Energy provider Enercity has caused quite a stir after illegally spraying advertisements for heat pumps on sidewalks throughout Hannover without proper city authorization. The unauthorized guerrilla marketing campaign has highlighted the complex regulations governing graffiti, drawings, and chalk markings on public surfaces in the German city.

After the illegal advertising action came to light, Enercity admitted they had "overshot the target" and quickly dispatched workers to remove the spray chalk from sidewalks across the city. The incident has prompted city officials to clarify what types of markings are permitted on public streets and what activities constitute violations of municipal regulations.

The city refers to its special use ordinance, which governs the use of public spaces and includes provisions for outdoor dining areas and business signage placement. However, the ordinance does not contain specific regulations regarding graffiti, drawings, or written messages on sidewalks and streets. Instead, city officials rely on a general clause that allows them to prohibit the use of public areas when public safety and order, traffic safety, or street protection are endangered.

City spokesperson Janine Herrmann made it clear that applications for spray chalk use in publicly designated street areas are not eligible for approval. The city grants exceptions only for cultural events, market stall marking, and major public events. For example, during the Hannover Marathon, when the race route is marked with lines, the permit specifically regulates what can be set up, stuck on, or painted, and when it must be removed.

Political messages frequently appear on streets, particularly regarding conflicts like the Gaza situation, with recent markings appearing around the Maschsee lake area. City officials confirm that such political graffiti is also prohibited under municipal regulations. Permanent graffiti violations are handled by the Public Works Department, which can impose fines for these infractions.

The enforcement challenge lies in identifying responsible parties, as perpetrators are often difficult to track down. However, commercial advertising cases like Enercity's are typically easier to pursue since companies can be readily identified. These commercial violations are handled by the Economic Affairs Department rather than Public Works.

According to the special use ordinance, violations can result in monetary fines, and the city may clean affected areas itself and bill the responsible parties for cleanup costs. In Enercity's case, the company avoided additional penalties by promptly removing the spray chalk after city intervention, demonstrating quick compliance with municipal demands.

The city takes a more lenient approach toward children's chalk drawings, which use regular chalk and naturally disappear with the next rainfall. Spokesperson Herrmann assured residents that such temporary, innocent markings by children pose no problems for city authorities and are not subject to enforcement actions.

This incident serves as a reminder to businesses and individuals about the importance of obtaining proper permits before placing any markings on public property, regardless of their temporary nature or commercial intent.