Local News in Brief : Bernardi Seeks Anti-Graffiti Measure for New Walls, Fences

Property owners erecting new fences or walls would be required to coat them with chemical substances that make it easier to remove graffiti under a measure proposed Tuesday by San Fernando Valley Councilman Ernani Bernardi.

Bernardi’s motion, which was referred to the Los Angeles City Council’s Planning and Environment Committee for a hearing, would require that all new masonry walls and wooden fences be covered with an “anti-graffiti coating.” The measure calls for city building officials to prepare a list of chemicals that can be used for coating.

The proposal would exempt all fences and walls that separate single-family homes, are not visible from city streets and are inaccessible to the public.

Bernardi also has proposed that the city require property owners to remove graffiti or face being charged a fee to have the city do it for them. That proposal is being studied by the city attorney’s office.