Code Enforcement

Claremore > Community Development Services > Code Enforcement

The City of Claremore has numerous ordinances ensuring that Claremore continues to be a safe and beautiful community to live, work and play.

In 2006, City Officials adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, allowing the Code Enforcement Office to ensure that properties are maintained in compliance with city ordinances.

To report a code violation, you can call 918-341-2066, x121.

The Code Enforcement Process

Once the Code Enforcement Office identifies a violation, an officer will be sent to photograph the violation and document the address and violation in their log.

The property owner and/or occupant will receive a letter explaining the violation, how to correct the issue and the time frame allowed for compliance. The officer will follow-up on the violation to ensure that the issue was corrected.

If the property is found to comply, there is no further action. If the violation is not corrected, a second letter will be sent reminding the property owner and/or occupant. The officer will check the violation in five days to ensure that the issue was corrected.

Citations

If the violation is still not addressed, a citation will be issued to the property owner or an abatement of the property will be ordered. Once a citation is issued, the property owner is required to attend the court date set forth on the citation, even if the violation is corrected before that court date. The judge will determine any further course of action.

Violations

The Code Enforcement office works diligently to enforce the City of Claremore’s Ordinances and educate the public on what is and is not considered a code violation or sign violation. Some of the most common code violations include:

Residents inside the corporate limits of the City of Claremore are not allowed to have inoperable vehicles on their property, unless they are inside a closed garage. An inoperable motor vehicle is defined as a vehicle which cannot be driven upon the public streets for reason including, but not limited to, being unlicensed, wrecked, abandoned, in a state of disrepair or incapable of being moved under its own power. Motor vehicles that are in some stage of disrepair or disassembly are often the source of property maintenance complaints.

Any sign in the public right of way or attached to public utility poles or infrastructure are in violation of Claremore City Sign Ordinance. Any temporary signs (i.e. temporary banners, ground signs, advertising signs etc.) are also illegal with the following exceptions:

  • Permitted signs advertising events are allowed for 30 days prior to the event, but must be removed 24 hours after the event conclusion. Contact Development Services at 918-341-2066 to obtain a permit.
  • Political and religious signs are allowed on private property only.

Small temporary signs shall be removed by the Code Officer and taken to the Planning & Development Department. Advertising signs will be thrown away. shall be placed in the dumpster. All business or candidate signs will be allowed to retrieve their signs one time. After that, signs will be placed in the trash.

If the illegal sign is too large to pick up, or it is a banner affixed to posts in the ground, the Code Officer will contact the business or individual and have them remove the sign. Businesses or individuals unwilling to come into compliance will be issued a $200 citation for each day that the violation continues.

It is in violation of the City Ordinance to have excess trash, junk or debris anywhere on your property inside the corporate limits of the City of Claremore.

The following items qualify as trash, junk or debris and will be viewed as a violation:

  • Items out of place (furniture in yard, indoor furniture placed outdoors, appliances outdoors, piles of junk or tree brush, etc.) and on private property
  • Piles of debris are investigated and found to have vermin infestation or harborage

If Your Property is in Violation

  • Items will be prepared for for a bulk pickup to be charged to the customer’s sanitation account.
  • If there is no active utility account or items are scattered about the yard in a manner not suitable for bulk pick up, a five-day notice will be sent to owner/occupant before any citations or abatement procedures.
  • If there is no active utility account or items are scattered about the yard in a manner not suitable for bulk pick up a citation will be issued to the property owner or abatement procedures will be ordered.
  • Photos must be taken before, during and after abatement.

Tall weeds or grass inside the corporate limits of the City of Claremore are in violation of the City Ordinance. If the state of your property is found to be in violation, the property owner may be fined or have their property abated.

Violation Criteria

  • Tall grass or weeds must meet the following criteria to be considered a violation:
  • Must be at least 12 inches in height
  • Must be at least 20% of front, side, or rear yards, or any combination thereof
  • Must not be cultivated flowers or gardens

If Your Property is in Violation

  • A five-day notice will be sent to owner/occupant
  • A five-day failure to comply notice will be sent before any citations or abatement procedures
  • Abatement will be ordered if property is vacant
  • Citations will be issued to the property owner if property is occupied
  • Photos will be taken before and after the abatement

Citations may be issued to occupant instead of owner if a special situation exists at the property.

Weeds and grass may be summarily abated for six months after initial abatement procedures without further notice to the property owners.

 

Code Enforcement Office
724 Ramm Rd
Claremore, OK  74017

Phone: 918-341-2066, x121
Fax: 918-341-7751