Tulsa council continues nuisance-abatement appeal for auto-lot owner to Oct. 30

The Tulsa City Council voted to continue an appeal from auto-lot owner Jeffrey (Jeff) Skaggs, giving him 60 days to pursue a zoning-clearance permit or remove outdoor storage that code enforcement described as “trash, junk and debris.” The continuance, moved by a council member and agreed by roll call, brings the matter back to the council meeting on Oct. 30, 2024.

Code enforcement told the council it opened the case after a 311 complaint and multiple inspections; an inspector posted a notice on June 13 describing outdoor storage of tires, automotive parts and other debris visible from the public way. The agency official (speaker 4) said the city had made repeated attempts to contact the property and that the violations included items the nuisance ordinance specifically lists (tires and car parts). “It was observed that there were still, stacked tires, car parts, and other debris behind the fence,” the official testified during the hearing.

Skaggs disputed some of the findings and said he has used the property for auto sales/repair for decades. “I’ve been at 7642 East 46th Place for 32 years,” Skaggs said, arguing he believed his use was grandfathered under a pre‑1970 code and asking the council for time to gather documentation. Council members and staff explained that nuisance enforcement references zoning status and that, even if prior use existed, the nuisance code does not create a grandfather exception for visible trash and debris.

After extended questioning about timelines and remedies, a council member made a motion to continue the appeal for 60 days so Skaggs could attempt to obtain a zoning clearance or otherwise bring the site into compliance. The motion passed on roll call. The council directed staff to coordinate with Skaggs and report back at the Oct. 30 meeting.