From staff reports The City of Lawton recently addressed recent code changes pertaining to trash and overgrown yards.
The City Council adopted an ordinance that holds property owners accountable for keeping the community clean.
Individuals or companies that own or are responsible for any property within the city limits must keep it clean and free of trash and weeds. They also must follow the bulk waste guidelines spelled out by the Solid Waste Division. If citizens do not adhere to the guidelines and the violations become a nuisance, fines and fees will be assessed.
For the first violation, the fine can be up to $300. For a second violation of the rule within a year on the same property, the fine can increase to $500. For a third and any further violations within a year, the fine can be as much as $750 each time.
Citizens will be notified of the violations by way of a summons mailed to their address.
In addition to the fines, a fee of $300/ hour will be charged to the property owner’s utility bill. This fee is for abatement of out-of-compliance bulk waste. “There will be no prior notice given to citizens of this additional fee added to their water bill,” said Caitlin Gatlin, the city’s communications manager.
The City Council also passed an ordinance pertaining to property owners of vacant lots.
Ordinance 24-1810 of the Lawton City Code basically says that after the city cleans up out-of-compliance bulk waste and/or mows a property, a bill itemizing the costs will be sent to the property owner or person in charge.
Soon after the cleanup City Hall will file a legal notice with the Comanche County Clerk, stating that there is a lien on the property, meaning the City can claim the cost of cleanup if it is not paid.
The property owner of person in charge will receive a bill and has the right to request a hearing about the costs. They must appeal to the Director of Community Services within 10 days of receiving the bill. The hearing will happen within 10 days of the appeal.
If the owner does not win the appeal, they will be responsible for paying the costs, and a lien will be placed on the property if they don’t pay. The owner will have 30 days to pay the costs before the city files a lien on the property.
Lawton residents also are reminded of laws that pertain to illegal dumping. Oklahoma law prohibits the unauthorized disposal of solid waste, including trash, garbage, and other refuse on public or private property without the owner’s consent. This includes dumping in areas like roadways, waterways, and vacant lots.
Illegal dumping is typically considered a misdemeanor. Penalties can include fines, community service, and the requirement to clean up the dumped material. Fines for illegal dumping vary based on the severity of the offense and the amount of waste dumped. Fines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.