Midwest City continues systematic apartment code enforcement program
Midwest City Code Enforcement Officer Shane Barnard inspects an apartment complex for code violations. Photo Jeff Harrison
By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
Midwest City officials are continuing a proactive approach to improving the condition of apartment complexes and mobile home parks through a citywide code enforcement initiative.
City officials are in year three of the multi-year program, which involves systematic inspections and follow-ups at every multi-family property across the city. The program was launched to address widespread deterioration and safety concerns that officials say were too severe and frequent to ignore.
“The end result for us is compliance and not citations,” said Mike Stroh, Midwest City’s Neighborhood Services director. “We want the housing stock to be better. Citations don’t help fix the problem. I’d rather them spend the money on fixing the problem.”
In the past, Midwest City officials targeted the most problematic apartment complexes but believed a more thorough process was needed.
“We were kind of just hopping around by complaints, and we couldn’t really see where we were getting a handle on anything,” Stroh said.
Issues at Midwest Pointe Apartments and Riverside Mobile Home Park were the tipping point.
Midwest Pointe was shut down by a judge after inspectors documented extensive structural problems and remains vacant and in litigation. Since the shutdown, the city has spent nearly $40,000 to secure and clean the property after repeated break-ins, trash dumping, and fires.
“I’m unaware of anything in the city even close to that (issues at Midwest Pointe),” said Randall Fryar, chief building official for Midwest City.
The city clashed with Riverside for bringing in used or damaged trailer homes that were later repaired, which is in violation of city ordinances. The mobile home park was eventually de-annexed from city limits to settle the ongoing dispute.
“Those were the first two, and we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, we obviously have neglected multi-family complexes,’” Stroh said. “We needed to do something and that’s when we came up with a plan.”
The city started the program in 2023, focusing first on the area north of NE 10th St. and working eastward. Inspectors examined every apartment complex, mobile home park, senior living facility, and business park in the area. They check exterior maintenance problems, and other code violations—documenting common problems such as rusting stairwells, peeling paint, unsecured balconies, and damaged gutters.
“We gave notice that we’re out looking now at the issues,” Fryar said. “We’ve already seen some fix it just because of that letter.”
The inspections are not just reactive. Rather than wait for complaints, the code enforcement team proactively inspects each complex. This allows the city to identify and address issues early—before they become major hazards.
Code enforcement started with properties north of NE 10th St. between Sooner Rd. and Midwest Blvd. They followed up on those inspections the next year, and recently completed the section, east of Midwest Blvd. Stroh said they will continue working between NE 10th St. and Reno Ave. this winter.
“When we first go out, we give property owners time—three to four months—to correct the violations,” Stroh said. “But on the second round of inspections, they’ve already had that time. We’re writing tickets about 40 days out.”
The city has also received positive feedback for the program. Stroh said roughly 90% of properties come into compliance without significant resistance. One example is Hilltop Apartments, which received over 300 notices but ultimately addressed all of them.
“Hilltop looks vastly improved. And I did have residents thanking us for coming through,” Fryar said.
Some property managers have welcomed the inspections, especially when it helps them enforce standards with tenants or landlords.
“There was a mobile home community on Douglas, and the district manager actually thanked us for coming through,” Stroh said. “He said, ‘Your timing couldn’t have been better.’”
To encourage cooperation, the code enforcement team also leaves thank you door hangers at well-maintained properties. The hangers offer positive recognition for residents and managers who keep their properties in good shape.
“The argument was that the only communication code enforcement ever receives is negative,” Stroh said. “This is a way to say, ‘Hey, we appreciate you.’”
Officials say the effort is time-consuming, but necessary. The city has 37 properties that need to be inspected.
“We’re not looking to find or penalize people or entities. We just want compliance,” said Don Maisch, city attorney. “Now, if someone doesn’t want to come into compliance, we have to use all those other tools that are in the toolbox.”
