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s cleaning and landscaping ($165,000) and graffiti removal ($30,000) programs annually. Through cooperative reporting, policing, and court proceedings, the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and the Bellingham Police Department are able to make arrests for serial offenders. Read about a 2023 arrest of four offenders responsible for over $100K in damage here.
Graffiti Notification Form
If you have a graffiti removal waiver on file with DBP, use this form to let us know of any new graffiti on your business.