Tornado Victims Could Face Fines In Moore

Tomorrow marks eight months since the May 20 tornado devastated Moore.

The first time since then, the city is issuing an ultimatum for tornado victims. It's asking folks to clear their empty lots or faces fines and possible liens.

About a week ago, notices were placed on the empty lots. Owners are being asked to clean up any tree limbs, concrete chunks, or any other tornado debris by Friday or face a fine and possibly a lien.

"It's almost like we are being targeted because we didn't rebuild there and didn't sell our lot yet," says Keith Sheppard, who lived on SW 7th on May 20.

Sheppard says his property has been fairly well cleared out for a while, along with his neighbors' lots as well, but all the properties got notices.

"I'd call multiple times. When I finally got through, they said we can't tell you what you need to do, you just need to fix it," says Shepard about his efforts to call Moore code enforcement.

The City of Moore says it wants properties cleared out enough so a lawn mower can be used. It says it's willing to work with homeowners to avoid fines.

Inspectors can also visit properties and show property owners the changes that need to be made to avoid fines. Property owners can also hire city crews clean the lots for $350 per lot.

Those who do nothing by Friday, February 21, could be subject to the $350 service fee along with a $100 fine.