When is graffiti street art, and when is it petty vandalism?

Five city staffers aimed to settle that question at the first decision-making meeting of the city’s new Graffiti Panel on Friday. They looked at nine examples of graffiti from across the city — they were submitted by property owners appealing violation notices for having the markings on their buildings.

Four were deemed “art” — the rest were deferred to future meetings because of a need to consider more information on their content.

Until bylaw changes this year, owners were forced to remove graffiti at their own expense, sometimes paying more than $90 an hour to have their building cleaned. Now they can appeal to the panel to keep graffiti that is approved.

The panel defines “Graffiti art” as markings that “aesthetically enhance the surface they cover” while staying true to the character of the neighbourhood they’re in.

It deems graffiti “vandalism” when it’s painted without permission, is believed to “incite hatred or violence” or is profane or offensive. It also prohibits “tags” which it defines as a “stylized symbol or logo.”

Which of these murals do you consider art? Vote below our online poll.