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A routine visit to Gore, Oklahoma City Hall revealed what appears to be unpermitted construction that has altered the building's emergency exits and potentially violated federal disability access requirements. The discovery came after viewers repeatedly requested an investigation into building permits and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance at government facilities.
Construction Without Permits Blocks Emergency Exits
When reporters arrived at Gore City Hall, they found ongoing construction that had blocked at least one exit door. City officials confirmed they did not have the required building permits from the State Fire Marshal, despite state law requiring permits before beginning construction that alters building occupancy or egress routes.
The blocked exit creates a serious safety concern. The remaining accessible door lacks a crash bar and opens inward, potentially trapping occupants during an emergency evacuation. Under Oklahoma's adoption of the International Building Code, doors serving as emergency exits must allow people to push outward to escape.
City Clerk Lisa acknowledged the permit issue when confronted. "I do not right now, no," she said when asked about building permits from the State Fire Marshal. She claimed the construction was "temporary" but could not explain why permits weren't obtained before beginning the work.
ADA Compliance Questions Plague Public Building
The building's accessibility features raised additional concerns. The main entrance lacks any device to assist disabled individuals in opening heavy doors. There is no push button system, no bell to request assistance, and no alternative method for wheelchair users or others with mobility limitations to independently access the building.
When asked about ADA accommodations, city staff confirmed they have accessible restrooms inside the building. However, the question remains how disabled individuals would actually enter the building to use those facilities.
Federal regulations require government buildings to provide equal access to all citizens. Any construction or renovation typically triggers requirements to bring accessibility features up to current code standards.
City Officials Promise Action After Confrontation
The city clerk promised to "look into" both the building permit and ADA compliance issues when pressed by reporters. "I will do my job," she stated, taking responsibility for addressing the violations.
However, the timeline for corrections remains unclear. The construction has already altered the building's safety profile by reducing exit options and changing occupancy flows. State fire officials may need to inspect the facility to determine what remediation is required.
What Happens Next Remains Uncertain
The confrontation ended with city officials acknowledging problems but providing no concrete timeline for fixes. Multiple building code and accessibility violations were documented during the brief visit.
Watch the full video to see exactly how city officials responded when confronted about operating without permits and the heated exchange that followed.
