Code complaints jump as weather warms

Neighborhood Services braces for uptick in tall grass, weeds violations

Spring has arrived — which means sunshine, blooming flowers, and the annual return of Bartlesville’s most persistent warm‑weather visitor: the nuisance complaint.

Neighborhood Services, a small team of three field officers and a supervisor, investigates more than 3,000 complaints a year, with 50–60 calls per week once the grass starts growing.

“We always see complaints climb in the spring and summer, mostly because of vegetation and other outdoor maintenance concerns,” Community Development Director Larry Curtis said. “Since our staff can’t be everywhere at once, we depend on residents to let us know when something needs attention.”

Below is a closer look at the violations we see most often — and how you can help keep your neighborhood looking good (and avoid a courtesy letter of your own).

Top Code Violations

1. Tall Grass and Weeds

If your yard is starting to resemble a nature preserve, it’s time to mow. Grass over 12 inches is a violation, and vines pulling down fences definitely count as “unmanaged vegetation.”

2. Accumulation of Junk and Trash

Cans, bottles, scrap wood, tires, old appliances, boxes, rags — if it looks like the aftermath of a yard sale that never ended, it’s a violation.

From the code: “Filthy, littered, debris, junk, or trash‑covered exterior areas… including items such as cans, bottles, wood, metal, plastic, rags, boxes, paper, tires, auto parts…”

3. Deteriorated Fencing, Walls, Buildings and Structures

Missing boards, leaning posts, peeling paint, sagging sheds — if it looks like it might fall over in a strong breeze, it’s on the list.

4. Broken Windows

A broken or missing window isn’t just an eyesore — it’s a structural violation. (And no, cardboard does not count as a permanent repair.)

5. Parking on the Grass

Your lawn is not a parking lot. Vehicles must be parked on approved surfaces, not sprinkled across the yard like lawn ornaments.

6. Inoperable Vehicles

That “project car” that hasn’t moved since 2019? If it’s visible from the street and hasn’t run in seven days, it’s a violation unless it’s in the garage, behind a six‑foot opaque fence, or fully covered with an opaque car cover.

From the code: “Any inoperable vehicle… located outside of a completely enclosed building… for a period exceeding seven (7) days.”

7. Improper Storage of an RV or Trailer

RVs, fifth-wheels and boats must be parked beside the home when possible — not in the driveway, not blocking the sidewalk, and definitely not creating a blind corner for your neighbors.

8. Unauthorized Signs

Signs advertising a business that no longer exists and signs that have seen better days fall under this category. It also includes signs placed where they’re not allowed – including utility poles, traffic signs, fire hydrants, medians, islands or the right-of-way. If it’s public property, it’s not a place for your sign.

9. Garage Sales

No permit needed, but sales are limited to two every three months and up to 3.5 days each. Up to four signs are allowed (two on-site, and two off-site on private property with permission), and they also cannot go on poles, medians or other public property listed in No. 8. Remove them when you’re done.

“But I own the property, so I can do whatever I want …”

It’s a phrase Neighborhood Services hears every spring, usually right after someone learns that parking a truck on the lawn is, in fact, not a landscaping choice. (It’s right up there with “But I was just about to mow.”)

“Property ownership gives you freedom, but it doesn’t exempt anyone from the City codes that keep neighborhoods safe, healthy and looking good,” Curtis said.

A simple way to think about it: Owning property gives you rights — and responsibilities to your neighbors. Codes exist so one yard, fence or vehicle doesn’t create hazards, attract pests or drag down the whole block.

You can do plenty with your property — just not the things that create problems for everyone else.

 

How the City Handles Violations

Neighborhood Services is complaint‑driven — officers rely on residents to report issues so they can prioritize the most urgent concerns.

Once a complaint is filed:

• An officer verifies the issue.
• A courtesy letter is sent, giving the property owner 10 days to fix the problem.
• Depending on the issue, if the problem is not fixed, the City may hold a hearing to address the violation (for non-weed and trash violations) or simply abate the property if the owner does not (weed and trash violations).
• The owner is billed for any abatement work.

What does “abate” mean? — When the City steps in to fix a violation, followed by a bill to the property owner that arrives with all the enthusiasm of a Monday morning.

Officers aim for voluntary compliance, but action is taken when safety or neighborhood property values are at risk.

 

How to Report a Concern

Residents can help keep neighborhoods safe, clean and attractive by reporting issues through:

• The online complaint form
• The MyBartlesville mobile app
•  Calling 918.338.4230 and leaving a message

For further information on any of these regulations, contact Neighborhood Services at 918.338.4230 or view the City’s code of ordinances. (Most of the public nuisances listed above – such as weed and trash, junk, vehicles, etc. – are addressed in Chapter 11, while signage is in Chapter 16 and garage sales are in Chapter 5)