Perth Graffiti Removal - Council Bylaws & Process

Housing and Building Standards Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Introduction

Perth, Western Australia maintains a city-managed graffiti removal program and bylaw framework for public safety and amenity. This guide explains how to report graffiti in Perth, the council processes for removal, the enforcing departments, typical penalties where published, and practical steps for property owners and businesses. It summarises official reporting channels, forms and timelines and explains appeals and compliance pathways so you can act quickly and lawfully when graffiti appears on public or private property.

How the Graffiti Removal Process Works

The City of Perth accepts reports of graffiti via its online reporting service and coordinates removal on public assets; private property owners are advised of responsibilities and options when graffiti appears on their premises. To request council removal or to report graffiti on public infrastructure, use the City of Perth report page linked below City of Perth - Report Graffiti[1]. The council may prioritise removal on high-visibility or safety-related locations and may refer to local laws when ownership or access is an issue.

Report quickly to improve the chance of free or prioritised removal.

Penalties & Enforcement

Local enforcement for graffiti in Perth is managed by the City of Perth’s compliance or by-law enforcement teams under the council’s local laws and relevant delegations. Exact fine amounts and monetary penalties for graffiti offences are not consistently published on the City of Perth pages and are not specified on the cited page below; check the local laws or contact the enforcement team for current figures City of Perth - Local Laws[2].

If a specific penalty amount is required for legal action, verify with the enforcement office in writing.

The following enforcement topics are addressed below; where the city page does not list an item, the entry notes that it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; contact enforcement for current amounts.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences are managed by discretionary enforcement and may result in escalating notices or court action; ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, infringement notices, recovery of removal costs, and prosecution are possible under local laws when published.
  • Enforcer: City of Perth By-law/Compliance team; official contact and reporting channels are on the City reporting pages reporting page[1].
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and statutory time limits are not detailed on the cited local laws page and should be confirmed with the City of Perth administration.
  • Defences/discretion: councils commonly allow defences such as authorised public art, permits or reasonable excuse; specific defences and permit processes are not specified on the cited page.

Common Violations

  • Graffiti on public transport shelters and street furniture — usually prioritised for removal.
  • Graffiti on private commercial property — owner responsibility unless council removal is approved or ordered.
  • Repeated tagging in the same area — may attract stronger enforcement actions.

Applications & Forms

The City accepts graffiti reports and removal requests via its online reporting form; no separate permit is normally required to request removal. For private property cleanup grants or exemptions, the City pages do not publish a standard form name or number and state specific grant availability or fees on a case-by-case basis; confirm by contacting the City of Perth report or grants teams via the links below reporting page[1].

Action Steps

  • Document the graffiti with date-stamped photos immediately.
  • Submit a report via the City of Perth online graffiti report form here[1].
  • Keep records of correspondence, removal dates and any invoices for possible cost recovery.
  • If you receive a removal order, note deadlines and appeal timeframes and contact the City compliance team promptly.

FAQ

Who removes graffiti in Perth?
The City of Perth removes graffiti from council-owned assets and provides reporting channels for residents and businesses; private property owners are primarily responsible for graffiti on their premises.
Is there a fee for council removal?
Fees for council removal are not specified on the cited City pages and may depend on ownership and location; contact the City for current fee information.
How do I appeal an enforcement notice?
Appeal and review routes are managed by the City of Perth; time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited local laws page and should be confirmed with the compliance office.

How-To

  1. Take clear photos of the graffiti and note the exact location and nearest street address.
  2. Use the City of Perth online report form to submit photos and location details (City of Perth report)[1].
  3. Retain evidence and follow up with the City if removal is not scheduled within the advised timeframe.
  4. If you receive a compliance notice, seek clarification from the City compliance team and note appeal deadlines.

Key Takeaways

  • Report graffiti quickly using the City of Perth online form to access council removal options.
  • Private property owners may be responsible for cleanup; keep records to support cost recovery or appeals.
  • Fines and appeal timeframes are not specified on the cited City pages; confirm with the enforcement team for binding details.

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