You’ve probably seen the bright orange graffiti on sidewalks indicating where there’s underground cables. But who’s in charge of cleaning it up? NBC 7’s Consumer Bob reports on Sept. 26, 2014.
A San Diego businessman's complaints about a utility company's spray painted markings in front of his real estate company fell on deaf ears until NBC 7 began asking questions about the cleanup.
Jeff Grant has walked by the bright orange markings in front of his real estate company on W. Market Street for months.
"It's definitely not subtle," said Grant.
The lines mark where Cox Cable has its phone lines running into the downtown building.
The spray paint includes boxes, lines and letters written on red brick. He knows there is a reason for the markings but can't figure out how long they are supposed to be there.
"I've spoken with the building manager, I've spoken with the maintenance manager and they have all said they tried to fix it," said Grant.
When he called Cox Cable he was told Cox is not responsible for removing the markings, or "mark outs" as they are called in the industry.
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Those markings identify where important lines are buried such as gas or phone lines.
After the construction work is complete, they're supposed to be removed within 30 days according to Tony Khalil with San Diego Code Enforcement.
The senior engineer called Cox Cable about the marks in front of Jeff Grant's building. He was told they were put down by a contractor who was still doing work in the area but that they would be removed in a week.
The markings can be removed easily with a special solvent, he added.
Grant says the lines looked more like graffiti to him and that it will be great to see the eyesore removed.
If a homeowner believes the markings have been left behind they should contact the contractor first, Khalil said. If that does not work, residents can contact the Code Enforcement Department.
