Bill No. 1496 amends Section 44-110 of Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to appeals from decisions made by the board of adjustment in municipalities. The bill allows certain municipalities, where the council does not serve as the board, to determine whether the decisions of the board are final and subject to judicial review, final and subject to appeal to the council, or merely advisory to the council. This change aims to provide municipalities with greater flexibility in how they handle appeals from the board of adjustment.

The bill also outlines the process for filing an appeal, including the requirement for a notice of appeal to be filed with the municipal clerk and the board of adjustment, and specifies that no bond or deposit for costs is required. It establishes that appeals will be heard de novo in district court, with preference given over other civil actions. Additionally, it details the conditions under which a stay of the board's decision may be granted during the appeal process, including the factors the court must consider and the requirement for a bond, except for municipal governing bodies. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.