I recently hosted my first interim study of this year at the state Capitol to dive into the challenges municipalities face when addressing unoccupied buildings. I introduced legislation this past session to give localities more authority to act when property owners abandon and neglect their buildings. Senate Bill 400 would set up a process for municipal governments to declare a property subject to abatement if it has been uninhabited for a full year and it is devaluing nearby parcels.
Early in the legislative session, it became clear that my colleagues wanted more information and background on this issue, so I planned this interim study. SB 400 is still eligible for consideration when the Legislature reconvenes in February.
Oklahoma Municipal League Executive Director Mike Fina presented in my study to say that these dilapidated properties have become a nearly universal problem in localities across the state. They become a nuisance for neighboring property owners and a costly problem for cities and towns. As the study progressed, it became clear that there’s a broad consensus that nobody likes these unoccupied buildings. I invited nine people to present at the study, including Ponca City Mayor Kelsey Wagner, Wilburton Mayor Loran Mayes, Blackwell City Manager Jerry Weiland and Miami Mayor Bless Parker. Representatives from Oklahoma Main Street, the Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association and local property owners also spoke.
My colleagues and I learned a lot during the study. We found that local property owner registries are not always accurate, which can make it difficult for municipalities to identify the owners of these vacant buildings. Many of the problematic properties also involve out-of-state owners who aren’t invested in our communities. Blackwell’s city manager, who is also a firefighter, pointed out that these abandoned properties are often filled with furniture, paper, and other items that pose a fire hazard. Another issue is that code enforcement officials can’t enter a building to inspect it if they can’t locate the property owner. These abandoned properties are also causing serious problems for localities working to revitalize their historic downtown areas.
I think I successfully made it clear that I don’t want to take people’s property away. Property rights are essential. I also think the main point that came across during the study was that we must do something to protect responsible property owners from irresponsible property owners.
I still have three other interim studies coming up. They will dive into creating a recall process for state officials, sports betting and tracking those who are subject to a protective order. I’ll have more details soon.
Finally, I want to extend my best wishes to all the students, parents, teachers and school administrators in my Senate district for a happy and productive school year. May the transition back to school be smooth and successful.
Your comments and concerns are of the utmost importance to me and my office. As always, please email me at [email protected] or call (405) 521-5581.
