Fairfax, VA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Graffiti in Fairfax County is regulated at two levels. The application of graffiti is criminalized under Virginia Code 18.2-138 (injuring public and certain other property) and 18.2-137 (damaging property of another): unauthorized graffiti is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) when damage is under $1,000, and a Class 6 felony when damage exceeds $1,000. Virginia Code 18.2-138.1 specifically addresses graffiti on public buildings, monuments, and transportation facilities. At the property-maintenance level, Fairfax County Code Chapter 119 requires owners to remove or paint over graffiti on their property within a reasonable timeframe following a Notice of Violation (typically 30 days, shorter for offensive content). Failure to remove graffiti can result in civil penalties and County abatement with cost lien. Victims can report graffiti vandalism to the Fairfax County Police Department non-emergency line for criminal investigation; photographs and prompt reporting help with prosecution and potential restitution. Some Fairfax County jurisdictions offer graffiti-abatement assistance programs for low-income homeowners or businesses in targeted neighborhoods. Virginia Code 18.2-138.2 also makes possession of graffiti tools (aerosol paint, etch cream) with intent to deface a Class 3 misdemeanor.