The City of Burien is providing a graffiti-removal pilot program, T.A.G. --"Taking Aim at Graffiti"-- for commercial properties.

In the past all property owners were responsible for removing graffiti within 10 business days.

Under the new pilot program, the city will remove the graffiti free of charge. This will be done under the new Burien ordinance that requires the code compliance officer, upon receipt of a graffiti removal notice, must remove graffiti within five business days of issuance.

Studies have shown that prompt removal of graffiti is effective in discouraging repeated incidents.

To be eligible for the pilot program, the property owner and tenant must sign a waiver authorizing the city to remove the graffiti. The tenant must also have a current City of Burien business license

Burien continues to offer free paint and applicators for removal of graffiti to any owner of residential property, and commercial property, should the owner choose not to be part of this program, but the five business day removal will be in effect.

Property owners or tenants can get the paint and applicators at Miller Paint, 636 S.W. 152nd St., by showing the graffiti removal notice.

For information, or to report graffiti, contact the city's code compliance officer at 206-248-5507.