City Commission adopts newest property code

The Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved adoption of the 2015 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code Monday night.

Development Services Director Chris Henderson told commissioners the adoption of this portion of the building code is done at the local level, not at the state level.

Henderson also said Ponca City has two code inspectors who cover about 15,000 properties.

This property maintenance code covers such issues as mowing tall grass and demolition of dilapidated structures, as well as dead trees, overgrown vegetation on buildings, junk cars in yards, appliances on porches and the condition of structures.

It also addresses homes without electric service, sanitary sewers, potable and hot water supplies and heat.

Infestations, graffiti, parking in yards and limitations on occupancy of spaces are also addressed.

Adoption of the updated code was approved unanimously.

Commissioners also approved advertising for bids for a project to replace the street, sidewalks and water lines on South Elm Street from Ponca Avenue to Oklahoma Avenue.

Bids are expected to be advertised on Jan. 6, 2017, with a pre-bid meeting on Jan. 25, the opening of bids on Feb. 2 and awarding of the contracts on Feb. 13.

The project includes between 730 and 740 feet of street and water line replacement. New driveway approaches and sidewalks are included.