Recently some central Oklahoma City residents have received $100 tickets on vehicles that were barely parked on a lawn, such as the vehicle in the picture above whose tired was about 6 inches off the driveway. No warnings were issued, instead, the city proceeded to immediately write $100 tickets. The public discussion of this on a neighborhood social media site has produced evidence of other abuses by code enforcement officers. The city's policy of accepting anonymous complaints may facilitate persecution based on religion, race, and politics.

Therefore, we, the undersigned residents of Oklahoma City, recognize the legitimate need for a City Code and its enforcement, to keep our beloved city clean, safe and beautiful. The code if fairly enforced should serve the public good of our residents and visitors.

We believe that the City Department of Inspections has consistently engaged in a pattern of capricious and frivolous enforcement of minutiae and technicalities of the Code that in no way serves the public good The only possible purpose of such enforcement could be revenue enhancement or harassment of individuals or groups.

We will not attract or retain people whose contributions are needed the most in the atmosphere of fear and vigilance so created. These policies have no place in the world-class city Oklahoma City aspires to be. The burden in time and money to defend ourselves if wrongfully cited is unfair and impacts disproportionately those who can least afford it.

We respectfully ask that you institute changes to our City’s code enforcement to end these unjust practices. We ask that you do this now. We specifically ask for the following changes:

1. That no proceeds from code enforcement citation be used directly or indirectly to finance the City’s general operating budget or especially the Municipal Courts. Our inspectors and especially our Municipal Courts must have no financial incentive to maximize fine collection in order to meet budget needs.

2. That no citations for violations of the Code shall be issued without any prior written warning, except in egregious cases.

3. That the practice of anonymous complaints directly resulting in citations be ended, as is the case in many world-class cities.

4. That Municipal Code 59-10250.8.B.1 shall be amended as follows:

"Vehicles shall be parked on a permanently hard-surfaced (paved) driveway or parking area, meeting the design requirements specified in this section. A minimum of 25 percent of the lot shall be maintained as open space with no buildings or parking. [added:] Vehicles partially parked on a paved area shall not be considered in violation unless one or more wheels are entirely off the paved area. Citations shall be issued to the property owner rather than the vehicle. A warning for a first time violation shall be issued."