Got a Code Enforcement Notice in Oklahoma City?

The OKC Property Maintenance Code

Code enforcement in Oklahoma City is handled by the Development Services Department, with most complaints originating from the OKC Action Center. They process thousands of cases annually, with high grass and weeds ranking as the number one complaint.

Here are the exact standards the city enforces:

• High Grass and Weeds (Ch. 35, Sec. 63): Grass and weeds become a violation when they reach a height of 12 inches or more. You are also responsible for maintaining the adjacent alley and the right-of-way up to the street.
• Junked Vehicles (Ch. 35, Sec. 37): Vehicles left parked, stored, or inoperative on public or private property for more than 72 hours are considered a public nuisance and can be towed.
• Illegal Parking (Ch. 59, Sec. 10250.8): Parking vehicles, boats, trailers, or RVs on unpaved surfaces, sidewalks, or the city right-of-way is strictly prohibited in residential areas.
• Big Blue Trash Carts (Ch. 49, Sec. 45): Carts can be placed at the curb after 7:00 p.m. the day before collection and must be stored away from the curb by 8:00 p.m. the day after collection.

How the Enforcement Process Works

When a complaint is filed, an inspector visits the property. If a violation is found, they will issue an official legal notice with a specific deadline to correct the issue.

If you fail to correct the violation by the inspector's follow-up visit, the city has two main options:

1. City Abatement: For weeds and junk, the city will hire a contractor to clean the property, then bill you for the actual cost plus an administrative fee. Unpaid bills become property liens.
2. Municipal Court: The city can issue a citation requiring you to appear in Oklahoma City Municipal Court, which can lead to criminal prosecution and fines.

Common Procedural Errors in OKC Notices

Inspectors handling high volumes of complaints sometimes make procedural errors. If your notice contains these mistakes, you may have leverage:

• Incorrect property boundaries: Citing you for high weeds in a right-of-way or alley segment that actually belongs to the city or a neighbor.
• Vague descriptions: Failing to specify exactly what constitutes the "junk and debris" or failing to cite the specific ordinance chapter and section.
• Improper notice: Failing to properly serve the legal notice to the registered property owner of record before taking abatement action.