When code violations are reported, such as a neighbor’s overgrown yard or a dilapidated building, the City of Broken Arrow follows a step-by-step process to ensure the property is brought up to code.

The following general timelines will give citizens an idea of what to expect after common code violations are reported. 

Tall grass/weeds timeline

• Complaint received
• Courtesy letter mailed to property owner

WARNING: 7 Days

• Owner has 7 days to correct the problem
• Complainant is called to determine if problem was corrected. If corrected, case is closed.

ABATEMENT: 10 Days

• If problem is not addressed, Notice to Abate a Nuisance is posted on property.
• Owner has 10 days to comply.
• If owner does not comply, the City or a contractor will mow property. The owner is responsible for paying all expenses related to the abatement, which can get very costly.
• If the bill is not paid, a lien will be filed against the property.

Dilapidated Building Timeline

• Complaint received.
• Code Enforcement Officer investigates. Contacts owner.

WARNING: 20-30 Days

• Owner has 20-30 days to correct the problem, or schedule a reasonable time frame for repairs.
• Code Enforcement Officer rechecks the property.

ABATEMENT: 30 Days

• If problem is not addressed, Notice is posted to conduct a Public Hearing for Nusiance Abatement.
• If the owner appears at the hearing, many times the hearing officer directs the owner to work with staff to repair or demolish the structure(s).
• Otherwise, the hearing officer declares the property a public nuisance when conditions are unsafe, signs an Order to Abate and gives the owner 30 days to comply. A Notice of Dilapidation and Lien is filed in the county of record and a copy of the Order to Abate is posted onto the property, along with a condemnation placard prohibiting occupancy.

DEMOLITION: 30-60 Days

• A District Court order is obtained for demolition. A work order is issued and utility companies are notified.
• After the structure is demolished, the lien against the property is updated with the cost of demolition.

Broken Arrow Helping Hands is designed to assist citizens with maintaining properties that have existing Broken Arrow municipal code violations.

Organized by Keep Broken Arrow Beautiful, the volunteer program establishes partnerships with local businesses, churches, non-profits and individuals to provide volunteer assistance to those citizens who, due to circumstances beyond their control, cannot accomplish basic property maintenance activities. This program helps needy individuals who would benefit from temporary assistance.

Specific criteria must apply to be considered for assistance, and information is included with all initial code letters.

Applicants must demonstrate one of the following to qualify:

1. Physical limitation or medical hardship
2. Financial hardship
3. Active military spouse (deployed or TDY, with proof of deployment)
4. Family hardships (such as death in the family or illness)

Information and application packet (includes volunteer application) (PDF).

(Volunteers must sign a waiver with the City, pass a background check and may be interviewed by the City prior to participation.)