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Lawton council declares scores of properties dilapidated, authorizes abatement; some cases tabled or placed on hold
Summary
The Lawton City Council voted to declare dozens of structures dilapidated under Lawton City Code §651, authorizing abatement and, where needed, legal action. Several property owners described ongoing repairs or active permit applications; a handful of addresses were tabled or received no action because of notice errors or active remediation.
The Lawton City Council on Oct. 25 adopted a series of resolutions declaring multiple residential structures dilapidated and authorizing summary abatement and legal action under Lawton City Code §651. Council members repeatedly told owners that placement on the “D & D” list does not prevent them from pulling permits and completing repairs, but emphasized that progress is required to avoid demolition.
Neighborhood Services staff summarized visible conditions at dozens of addresses — damaged roofing, siding and trim, broken windows, foundation issues and reports of vagrants. The council approved the resolution for 406 Northwest Meadowbrook Drive after staff said the owner had discussed demolishing the structure but had not pulled permits.
Public commenters disputed some of the staff findings and asked for more time. Robert Bishop, who said he inherited 305 Southwest 19th Street and has a long rental history in Lawton, told the council he had contacted neighborhood services, purchased paint and cinder blocks and intended to repair the home. The council agreed to re-inspect and table that property to allow follow-up with staff and to revisit it at the first meeting in January.
Other owners described obstacles getting permits online and recent cleanup efforts. Marco Franco, who said he bought 403 Southwest 25th two years ago and works in construction, said he had submitted a permit and replaced the roof. Staff confirmed the permit application was in review and the council approved the dilapidation resolution while noting the application was under review.
In one case staff acknowledged a photograph/address error: neighborhood services had posted materials for the wrong house at 724 Southwest 46th Street. Council voted to take no action on that parcel and directed staff to correct the record and return with accurate documentation.
Several motions also addressed secondary structures. Council members asked staff to clarify notice language when secondary structures were included in demolition authorization; an item was struck from the agenda for re‑notice when the agenda description did not explicitly reference primary and secondary structures.
What’s next: Owners who wish to repair properties were instructed to coordinate with Neighborhood Services, pull permits and schedule inspections. Tabled items will return to council on the dates set by motions; those found not to be making progress remain subject to abatement and possible demolition under the code.
Quotes
"We're going to check-in on this and we'll get back with you," Robert Bishop said of his contact with neighborhood services when he learned his property had been listed as vacant.
"If you don't make progress, then it could end up to that," a council member said, warning owners that failure to act could lead to demolition.
Ending
Council approved the majority of resolutions presented in the dilapidation agenda, striking or tabling only where staff said notice or documentation was incorrect or where owners demonstrated active permitting or ongoing remediation. Staff will re-inspect properties that owners say have been serviced and return tabled items on the dates set by the council.
