DEFACEMENT OR DESTRUCTION

Las Vegas Municipal Code tit. 10, div. VI, ch. 10.48

in effect

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.010 Structures.

10.48.010 - Structures. It shall be unlawful for any person to cut, break or otherwise destroy, deface or injure any house, building, fence, barn, stable, garage or other structure without permission of the owner thereof. Any person violating the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (1949 Code Ch. 21 § 11: prior code § 6-1-8)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.020 Public property.

10.48.020 - Public property. It shall be unlawful for any person to injure, deface or destroy any public property within the City. Any person violating the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (1949 Code Ch. 21 § 12: prior code § 6-1-9)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.023 Attaching items to objects on public sidewalks/rights-of-way.

10.48.023 - Attaching items to objects on public sidewalks/rights-of-way. (A) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (B), it is unlawful to attach, affix or connect to any tree located on a public sidewalk or within public right-of-way, or to any structural component associated with such a tree, any rope, cord or similar item or device for the purpose of providing: (1) Support for a shelter or other similar structure or facility; or (2) A means of hanging clothing or other personal items. (B) The provisions of Subsection (A) do not apply to any action that is: (1) Authorized by a permit or other written approval issued by the Department of Public Works; or (2) Taken by or on behalf of a government agency. (C) A law enforcement officer or an officer or employee of the City assigned to the enforcement or implementation of City ordinances may remove any item affixed in violation of Subsection (A). Subject to the provisions of Subsection (D), the officer or employee may dispose of the item as he or she sees fit. (D) The officer or employee shall return any item removed pursuant to this Section, along with any personal property being supported or used in connection therewith, to its owner if the owner is known and can reasonably be located. (Ord. No. 6695, § 1, 7-17-19)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.025 Attaching items to objects on public sidewalks/rights-of-way—Utilities/traffic programs.

10.48.025 - Attaching items to objects on public sidewalks/rights-of-way—Utilities/traffic programs. (A) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (B), it is unlawful to attach, affix or connect to any pole or other structure that is located on a sidewalk or within public right-of-way and that is part of a utility system or a traffic control or management system any rope, cord or similar item or device for the purpose of providing: (1) Support for a shelter or other similar structure or facility; or (2) A means of hanging clothing or other personal items. (B) The provisions of Subsection (A) do not apply to any action that is: (1) Authorized by a permit or other written approval issued by the Department of Public Works; or (2) Taken by or on behalf of a government agency. (C) A law enforcement officer or an officer or employee of the City assigned to the enforcement or implementation of City ordinances may remove any item affixed in violation of Subsection (A). Subject to the provisions of Subsection (D), the officer or employee may dispose of the item as he or she sees fit. (D) The officer or employee shall return any item removed pursuant to this Section, along with any personal property being supported or used in connection therewith, to its owner if the owner is known and can reasonably be located. (Ord. No. 6695, § 1, 7-17-19)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.027 Attaching items to objects on public sidewalks/rights-of-way—Maintenance programs.

10.48.027 - Attaching items to objects on public sidewalks/rights-of-way—Maintenance programs. (A) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (B), it is unlawful to attach, affix or connect to any structure or amenity that is located on a sidewalk or within public right-of-way and that is part of a sidewalk or right-of-way maintenance program (such as a trash receptacle) any rope, cord or similar item or device for the purpose of providing: (1) Support for a shelter or other similar structure or facility; or (2) A means of hanging clothing or other personal items. (B) The provisions of Subsection (A) do not apply to any action that is: (1) Authorized by a permit or other written approval issued by the Department of Public Works; or (2) Taken by or on behalf of a government agency. (C) A law enforcement officer or an officer or employee of the City assigned to the enforcement or implementation of City ordinances may remove any item affixed in violation of Subsection (A). Subject to the provisions of Subsection (D), the officer or employee may dispose of the item as he or she sees fit. (D) The officer or employee shall return any item removed pursuant to this Section, along with any personal property being supported or used in connection therewith, to its owner if the owner is known and can reasonably be located. (Ord. No. 6695, § 1, 7-17-19)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.029 Attaching items to objects on public sidewalks/rights-of-way—Support.

10.48.029 - Attaching items to objects on public sidewalks/rights-of-way—Support. (A) It is unlawful to attach or affix to any fence or wall that abuts or is adjacent to a public sidewalk or other public right-of-way any rope, cord or similar item or device for the purpose of providing: (1) Support for a shelter or other similar structure or facility that will encroach upon or hang over the public sidewalk or public right-of-way; or (2) A means of hanging clothing or other personal items that will encroach upon or hang over the public sidewalk or public right-of-way. (B) A law enforcement officer or an officer or employee of the City assigned to the enforcement or implementation of City ordinances may remove any item affixed in violation of Subsection (A). Subject to the provisions of Subsection (C), the officer or employee may dispose of the item as he or she sees fit. (C) The officer or employee shall return any item removed pursuant to this Section, along with any personal property being supported or used in connection therewith, to its owner if the owner is known and can reasonably be located. (Ord. No. 6695, § 1, 7-17-19)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.030 Trees, shrubs and plants.

10.48.030 - Trees, shrubs and plants. It shall be unlawful for any person to cut, root up or otherwise injure or destroy any tree, shrub, plant or other growing thing without permission of the owner thereof. Any person violating the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (1949 Code Ch. 21 § 13: prior code § 6-1-10)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.040 Throwing missiles.

10.48.040 - Throwing missiles. Any person who is detected throwing stones or other missiles likely to cause breakage of windows or glass or other destruction of property in the City shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. (1949 Code Ch. 21 § 52: prior code § 6-1-37)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.050 Graffiti—Legislative determination.

10.48.050 - Graffiti—Legislative determination. The City Council hereby declares as a matter of legislative determination that: (A) The increasing incidents of the defacement of public and private property through the application of graffiti upon walls, rocks, bridges, buildings, fences, gates, other structures, trees and other real and personal property within the corporate boundaries of the City constitutes a blight on this community, and, in the interests of the health, safety and general welfare of the residents and taxpayers of the City, immediate steps must be taken to remove this blight. (B) Based upon reports which the City Council has received, such defacement of property is most often committed by persons under the age of eighteen years using aerosol containers of spray paint and broad tipped indelible markers. (C) When any such person has a legitimate need for such aerosol containers and markers, the same may be furnished by a parent or guardian. (D) Such aerosol containers and markers are frequently stolen from retail stores by such persons. (E) The sale of such aerosol containers and markers to such persons should therefore be prohibited, and persons who are engaged in the retail sale of such aerosol containers and markers should be required to take reasonable steps to prevent the theft of such aerosol containers and markers. (F) When appropriate, the court should require those who commit acts of defacement of public or private property through the application of graffiti to restore the property so defaced, damaged or destroyed. (G) Obtaining convictions for the application of graffiti is difficult due to the fact that the offense can be committed so very quickly and secretively that witnesses to the act are frequently nonexistent. (H) The public should be encouraged, through the promise of a reward, to cooperate in the elimination of graffiti by reporting to the proper authorities the incidents of the application of graffiti which the members thereof observe. (Ord. 3177 § 2, 1985)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.060 Graffiti—Definitions.

10.48.060 - Graffiti—Definitions. Except as is otherwise required by the context, as used in Sections 10.48.050 through 10.48.110 the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as follows: (A) "Broad tipped indelible marker" means any felt tipped marker or similar implement which contains a fluid which is not soluble in water and has a flat or angled writing surface of a width of one-half inch or greater. (B) "Graffiti" means any unauthorized inscription, insignia, symbol, word, figure, character or design that is marked, etched, scratched, drawn, sprayed or painted on a building, fence, wall, rock, bridge, gate, tree or landscaping, or other structure. (C) "Graffiti implement" means any broad tipped indelible marker or aerosol paint container or other item that may be used to propel or apply fluid that is not soluble in water. (D) "Minor" means a person under eighteen years of age. (E) "Responsible adult" means a parent or legal guardian of a minor. (Ord. 6005 § 1, 2008: Ord. 3861 § 1, 1995: Ord. 3177 § 3, 1985)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.070 Graffiti—Prohibited.

10.48.070 - Graffiti—Prohibited. It is unlawful for any persons to apply graffiti to any building, fence, wall, rock, bridge, gate, tree or landscaping, or other structure, either publicly or privately owned, without the permission of the owner or operator of such property. (Ord. 3861 § 2, 1995: Ord. 3177 § 4, 1985)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.080 Graffiti implements—Restriction on sale.

10.48.080 - Graffiti implements—Restriction on sale. No person who owns, conducts, operates or manages a retail commercial establishment which offers for sale or sells graffiti implements, shall cause such graffiti implements to be stored, except in an area which may be viewable by, but which is not accessible to, members of the public without employee assistance. (Ord. 3861 § 4, 1995)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.090 Graffiti implements—Prohibition against furnishing to minors.

10.48.090 - Graffiti implements—Prohibition against furnishing to minors. No person, other than a responsible adult, shall sell, exchange, give, loan, or in any way furnish a graffiti implement to any minor without the consent of the minor's responsible adult. (Ord. 3861 § 5, 1995)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.095 Graffiti implements—Prohibition against possession by minors.

10.48.095 - Graffiti implements—Prohibition against possession by minors. No minor shall have in his possession a graffiti implement without the permission or consent of the minor's responsible adult. (Ord. 3861 § 6, 1995)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.097 Graffiti implements—Intent.

10.48.097 - Graffiti implements—Intent. Any person who carries on his person, while on public property, a graffiti implement with the intent to: (A) Place graffiti on public or private property, real or personal, of another; (B) Aid in the placement of such graffiti; or (C) Otherwise vandalize or deface such property, is guilty of a misdemeanor unless he has first received valid authorization from the governmental entity which has jurisdiction over the public area or other person who is designated to provide such authorization. (Ord. 6005 § 2, 2008)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.100 Graffiti—Violation—Penalty.

10.48.100 - Graffiti—Violation—Penalty. (A) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, any person who is convicted of violating the provisions of this Chapter shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or by any combination of such fine and imprisonment. (B) A person who violates Section 10.48.070 shall, in addition to any other fine or penalty imposed: (1) For the first offense, pay a fine of not less than four hundred dollars but not more than one thousand dollars, and perform one hundred hours of community service. (2) For the second offense, pay a fine of not less than seven hundred fifty dollars but not more than one thousand dollars, and perform two hundred hours of community service. (3) For the third and each subsequent offense, pay a fine of one thousand dollars and perform two hundred hours of community service. The community service assigned pursuant to this Subsection must, if possible, be related to the abatement of graffiti. (C) In addition to such punishment, the court may, in imposing sentence, order the defendant to restore the property so defaced, damaged or destroyed. (D) The parent or legal guardian of a person under the age of eighteen years who violates Section 10.48.070 is liable for all fines and penalties imposed against the person. If the parent or legal guardian is unable to pay the fine and penalties resulting from a violation because of financial hardship, the court may require the parent or legal guardian to perform community service. (E) If a person who is eighteen years of age or older is found guilty of violating Section 10.48.070, the court shall, in addition to any other penalty imposed, issue an order suspending the driver's license of the person for not less than six months but not more than two years. The court shall require the person to surrender all driver's licenses then held by the person. If the person does not possess a driver's license, the court shall issue an order prohibiting the person from applying for a driver's license for not less than six months but not more than two years. The court shall, within five days after issuing the order, forward to the Department of Motor Vehicles any licenses together with a copy of the order. (F) A criminal penalty imposed pursuant to this section is in addition to any civil penalty or other remedy available pursuant to another ordinance or statute for the same conduct. (Ord. 6005 § 3, 2008: Ord. 3861 § 7, 1995: Ord. 3177 § 7, 1985)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.105 Minimum community service requirements for contributory delinquency/neglect—Graffiti or property damage.

10.48.105 - Minimum community service requirements for contributory delinquency/neglect—Graffiti or property damage. (A) In the case of a violation of NRS 201.110 where the act or omission: (1) Is the proximate cause of unlawful graffiti or property damage; (2) Fails to abate, prohibit or avoid unlawful graffiti or property damage; or (3) Fails to protect any property from such unlawful graffiti or property damage, the offender's punishment shall include restitution for any property damage, community service of one hundred hours, or both. This punishment shall be in addition to any other punishment for a misdemeanor that is deemed appropriate and is within the municipal court's authority, but the aggregate punishment may not exceed that permissible for a misdemeanor. (B) The requirement for community service in Subsection (A) is satisfied where: (1) A parent or legal guardian is the person convicted of a violation of Subsection (A); (2) The minor for whom the parent or legal guardian is responsible has been ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction to perform community service; and (3) The parent or legal guardian has been present during every hour of the minor's performance of community service. (Ord. 6005 § 4, 2008: Ord. 5867 § 1, 2006)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.110 Graffiti—Reward for information leading to arrest of perpetrator.

10.48.110 - Graffiti—Reward for information leading to arrest of perpetrator. (A) The City will pay to any person who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of any person who applies graffiti to any building, fence, wall, rock, bridge, gate, tree or landscaping, or other structure, a reward in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars. (B) The reward shall be paid to the person who provides such information immediately upon the conviction of the person so arrested. (Ord. 3861 § 8, 1995: Ord. 3177 § 8, 1985)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.115 Graffiti—Responsible adult civil liability.

10.48.115 - Graffiti—Responsible adult civil liability. (A) Any person who is responsible for the unlawful application of graffiti under Section 10.48.070 is liable civilly to a property owner or other person who is damaged thereby. (B) Any act of a minor which results in the unlawful placement of graffiti on a building, fence, wall, rock, bridge, gate, tree or landscaping, or other structure, shall be imputed to that minor's responsible adult for civil liability purposes including, but not limited to, civil damages and attorneys' fees incurred in connection with the civil prosecution of any such claim for damages. The responsible adult shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for all civil damages and attorneys' fees. Such obligations shall be enforceable as a civil debt. (C) This section in no way limits or narrows the liability of a responsible adult for acts of a minor pursuant to any other provision of law. (Ord. 5029 § 1, 1997: Ord. 3861 § 9, 1995)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 10.48.120 Graffiti—City victim.

10.48.120 - Graffiti—City victim. In the event that graffiti is applied to any City property, or property facing and bordering any City street, road or alleyway, and such graffiti is removed, covered or cleaned up at City expense, the City then becomes the victim of graffiti and suffers damage for the purpose of prosecution or civil claim brought under this Chapter. (Ord. 5029 § 2, 1998: Ord. 4068 § 1, 1997)

Source: City of Las Vegas, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/las_vegas/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10PUPEMOWE_DIVVIOFAGPR_CH10.48DEDEFetched: 10/28/2026