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Background
The Code Compliance Unit is the part of the Division of
Revitalization responsible for inspecting and enforcing health and safety codes outlined in the City Code
of Ordinances, as well as enforcement of the
zoning ordinance. Code
Compliance Officers inspect anonymous complaints to determine if a code
violation exists. If a violation exists, the responsible party is contacted and
given a specific time frame to correct the violation. If the responsible party
fails to correct the violation, the City can abate the violation and/or assess
penalties as defined by the specific code.
Beginning in October 2002, two
areas in Norman’s “core area” were designated by City Council to become
proactive code enforcement areas. City Code Compliance inspectors regularly
patrol the areas to insure that properties remain in compliance with City codes.
Properties not in compliance are worked without receipt of citizen complaints.
All health, property maintenance, and zoning codes (including parking in the
yards) are addressed. (Click here
for a pdf version of the map)
Penalties include, but are not limited to Municipal Court Charges, Fines, and
Liens against Property.
If you wish you submit a complaint for investigation by a Code Compliance
Officer, please call 366-5332 or e-mail
revitalization@NormanOK.gov.
Principal Complaints
| Weeds: |
12" or more of annual growth; not including
trees or shrubs. |
| Health: |
Items outside, not intended for outside storage,
i.e.; cloth, cardboard, furniture, limbs, boards, household appliances, and stagnant
water. |
| Inoperable Vehicles: |
Vehicles that do not run including those that do
not have current tags or inspections. |
| Substandard Housing: |
Inadequate living facilities. |
| Unsecured Structures: |
Vacant building that is open or otherwise
accessible. |
| Off-street Parking: |
Any vehicle on a front yard or side yard (if
abutting a street) if on a surface other than asphalt or concrete. |
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The awareness of mold in homes has
become more prevalent in recent years. The city currently has no program
that regulates or monitors for mold in homes but wants to provide
educational information to assist homeowners. The following link (www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html)
will take you to a brochure prepared by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency titled "A
Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home". This guide provides
information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up
residential mold and how to prevent mold growth. |
Weeds
The City receives the
complaint and inspects the property to determine if the violation exists and obtains the
legal description and property owners name and address. The City will then notify the
property owner by certificate of mailing as well as publicly post the property in
violation The City will reinspect the property 10 days from letter date and posting. If
abated, the file as closed. Otherwise, a work order is prepared and issued to the mowing
contractor who abates the violation. The property is billed and a lien is placed on
the property if the bill is not paid within 30 days. Additional accumulations of
growth within a six month period from the date of the original posting can be abated
without further notification to the property owner.
Health
The City receives the
complaint and inspects the property to determine if the health and/or safety violation
exists. If the violation is confirmed, the City will obtain the name of the property owner
and/or occupant and the legal description. The owner or occupant is notified of the
required abatement process. If it is of a nature that the City would abate and bill, the
notification is sent to the property owner; if filing charges, the responsible party is
notified. The certified notice is sent to the appropriate party and the property in
violation is posted, allowing 10 days from the letter/posting date for voluntary
compliance. Reinspection of the property is performed after the 10 days, and the file is
closed if the violation has been abated. If not, the City files charges in Municipal Court
or refers the violation to a contractor for abatement, whichever is appropriate. The
property is billed and a lien is placed on the property if the bill is not paid within 30
days.
Inoperable Vehicles
The City receives the
complaint and inspects to determine it a violation exists. The Occupant's name is
obtained, a certified notice is sent, and the vehicle in question is stickered, all at the
same time. 10 days are allowed from the letter/sticker date to abatement. If upon
reinspection there is no change, the vehicle will be towed or charges will be filed.
Substandard Housing
The City receives a complaint and an external inspection of the suspected housing problem
is performed. A certified notice is sent to the owner The owner has ten (10) days from the
receipt of the letter to contact Code Compliance and to schedule an internal inspection.
If not scheduled, charges are filed. If scheduled, an inspection is done and a report of
the conditions is made. The inspection report is sent to the owner by certified mail and
the owner has up to 120 days from receipt of the Letter to make the repairs. If the
repairs are not completed, charges are filed.
Unsecured Structure
The city verifies the
violation. Pertinent information is obtained on the owner and property. The owner is
notified by certified mail, and is allowed 10 days from receipt to voluntarily
secure the
structure. The structure is reinspected, and if secured, the file is closed. If not
secure, a work order is prepared and issued to the City's contractor who secures the
property. The property owner is billed and if the bill is not paid, a lien is placed on
the property.
Off-Street Parking
The City receives the
complaint and verifies if there is a violation. If so, an off-street parking citation is
issued. If the vehicle has no tag, the City will work the violation as an inoperable
vehicle
For more information about the Code Compliance Unit, you may contact the Revitalization Division during regular
business hours at 405-366-5332 or by e-mail at: revitalization@NormanOK.gov
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