When you report a code violation to us, a Code Enforcement Officer goes to the address to check the complaint. If there is a code violation, the Officer issues a notice to correct the problem.

Sometimes, a courtesy notice is the first step. Other times, an official legal notice is posted or a citation is issued. We take enforcement action if the problem isn’t corrected by the time allotted in the violation letter.

Based on the violation, the City can take varied enforcement action. Code Enforcement Officers write citations for violations such as exterior property maintenance, like high grass and weeds or trash and debris.

The City can clean up the location and then bill the property owner for the work if it is not done in the allotted time given. Junk or abandoned vehicles on private property or in the street can be towed away at the owner's expense.

All problems reported to Code Enforcement are confidential. The City is the complaining party – not you or your neighborhood. You don’t have to give us a name or phone number. We request this information so we can contact you with a follow-up, but you’re not required to give it to us.

The Planning Department is responsible for building and structure code enforcement such as fences and building repairs. Please contact the Planning Department for building/structure concerns. 580-481-2205

For all other property code enforcement concerns, contact us 580-481-2263

If you have received a Code Enforcement notice, we are here to help.

Our goal is voluntary compliance. A notice does not automatically mean a fine or citation. It means an issue was observed that needs to be corrected within the timeframe listed.

What To Do Next

1. Review the notice carefully.

2. Identify the issue listed on the form.

3. Correct the violation before the deadline provided.

4. Contact a Code Enforcement Officer if you have questions or need clarification.

Gregory Fisher
Code Enforcement Officer
580-481-2263 (Office)
590 S. Main Street, Altus, OK, 73521
Second Floor, Planning and Zoning window.
gfisher@altusok.gov

Chase Clemmons
Code Enforcement Officer
580-481-2263 (Office)
590 S. Main Street, Altus, OK, 73521
Second Floor, Planning and Zoning window.
CClemmons @altusok.gov

If you believe the notice was issued in error or you need additional time, please reach out as soon as possible. Open communication helps prevent additional action.
We are committed to working with residents to resolve issues fairly, consistently, and professionally.

Weeds and grass include, but are not limited to, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and any vegetation at any stage of growth that meets one or more of the following conditions:

Vegetation is considered a violation if it:

• Exceeds twelve (12) inches in height

  • Exception: Healthy trees, shrubs, or produce grown in a tended and cultivated garden are allowed unless their density or location creates a health concern, traffic hazard, fire hazard, or interferes with mowing.

• Harbors, conceals, or invites the accumulation of refuse or trash, regardless of height

• Harbors rodents or vermin

• Gives off unpleasant or noxious odors

• Creates a fire or traffic hazard

Is dead or diseased

Includes front yards, back yards, side yards, alleys, easements, and drainage ditches.

Enforcement Process

If a property is found to be in violation:

• A notice may be posted and mailed to the property owner.

• The property owner is given a deadline to correct the issue.

• If the violation is not corrected, the City may abate the nuisance and bill the property owner for the cost of compliance.

• A citation may also be issued in accordance with City Code.

In certain cases, the property may be subject to abatement by the City for a period of six (6) months from the date of posting as allowed by City Code.

Why This Matters

Overgrown or hazardous vegetation can:

• Impact neighborhood safety

• Attract pests

• Increase fire risk

• Create traffic visibility concerns

The City’s goal is voluntary compliance and maintaining safe, clean neighborhoods for everyone.

The City of Altus regulates junked and abandoned vehicles to protect neighborhood safety, property values, and public health.

What Is Considered a Violation?

A vehicle may be considered junked or abandoned if it:

• Is inoperable or unable to move under its own power

• Is wrecked, dismantled, stripped, or deteriorated

• Lacks current license plates or registration

• Has been left unused for an extended period of time

• Is parked or stored in a manner that creates a hazard

Vehicles may not be stored in a condition that constitutes a public nuisance.

This includes vehicles located on private property, streets, alleys, or public rights-of-way.

Enforcement Process

If a vehicle is found to be in violation:

• A notice may be issued to the property or vehicle owner.

• A deadline will be provided to correct the issue.

• Failure to comply may result in towing at the owner’s expense.

• Additional citations may be issued in accordance with City Code.

The City’s goal is voluntary compliance before enforcement action is taken.

Accumulation of trash and debris is prohibited and considered a public nuisance under City Code.

What Is Considered Trash?

Trash includes, but is not limited to:

• Refuse or litter

• Paper, packaging, or discarded materials

• Combustible materials

• Household debris

• Yard waste not properly contained

• Any material that is abandoned, uncared for, or discarded

Trash violations apply to:

• Front, back, and side yards

• Adjacent streets

• Alleys and easements

• Utility easements

Enforcement Process

If a property has an accumulation of trash:

• A notice may be posted and mailed to the property owner.

• The owner will be given a deadline to remove the debris.

• If not corrected, the City may remove the nuisance and bill the property owner for the cost.

• A citation may be issued in accordance with City Code.

Maintaining a clean property helps prevent pests, fire hazards, and neighborhood decline.

Structures and fencing must be maintained in a safe condition and may not create a hazard to the public.

What May Be Considered Unsafe?

A structure or fence may be considered unsafe if it:

• Is structurally unstable or collapsing

• Has significant damage or deterioration

• Creates a risk of injury

• Is unsecured and accessible in a hazardous condition

• Presents a fire or safety hazard

Unsafe structures may be declared a public nuisance under City Code.

Enforcement Process

If a structure is determined to be unsafe:

• A notice will be issued outlining required corrective action.

• The property owner will be given a timeframe to repair, secure, or remove the hazard.

• If the issue is not addressed, the City may take corrective action and assess costs to the property owner.

• Citations may also be issued as provided by ordinance.