OKC Code Enforcement info.

[Keith]

Neighborhood Services' Code Enforcement Division is responsible for keeping neighborhoods free of dilapidated buildings, tall grass and weeds and other neighborhood eyesores and nuisances.
Code Inspectors follow up complaints from the Action Center.

For your convenience, we have included the related ordinance number for each code violation. Our City ordinances are made available online through Municode. Enter the chapter number or violation description in the "Search" box to access the chapter.

Dead or Diseased Tree

It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain trees, shrubs, etc, along sidewalks and streets. If dead, it must be removed. Also must not obstruct free travel along sidewalks and streets.

Ordinance - Chapter 53-Section 21



Tall Grass and Weeds
Grass and weeds become a violation when they reach 12 inches in height. Property owners are also responsible for maintaining alleyways and right of ways adjacent to their property.

Ordinance - Chapter 35-Section 63</FONT>

Dilapidated Structure/Unsecured Structure

It is against City Ordinance to allow a structure to remain in a dilapidated state. Examples: holes in the roof, foundation decayed, sagging roof, danger of collapse.

It is against City Ordinance to allow an unoccupied structure to remain unsecured. Examples: no broken window panes, unlocked or open doors, holes in walls.



Inoperable Vehicle
This covers vehicles anywhere on the property, including driveways. Examples include, but are not limited to: wrecked cars, vehicles that are all or partially dismantled and even vehicles with flat (or no) tires.

Ordinance - Chapter 35-Section 37

View Obstruction

Anything obstructing a person's view in the 25 foot site triangle, on a corner lot, is a violation.

Ordinance - Chapter 59-Section 6300.2.G.2

Graffiti

It is against City Ordinance to allow Graffiti to remain on the premises. Property owners are responsible for removing graffiti.

Ordinance - Chapter 35-Section 147



Property
Property owners are required to keep their property in good maintenance. Examples, but not limited to: roof, paint, fence.



Junk and Debris
Anything that is not designed for outdoor use, for a residential area, can not be stored outside.

Ordinance - Chapter 35-Section 103

How do I report a code violation?



Report violations to the Action Center at 297-2535.

What if I have a code violation?
The violation notice tells you which ordinance was violated. If you have any questions, there is a phone number on the notice or sticker to call to get more information.

[Jack]

I highly encourage people to report violations. This is the only way we're going to get our city cleaned up.

[metro]

I second that. I am a proud supporter of Code Enforcement and am a frequent caller. Now if only Bethany listened to complaints as well as OKC.

[The Old Downtown Guy]

OKC's enforcement of property maintenaince codes has definitely improved over the past few years, with attention to residential property leading the way. Unfortunately, enforcement of the same or similar codes for commercial and business properties still lags behind. Residential enforcement is handled by the Neighborhood Services Department and commercial property is handled by the Planning Department. And, there is quite a bit of disparity between the way similar issues are handled by the two departments.

For example, if a pile of junk in a residential yard is cited and not cleaned up by the owner, Neighborhood Services can turn the matter over to a contractor for clean up and the property owner will be assessed for the charges. There are also related fines. If the same pile of junk is next to an auto repair business, it becomes a zoning issue and may be considered outdoor storage in certain zonings. No cleanup, no fines. Same way with delapidation, bad roofs, peeling paint etc.

I don't know if this is a matter of political will and City Council doesn't want to give even the slightest appearance of being anti-business, or if it's a budget problem, or a jusrisdiction problem or what. I do know that a lot of junk is laying around on commercial property that wouldn't be permitted on residential property and a lot of commercial property is horribly run down. The worst part is that commercial property is along much more heavily traveled streets and much more visible.

OKC is making progerss on this front but still has a long way to go.