Code Enforcement

Contact the Action Center to ask questions or report non-emergency code violations, such as high weeds, abandoned vehicles or other neighborhood problems.For a police or public safety emergency, dial 9-1-1. For a water or sewer emergency, dial (405) 297-3334.

The City understands code violations are a major concern. When you report a code violation to us, an inspector goes to the address you gave us to check your complaint. If there is a code violation, the inspector issues a notice to correct the problem.

Sometimes a courtesy notice is the first step. Other times official legal notice is posted or a citation is issued. We take enforcement action if the problem isn’t corrected on the inspector’s next visit.

Illegal Outside Storage
Outside storage in a residential area is prohibited. (The only commercial district that allows outside storage is C-4.) To find out about a property’s zoning, log on to okc.gov/planning or call the Action Center at (405) 297-2535. Municipal Code Chapter 59, Section 9350.47

Business Operations and Auto Repair in Residential Areas
Most business operations are not allowed in single-family residential areas. Major auto repair, even done by a homeowner, is a code violation. Municipal Code Chapter 59, Section 6100.1

Illegally Placed Signs
Signs are not allowed on utility poles or traffic sign poles. Certain temporary signs may be permitted within the right-of-way when complying with adopted regulations. Municipal Code Chapter 59. For more information about permanent or temporary signage, call the Development Center at (405) 297-2525.

Illegal Parking
Parking on an unpaved surface or on a city sidewalk or right-of-way is a violation. This includes boats, trailers and RV’s. Municipal Code Chapter 59, Section 10250.8

High Grass and Weeds
The number one complaint from people across the city is high grass and weeds. City ordinance defines grass to be in violation when it reaches a height of 12 inches. Property owners are also responsible for maintaining alleys and right-of-ways adjacent to their property. Municipal Code Chapter 35, Section 63

Junk and Debris
Property owners are required to keep their property, including alleys and right-of-ways adjacent to their property, clean and free from trash. Trash is defined as, but not limited to, refuse, litter, debris, or any other matter that is uncared for, discarded or abandoned. Municipal Code Chapter 35, Section 103

Exterior Property Maintenance
Property owners are required to keep their property in good repair and properly maintained. Examples include but are not limited to roofs, fences and painted surfaces. Municipal Code Chapter 24, Article IV

Dilapidated and Unsecured Structures
Dilapidated and unsecured structures not only pose a safety hazard to the community they are a violation of Oklahoma State Statues. Dilapidated structures are those with foundation damage, collapsing roof, major structural damage and decay. Unsecured structures are those with broken windows, unlocked or open doors and holes in the roof or outer walls. Title 11, Oklahoma State Statute, Section 22

Maintenance of Screening and Fencing
All sight-proof screening (trees or other barriers) and fencing must be maintained and kept in good repair. Municipal Code Chapter 59, Section 11150

Dilapidated Signs
Signs must be kept in good repair, clearly legible and free of damage, deterioration and/or defacement. Municipal Code Chapter 3, Section 83

Graffiti
It is against City ordinance to allow graffiti to remain on a property. The property owner is responsible for removing it. Municipal Code Chapter 35, Section 147

Abandoned, Wrecked, Dismantled, Inoperative and Junked Vehicles
Vehicles that are abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, rusted, junked or in a partially dismantled condition are prohibited and declared a public nuisance if parked, stored or left on public or private property for more than 72 hours. Municipal Code Chapter 35, Section 37

Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks shall not be parked or stored in residentially zoned areas. Municipal Code Chapter 59, Section 10450

Bulk Waste
Bulk waste can be put out to the curb for collection no more than three days before the scheduled pick-up date. Municipal Code Chapter 49, Section 25

Big Blue
Big Blue can be put at the curb after 7 p.m. the day before collection day and must be wheeled back and legally stored at the side or rear of the structure, no later than 8 p.m. the day after collection. Municipal Code Chapter 49, Section 45

Illegal signs placed in the right-of-way have the potential to cause traffic hazards. The City receives more than 1,100 complaints about illegally placed signs cluttering roadways every year.

To curb this problem, the City now offers permits to place temporary signs in the right-of-way when meeting certain criteria. All other signs in the right-of-way will still be considered illegal if not permitted.

The City's Sign Sweep is an accelerated cleanup program to remove, and keep off, illegally placed signs from the City right-of-way.

Find information about sign placement and permits in Chapter 59 of our Municipal Code.

How can I get a sign permit?

You may purchase a permit to place a temporary sign in the right-of-way under certain conditions and by adhering to certain regulations. For more information about permanent or temporary signage, call the Development Center at (405) 297-2525, option 4.

Why does the City pick up signs?

Temporary signs have the potential to obstruct traffic and directional signage, clog gutters, and puncture the tires of vehicles when blown into the streets. We impound and dispose of the illegally placed signs we find, rather than holding them for pickup.

Where are signs illegal?

When located within the City’s street right-of-way without a “Temporary Sign Permit.” That’s the pavement and medians, of course, but it also includes land on either side of the street. Even if the sign is in front of your own business, it can’t be placed in the right of way. The width of the right of way depends on the width of the street: The wider the street, the wider the right of way on either side. Generally speaking, land between the curb and the sidewalk is in the right of way. On most streets, the right of way is a 12-foot strip on either side of the street.

Other "No Sign Zones" include:

• Any area between a curb and a sidewalk.
• Any telephone pole, electric pole, lamp post, street sign or parking meter.
• Street medians.
• Drinking fountains.
• Park roads and park property.

What do I do if I see a sign without a sticker or one with an expired sticker?

Report it to the Action Center, (405) 297-2535 or action.center@okc.gov.

Can I put a temporary sign on my property?  

Temporary signs placed on private property out of the City’s right of way are still legal and don’t need a permit. They may be displayed for up to 30 days, three times per year.  

Can I get my sign back if the City removes it?

No. Signs are thrown away. Property owners, even those which previously gave permission, also have the right to remove any temp sign from their frontage at any time.

Is there a fine or penalty for having an illegally-placed sign?

There can be. City inspectors can write citations for repeat offenders.