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OKLAHOMA SUBDIVIDED LAND SALES CODE
ARTICLE I. TITLE AND DEFINITIONS
§ 601. Citation
This Code shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma
Subdivided Land Sales Code."
§ 602. Definitions
In this Code, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Administrator" means the Administrator
of the Department of Securities;
2. "Advertising" means:
a. any circular, prospectus, public offering statement,
information, advertisement or other material or communication
by radio, television, pictures, newspapers, magazines or similar
media used in connection with a disposition, an offer to dispose
of, or any inducement to any person to purchase or acquire an
interest in the title to any subdivided lands, including any leasehold
interest or land contract,
b. any material used to induce prospective purchasers
to visit any subdivided lands or submit to a presentation by a
subdivider or any of his representatives or agents, and
c. the entire promotional plan for the disposition of
subdivided lands, including promotional displays at public or
private events, parties, dinners or other meetings;
Advertising shall not mean stockholder communications including,
but not limited to, annual reports and interim financial reports,
proxy materials, registration statements, securities prospectuses
and application for listing securities on stock exchanges; communications
addressed to and relating to the account of any persons who have
previously executed a contract for the acquisition of any of the
subdivider's lands except where directed to the disposition of
additional lands; press releases or other communications delivered
to newspapers or other periodicals for general information or
public relations purposes, provided no charge is made by and nothing
of value is given to such newspapers, their employees or other
periodicals for the publication or use of any part of such communication;
3. "Agent" means any person who, directly
or indirectly, disposes of, or offers to dispose of, or advertises
for disposition any lot in a subdivision and includes a real estate
salesman, broker or subdivider so engaged;
4. "Blanket encumbrance" means any trust
deed, mortgage, judgment, lien or other financial encumbrance
securing or evidencing debt and affecting lands to be subdivided
or affecting more than one lot of subdivided land, and any agreement
by which the subdivider holds more than one lot under an option,
contract or deed, contract to purchase or trust agreement. Blanket
encumbrance shall not mean a lien or other encumbrance arising
as a result of the imposition of a tax assessed by a public authority
so long as no portion thereof is past due;
5. "Commission" means Oklahoma Securities
Commission;
6. "Disposition" or "dispose
of" means every sale, assignment, award by lottery, option,
or exchange of a lot and every contract for, or contract to do,
any of the foregoing for value, or when given as an incident of
any of the foregoing;
7. "License" means a subdivided land
sales license as set forth in Article III of this Code;
8. "Lot" means any portion, parcel, piece,
division, unit or undivided interest in land if such interest
includes the right to the exclusive use of a specified portion
of the land;
9. "Notice" means a communication from
the Administrator. Notice to a subdivider shall be deemed complete
when personally served upon him or mailed to him at the last-known
address on file with the Administrator;
10. "Offer" means any inducement, solicitation
or attempt to encourage a person to acquire an interest in a lot
in a subdivision;
11. "Option" means, and is limited to,
an offer to sell or purchase respecting which a consideration
of not more than fifteen percent (15%) of the total purchase price
is exchanged to guarantee that the offer will not be withdrawn
or revoked for an agreed period of time;
12. "Person" means an individual, corporation,
partnership, association, joint stock company, or trust where
the interests of the beneficiaries are evidenced by a security,
an unincorporated organization, government, political subdivision
of a government or any other entity;
13. "Purchaser" means a person who acquires,
attempts to acquire, is solicited to acquire or succeeds to any
interest in a lot in a subdivision, excluding a security interest;
14. "Subdivision" and "subdivided
land" means any land, wherever located, whether improved
or unimproved, contiguous or not, which is divided into lots or
proposed to be divided for the purpose of disposition pursuant
to a common promotional scheme or plan of advertising and disposition.
If the land is designated or advertised as a common unit or by
a common name, the land shall be presumed, without regard to the
number of lots covered by each individual offering, to be offered
for disposition as part of a common promotional plan. Where the
context so requires, it shall also include any lot in a subdivision
and any interest therein; and
15. "Subdivider" means a person whose
interest in subdivided lands is advertised, offered or disposed
of by himself or another person.
ARTICLE II. REGISTRATION OF SUBDIVIDED LAND
§ 621. Registration -- Violations
A. It is unlawful for any person to offer or dispose of
any interest in subdivided land located in this state or to offer
or dispose of any subdivided land located without this state unless
it is registered under this Code or the land or transaction is
exempt under Sections 622 or 623 of this Code.
B. It is unlawful for any subdivider or registrant of
subdivided lands registered under this Code, or any person in
control of, controlled by, or under common control with the subdivider
or registrant, or any agent, to offer or dispose of any of the
registered subdivided land if the subdivider or registrant is
in violation of this Code, or any rule promulgated under this
Code, or any order issued under this Code of which he has notice,
or if the registration statement relating to the subdivided lands,
as of the date of such offer or disposition, is incomplete in
any material respect or contains any statement which is false
or misleading with respect to any material fact.
§ 622. Exemptions
The following lands, lots, interests and evidences of indebtedness
are exempt from Section 621 of this Code:
1. Subdivided land offered or disposed of by the United
States, any state, political subdivision of the state or any agency
or corporate or other instrumentality of one or more of the foregoing;
2. Cemetery lots or interests;
3. Subdivided lands in which there are fewer than twenty
lots or parcels intended for sale or lease, whether immediate
or future;
4. Lots on which there is a residential, commercial or
industrial building, or as to which there is a legal obligation
on the part of the seller to construct such building within two
(2) years of the date of disposition;
5. Evidences of indebtedness secured by a real estate
mortgage or deed of trust; and
6. Such interests in subdivided lands as are regulated
as securities under the Oklahoma Securities Act, as provided by
this title, and the Administrator by rule or order exempts.
§ 623. Additional exemptions
The following transactions are exempt from Section 621 of this
Code:
1. Offer or disposition of subdivided lands located within
the State of Oklahoma;
2. Offer or disposition by a purchaser of subdivided lands
for his own account in a single or isolated transaction;
3. Offer or disposition of subdivided lands if not more
than ten lots are offered in any period of twelve (12) consecutive
months;
4. Offer or disposition of lots to persons who are engaged
in the business of construction of buildings for resale, or to
persons who acquire an interest in subdivided lands for the purpose
of engaging, and do engage in, the business of construction of
buildings for resale;
5. Offer or disposition pursuant to an order of a court
of competent jurisdiction;
6. Offer or disposition of lots, each of which will be
sold for less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), including closing
costs, provided that the purchaser will not be required to purchase
more than one lot;
7. Such leases of lots which the Administrator by rule
or order exempts which are for periods not in excess of five (5)
years, provided the terms of the lease do not obligate the lessee
to renew;
8. Offer or disposition of subdivided lands if each lot
within the subdivision exceeds ten (10) acres in size;
9. Sales of securities issued by a real estate investment
trust; and
10. Any other transaction as to which the Administrator
by rule or order finds that registration is not necessary or appropriate
for the protection of purchasers.
§ 624. Burden of proof
In any proceeding under this Code, the burden of proving an exemption
or an exclusion from a definition is upon the person claiming
it.
§ 625. Application for registration
Application for registration of subdivided land shall be filed
with the Administrator in such form as the Administrator may require.
The application shall contain the following information and shall
be accompanied by the following documents and exhibits, in addition
to the information which may be required by the Administrator
pursuant to subsection E of Section 627 of this title, the consent
to service of process required by subsection A of Section 664
of this title, and the fees required by Section 652 of this title.
To the extent that the information required below is included
in filings submitted to and approved by the Federal Office of
Interstate Land Sales Registration, or its successors, such filing
will be accepted in lieu of a separate state filing:
1. The subdivider's name and address, form of business
organization, and jurisdiction of its organization and name and
address of each of its offices and agents in this state;
2. The name, address and principal occupation for the
past five (5) years of every director, officer or partner of the
subdivider or other person occupying a similar position or performing
similar functions, as well as for each owner of ten percent (10%)
or more of the equity of the subdivider; the extent and nature
of the interest of each of the foregoing persons in the subdivider
and in the subdivided lands as of a date specified by the Administrator
within thirty (30) days of filing of the application for registration;
3. If any person named in paragraph 2 of this section
has been disciplined, debarred, censured or suspended by any governmental
body or agency or convicted by any court for violation of a federal,
state or local law or regulation in connection with activities
relating to land sales, land investment, securities sales or registration,
construction or sale of homes or home improvements or any other
similar or related activity, a summary of facts relating thereto;
4. If any person named in paragraph 2 of this section
has, during the past thirteen (13) years, filed a petition in
bankruptcy or has had an involuntary petition in bankruptcy filed
against him or has been an officer, director or controlling person
of a business entity which has become insolvent or has voluntarily
or involuntarily filed in bankruptcy, a summary of facts relating
thereto;
5. The states or jurisdictions in which an application
for registration or similar document have been filed, including
a copy of any filing with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission or Federal Office of Interstate Land Sales Registration
or the successors of either, and a copy of any adverse order,
judgment, order permitting withdrawal or decree of any court or
regulatory authority in connection with the offering of subdivided
lands;
6. A legal description of the subdivided lands and the
recorded plat thereof, together with a map showing the division
proposed to be made, the dimensions of the lots, and the relation
of the subdivided lands to existing streets, roads and other off-site
improvements, all verified by affidavit of an independent professional
land surveyor and a topographical map;
7. A statement in a form acceptable to the Administrator
of the condition of title to the land comprising the lots in this
offering and any common areas or facilities related to or included
in this offering, including a description of all encumbrances,
easements, covenants, conditions, reservations, limitations or
restrictions applicable thereto. This requirement may be met
by submission of evidence of title in the form of a legal opinion,
stating the condition of title, prepared and signed by an attorney-at-law
who is experienced in the examination of titles, a member of the
Bar Association of the state in which the property is located
and who is not a salaried employee, partner, officer or director
either of the subdivider or of any of its agents or affiliates;
or by any other evidence of title acceptable to the Administrator;
8. Copies of the instruments by which the subdivider's
interest in the subdivided land was acquired or, if required by
the Administrator, proof of marketable title to the subdivided
lands;
9. A statement and such additional assurance as the Administrator
may require that the subdivider can convey or cause to be conveyed
to the purchaser, upon compliance with the terms of the offer,
the interest offered in the subdivided lands;
10. Copies of instruments which will be delivered to
the purchaser to evidence his interest in the subdivided lands
and copies of the contracts or other agreements which a purchaser
will be required to agree to or sign in connection with the offer
or disposition, together with the range of selling prices, rates
or rentals at which it is proposed to dispose of the lots, and
a list of fees the purchaser may be required to pay for membership
in groups including, but not limited to, homeowner's associations,
country clubs, golf courses and other community organizations
associated with the subdivision, together with the description
of any qualifications for or restrictions on membership in any
of the foregoing;
11. A legal description of any lien or encumbrance affecting
the subdivision or any portion thereof and a statement in a form
acceptable to the Administrator of the efforts made or to be made
to remove such lien or encumbrance and the consequences to the
purchasers of the success or failure of the efforts to remove
such lien or encumbrance;
12. A summary of any easements or restrictions affecting
any of the subdivided lands and copies of any instruments creating,
altering or removing such easements or restrictions;
13. Evidence and a statement thereof, in a form satisfactory
to the Administrator, indicating compliance with the zoning and
other governmental laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting
the use of the subdivided lands and adjacent properties, together
with dates of the most recent zoning or jurisdictional changes,
the nature thereof, any proposed changes now pending or known
to be contemplated, and any existing or proposed taxes, special
taxes, assessments or levies of a similar nature affecting any
of the subdivided land;
14. Evidence and a statement thereof, in a form satisfactory
to the Administrator, indicating compliance with the requirements
of federal, state and local governments or agencies or instrumentalities
thereof which have authority to regulate or issue permits or licenses
which may have material effect on the subdivider's plans with
respect to the proposed subdivision, its facilities, common areas
or improvements, specifically including environmental protection
agencies and required environmental impact statements. If any
permit, license or approval of any of the foregoing has been refused
or conditioned, a summary of the reasons therefor and the effect
on the proposed subdivision shall also be included;
15. A description of the land as it existed prior to any
changes in connection with the proposed subdivision and any changes
which have occurred or are contemplated in connection with the
proposed subdivision;
16. A statement, in a form suitable to the Administrator,
of the existing provisions for access to the subdivision, the
availability of sewage disposal facilities and other public utilities
including, but not limited to, water, electricity, gas and telephone
facilities, the proximity in miles of the subdivision to nearby
municipalities, the availability and scope of community fire and
police protection, the location of primary and secondary schools,
the improvements installed or to be installed, including off-site
and on-site community and recreational facilities, the persons
who are to install, maintain and pay for such improvements, and
the estimated schedule for completion;
17. If required by the Administrator's rule or order,
a performance or completion bond to assure that planned improvements
will be completed, in a form suitable to the Administrator;
18. Such financial statements of the subdivider as the
Administrator may require;
19. A narrative description of the promotional plan for
the disposition of the subdivided lands, together with duplicate
copies of all advertising material which has been prepared for
public distribution. The subject matter of advertising material
which is pictorial in nature shall be limited to a depiction of
actual on-site conditions of the subdivided lands as of the date
of the filing of the material. No advertising shall be used until
a copy thereof has been allowed for use by the Administrator or
a person authorized by the Administrator as provided in Section
653 of this title;
20. Three copies of the proposed public offering statement
prepared in accordance with Section 626 of this title; and
21. Such additional information or exhibits as the Administrator
may require.
Any of the items required under this section may be incorporated
in the application for registration by reference provided that
such items are contained in the public offering statement and
the Administrator so allows.
§ 626. Public offering statements -- Contents --
Violations -- Uses
A. It shall be unlawful for a person to dispose of an
interest in subdivided lands, pursuant to a registration under
this Code, unless a current public offering statement is delivered
to the purchaser at the expense of the subdivider or his agent
at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to any sale, contract to
sell or option to purchase and unless the purchaser is afforded
a reasonable opportunity to examine and is permitted to retain
the public offering statement. The subdivider shall obtain and
retain a receipt, signed by the purchaser, acknowledging receipt
of a copy of the public offering statement prior to the execution
by the purchaser of any contract or agreement for the disposition
of any lot in a subdivision, which receipt shall be kept in the
files of the subdivider and be subject to inspection by the Administrator
for a period of three (3) years from the date the receipt is taken.
B. A public offering statement shall disclose fully and
accurately all material circumstances or features which affect
the subdivided lands or which would be a material consideration
in making the purchasing decision. The proposed public offering
statement shall be submitted to the Administrator as required
by paragraph 20 of Section 625 of this Code and shall be in such
form and contain such information as the Administrator by rule
requires, including:
1. The name, principal address and telephone number of
the subdivider, his offices and agents in this state;
2. A general description of the subdivided lands including
a statement of the number of lots to be offered;
3. A statement as to whether the subdivider holds any
option to purchase adjacent properties and, if so, a description
of such option and the location and zoning of the adjacent properties;
4. The assistance, if any, that the subdivider, his agents
or affiliates will provide to the purchaser in the resale of the
property and the extent to which the subdivider, his agents or
affiliates will be in competition in the event of resale;
5. The material terms of any encumbrances, easements,
liens and restrictions including zoning and other regulations
affecting the subdivided lands and each unit or lot, the efforts
to remove such liens or encumbrances, the results
of the success or failure thereof, and all existing taxes and
existing or proposed special taxes or assessments which affect
the subdivided lands;
6. The use for which the property is to be offered;
7. Information concerning existing or proposed improvements
including, but not limited to, streets, water supply, levees,
drainage control systems, irrigation systems, sewage disposal
systems and customary utilities and the estimated cost, date of
completion and responsibility for construction and maintenance
of existing and proposed improvements which are referred to in
connection with the offering or disposition of any lot in subdivided
lands;
8. Such financial statements of the subdivider as the
Administrator may require;
9. The topographic and climatic characteristics of the
subdivided lands and adjacent area;
10. A statement of the existing provisions for access
of the subdivision to community fire protection, the location
of primary and secondary schools, the proximity to municipalities
and the population thereof, the improvements installed or to be
installed, including off-site and on-site community and recreational
facilities, by whom they were or are to be installed, maintained
or paid for, and an estimate of completion thereof; and
11. Such additional information as may be required by
the Administrator including any of the information contained in
the application for registration.
C. The public offering statement shall not be used for
any promotional purpose before registration of the subdivided
lands and afterwards it shall be used only in its entirety. It
shall be unlawful for any person to advertise or represent that
the Administrator has approved or recommended the subdivided lands
or a disposition thereof. No portion of the public offering statement
may be underscored, italicized or printed in larger or heavier
or different colored type than the remainder of the statement
unless required or approved by the Administrator.
D. The Administrator may require the subdivider or his
agent to alter or amend the proposed public offering statement
in order to provide full and fair disclosure to prospective purchasers.
§ 627. Orders -- Application for registration --
Filing of documents and information
A. Within ninety (90) days from the date of filing a completed
application for registration, the Administrator shall issue an
order registering the subdivided lands or denying the application
for registration. If an order of denial is not issued within
ninety (90) days, the land shall be deemed registered unless the
applicant has consented to a delay or the application has been
withdrawn. If any amendment to the application is filed prior
to the time when the land shall be deemed registered, the application
shall be deemed to have been filed when the amendment was filed.
B. An application for registration may be filed by the
subdivider, any other person on whose behalf the sales are to
be made, or a licensed subdivided land agent, but the Administrator
may require that it be executed by the subdivider.
C. Any document filed under this Code within five (5)
years preceding the filing of an application for registration
may be incorporated by reference in the application for registration
to the extent that the document is currently accurate.
D. The Administrator may by rule or otherwise permit the
omission of any item of information or document from any application
for registration.
E. The Administrator may, as a condition of registration
and at the expense of the subdivider, as specified in subsection
A of Section 652 of this title, investigate any subdivision required
to be registered under this Code for the purpose of verifying
statements contained in the application for registration and for
the protection of prospective purchasers. For the purposes of
such investigation, the Administrator may:
1. Require that a report or opinion by an independent
accountant, engineer, appraiser or other expert be prepared and
filed;
2. Make an examination of the business and records of
the applicant or subdivider;
3. Use and rely on any relevant information or data concerning
a subdivision obtained by him from any federal, state or local
government or agency thereof;
4. Conduct an on-site inspection of each subdivision;
5. Conduct an annual on-site reinspection of each subdivision
for each of the three (3) years after the expiration date of the
registration or any renewal thereof;
6. Make on-site examinations or designate a representative
to make such examinations. Where additional technical, expert
or special services are used, the actual cost of such services
may be charged directly to and shall be paid by the person being
examined; and
7. Where an on-site inspection of any subdivision has
been made under this Code, an inspection of adjacent subdivided
lands for which a subsequent application for registration is filed
may be waived and an inspection thereof may be made at the time
of the next succeeding on-site inspection.
F. The Administrator may require that any subdivided lands
be sold by use of a specified form, contract or agreement, and
that a signed copy or conformed copy of such signed copy be filed
with him or preserved by the subdivider for a period of up to
five (5) years.
G. The Administrator may by rule or otherwise impose other
conditions under which subdivided lands registered under this
Code may be sold, provided such conditions are reasonable and
in the public interest. The Administrator may require an escrow,
trust or similar arrangement to reasonably assure that all improvements
referred to in the application for registration will be completed
and that purchasers will receive the interests in land for which
they have contracted.
H. A registration is effective for one (1) year from its
effective date, or for such longer period as the Administrator
may permit by rule or order. No application for registration
or effective registration may be withdrawn at any time after its
filing unless permitted by rule or order of the Administrator.
No registration is effective during the time a stop order is
in effect under Section 628 of this title.
I. During the effective period of a registration, the
Administrator may by rule or order require the person who filed
the application for registration to file reports, not more often
than quarterly, to keep reasonably current the information contained
in the application for registration and to disclose the progress
of the sales. If any of the lands registered have been sold in
this state, the Administrator may by rule or order extend the
period for filing the reports for an additional period not exceeding
two (2) years from the date the registration became effective
or the date of the registration period's latest extension.
J. The subdivider or registrant shall immediately report
to the Administrator any material changes in the information contained
in the application for registration.
K. Upon the expiration of an effective registration, the
Administrator may renew the registration for an additional period
of one (1) year, provided the registrant is in compliance with
this Code, files such reports and applications as the Administrator
may require, and pays an annual renewal fee as required by Section
652 of this title, which fee shall not exceed the original registration
fee.
§ 628. Denial of effectiveness to, suspension of
revocation of effectiveness of registration
A. The Administrator may issue a stop order denying effectiveness
to, or suspending or revoking the effectiveness of, any registration
if he finds that the order is in the public interest and that:
1. The registration statement as of its effective date
or any report under subsections I or J of Section 627 of this
Code is incomplete in any material respect or contains any statement
which was, in light of the circumstances under which it was made,
false or misleading with respect to any material fact;
2. Any provision of this Code or any rule, order or condition
lawfully imposed under this Code has been willfully violated in
connection with the offer or disposition of subdivided lands by
the person filing the registration statement, by the subdivider,
any partner, officer or director of the subdivider, by any person
occupying a similar status or performing similar functions, by
any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by
the subdivider, or by any subdivided land sales agent or other
person involved directly or indirectly in the offer or disposition
of subdivided lands;
3. The subdivided lands are the subject of an administrative
stop order or similar order or a permanent or temporary injunction
of any court of competent jurisdiction entered under any federal
or state act applicable to the offer or disposition of the subdivided
lands. Provided, that the Administrator may not institute a proceeding
against an effective registration statement under this paragraph
more than one (1) year from the date of the order or injunction
relied on, and he may not enter an order under this paragraph
on the basis of an order or injunction entered under any other
state or federal act unless that order or injunction was based
on facts which would currently constitute a ground for a stop
order under this section;
4. The subdivider's enterprise or method of business
includes or would include activities which are illegal where performed;
5. The offer or disposition of the subdivided lands is
or would be unfair or inequitable to purchasers or has worked,
tended to work or would work a fraud upon purchasers;
6. The disposition has been made or would be made with
unreasonable commissions or other unreasonable compensation;
7. The applicant or registrant has failed to pay the
proper filing fee. Provided, that the Commissioner may enter
only a denial order under this paragraph and he shall vacate any
such order when the deficiency has been corrected;
8. Advertising prohibited by Section 653 of this Code
has been used in connection with the offer or disposition of the
subdivided lands;
9. The financial condition of the subdivider or of any
other person connected with the offer or disposition of subdivided
lands adversely affects or would adversely affect the soundness
of the land purchase; or
10. The subdivider is not in compliance with federal,
state or local environmental quality standards.
B. The Administrator may not institute a stop order proceeding
against an effective registration statement on the basis of a
fact or transaction known to him when the registration statement
became effective unless the proceeding is instituted within sixty
(60) days.
C. In a proceeding for registration, within sixty (60)
days of the effective date of such registration statement, the
applicant or registrant has the burden of satisfying the requirements
of subsection A of this section.
D. The Administrator may issue a summary order denying,
postponing, suspending or revoking the effectiveness of the registration
statement pending final determination of any proceeding under
this section. Upon the entry of the order, the Administrator
shall promptly notify each person specified in subsection E of
this section that the order has been entered, the reasons for
the entry of order and that each such person has a right to request
a hearing under subsection A of Section 661 of this Code. If
no hearing is requested and none is ordered by the Administrator,
the order will remain in effect until it is modified or vacated
by the Administrator.
E. No stop order may be entered under this section except
under subsection D of this section unless there has been appropriate
prior notice to the applicant or registrant, to the subdivider
and to the person on whose behalf the lands are to be or have
been offered, an opportunity for hearings and the making of written
findings of fact and conclusions of law.
F. The Administrator may vacate or modify a stop order
if he finds that the conditions which promoted the stop order's
entry have changed or that it is otherwise in the public interest
to do so.
ARTICLE III. LICENSING
§ 631. Licenses -- Exemptions -- Term -- Suspension,
revocation or denial
A. It is unlawful for any person to transact business
in this state as an agent unless he has obtained a real estate
broker's or real estate sales associate's license from his state
of residence, if required, and has obtained a license under this
Code to offer or dispose of subdivided lands, provided that the
provisions of this section shall not apply to a person whose dealings
relate solely to property exempt under Section 622 of this title
or to transactions exempt under Section 623 of this title.
B. Every license expires on the thirtieth day of June
following the date of issuance. It may be renewed under such
rules as the Administrator may establish.
C. Any license may be suspended, revoked or denied as
provided in Section 634 of this title.
D. The Administrator may, by rule or order, exempt from
the requirements of this section persons as to whom he finds licensing
under this Code is not necessary for the protection of purchasers.
§ 632. Application for license
A. An agent may obtain an initial or renewal license by
filing with the Administrator an application together with the
Consent to Service of Process required by subsection A of Section
664 of this title and the fee required by Section 652 of this
title. The application shall contain whatever information the
Administrator by rule requires concerning the applicant, including
the applicant's finances, qualifications, experience, proposed
method of doing business and disclosure of past activities.
B. Before final action on an application, the Administrator
may designate a person to make an examination of the books, records
and affairs of an applicant at the applicant's expense.
C. The Administrator may by rule prescribe standards of
qualification with respect to training, experience and knowledge
of the subdivided land sales business and provide for an examination
which may be oral or written or both, to be taken by all applicants
or any class thereof.
D. The Administrator may by rule or otherwise impose such
other conditions in connection with the issuance of licenses under
this Code as he deems appropriate in the public interest and for
the protection of purchasers.
E. If no denial order is in effect and no proceeding is
pending under Section 634 of this title, the license becomes effective
thirty (30) days after a completed application is filed. The
Administrator may by rule or order specify an earlier effective
date. An application is deemed filed when all required information
and amendments have been filed. The Administrator may cooperate
with regulatory authorities in other states to simplify and coordinate
license applications and renewal procedures.
§ 633. Records -- Copies -- Inspection -- Reports
-- Examination -- Rules and regulations
A. Agents shall make and keep all accounts, correspondence,
memoranda, papers, books and other records as the Administrator
by rule requires and shall keep them for at least six (6) years,
and for the first three (3) years in a readily accessible location,
unless the Administrator by rule prescribes otherwise. The Administrator
may require that copies of any such records be provided by the
agent to the subdivider for retention and inspection by the Administrator
under such rules as he may prescribe. All required records shall
be made available to the Administrator upon request for his inspection
at his office or such other place as he may require. The Administrator
may accept copies of records at his discretion.
B. Every agent shall file such reports as the Administrator
by rule prescribes.
C. If the information contained in any application for
a license or other document filed with the Administrator is or
becomes inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, the
licensee shall file a corrective amendment within ten (10) days.
D. The Administrator may make periodic examinations, within
or without this state, of the business and records of each licensed
agent at such times and in such scope as he determines. The examinations
may be made without prior notice. The Administrator shall charge
all expenses incurred in such examination to the licensed agent
whose business is being examined in the amount as provided in
Section 652 of this title. For the purpose of avoiding unnecessary
duplication of examinations, the Administrator, insofar as he
deems practical, may cooperate with other regulatory agencies.
The Administrator may not be compelled to make public the information
obtained in the course of the examinations except when his duty
under this Code requires him to take action regarding an agent
or to make information available to other regulatory agencies,
or when the Administrator is called as a witness in any criminal
proceeding.
E. The Administrator may prescribe rules for the conduct
of business by agents as he finds appropriate in the public interest
for the protection of purchasers.
§ 634. Denial, revocation or suspension of license
A. The Administrator may by order deny effectiveness to,
suspend or revoke any license or may censure the licensee if he
finds that the order is in the public interest and that the applicant
or licensee:
1. Has filed an application for a license which as of
its effective date, or as of any date after filing in the case
of an order denying effectiveness, was incomplete in any material
respect or contained any statement which was, in light of the
circumstances under which it was made, false or misleading with
respect to any material facts;
2. Has violated or failed to comply with any provision
of this article or any rule promulgated hereunder, or any order
of which he has notice;
3. Has been convicted within the past ten (10) years
of any crime involving a land sale or any aspect of the real estate
business;
4. Is permanently or temporarily enjoined by any court
of competent jurisdiction from engaging in or continuing any conduct
or practice involving any aspect of the real estate business;
5. Is the subject of an order entered within the past
ten (10) years by a regulatory agency exercising jurisdiction
similar to the Administrator's jurisdiction, which order denies,
suspends or revokes a real estate broker's or subdivided land
sales agent's license, or is the subject of a United States Post
Office fraud order. The Administrator may not enter an order
under this paragraph on the basis of an order under another state
or federal law unless the order was based on facts which would
currently constitute a ground for an order under this section;
6. Has engaged in dishonest or unethical practices in
the real estate or subdivided land business or has taken unfair
advantage of a purchaser;
7. Is insolvent, either in the sense that his liabilities
exceed his assets or in the sense that he cannot meet his obligations
as they mature;
8. Has failed to pay the proper filing fee, provided
that the Administrator shall vacate any such order when the deficiency
has been corrected;
9. Is disposing or has disposed of, or is offering or
has offered for disposition in this state, subdivided land through
any unlicensed agent with knowledge or reason to know that such
agent had not or has not complied with this Code; or
10. Has made any material misrepresentation to, withheld
or concealed any material fact from the Administrator or any of
his representatives, or has failed to furnish information reasonably
requested by the Administrator.
B. The Administrator may not institute a suspension or
revocation proceeding on the basis of a fact or transaction known
to him when the license was issued unless the proceeding is instituted
within sixty (60) days of the issuance of said license.
C. The Administrator may by order summarily deny, postpone
the effectiveness of, or suspend a license pending final determination
of any proceeding under this section. Upon the entry of the order
the Administrator shall promptly notify the applicant or licensee,
as well as the employer or prospective employer, if any, that
the order has been entered, the reasons for the entry of order
and the right of each person to a hearing under subsection A of
Section 661 of this Code. If no hearing is requested within thirty
(30) days and none is ordered by the Administrator, the order
remains in effect until it is modified or vacated by the Administrator.
D. If the Administrator finds that any licensee or applicant
is no longer in existence or has ceased to do business as an agent,
or is subject to an adjudication of mental incompetence or to
the control of a committee, conservator or guardian, or cannot
be located after reasonable search, the Administrator may by order
revoke the license or deny the application.
E. Withdrawal from the status of a licensed agent becomes
effective thirty (30) days after receipt of an application to
withdraw or such shorter period as the Administrator determines.
Provided, that if a revocation or suspension proceeding is pending
when the application is filed or a proceeding to revoke or suspend
or to impose conditions upon the withdrawal is instituted, withdrawal
becomes effective at such time and upon such conditions as the
Administrator by order determines. If no proceeding is pending
or instituted and withdrawal becomes effective, the Administrator
may institute a revocation or suspension proceeding under subsection
A of this section within one (1) year after withdrawal became
effective and enter a revocation or suspension order as of the
last date on which the license was in effect.
F. No order may be entered under this section except under
subsection D of this section without appropriate prior notice
to the applicant or licensee, opportunity for hearing and written
findings of fact and conclusions of law. In cases of denial orders,
such findings and conclusions shall be provided only if requested
by the applicant.
ARTICLE IV. SALES PRACTICES
§ 641. Fraud -- Penalty
It is unlawful for any subdivider, agent, or affiliate of either,
in connection with the offer or disposition in this state of any
subdivided land, directly or indirectly, to:
1. Employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud;
2. Make any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading; or
3. Engage in any act, practice or course of business which
operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person.
§642. Liens and encumbrances
No agent may offer or dispose of lots within a subdivision required
to be registered under this Code which is subject to a blanket
encumbrance, option or contract for deed unless such offer or
disposition is in compliance with such rules as may be prescribed
by the Administrator for the protection of purchasers.
§ 643. Contracts -- Voiding -- Rescinding -- Revoking
In connection with dispositions of subdivided lands required to
be registered under this Code:
1. Any contract or agreement for the disposition is voidable
at the discretion of the purchasers if the public offering statement
has not been given to the purchasers as required by subsection
A of Section 626 of this Code; and
2. A purchaser has an unconditional right to rescind any
contract, agreement or other evidence of indebtedness, or to revoke
any offer, until five (5) days after the date the purchaser actually
receives a legible copy of the signed contract, agreement or other
evidence of indebtedness or offer and the public offering statement.
Until five (5) days after a purchaser actually receives all documents,
a right to rescind may be exercised. Predating of a document
does not defeat the time in which the right to rescind may be
exercised.
§ 644. Notice to purchaser -- Signatures -- Rescission
of contract
In connection with the offer or disposition of subdivided land
required to be registered under this Code:
1. Each contract, agreement or evidence of indebtedness
shall prominently contain upon its face the following notice printed
in at least sixteen-point bold type which shall be at least four
(4) type points larger than the body of the document stating:
NOTICE TO PURCHASER
YOU ARE ENTITLED TO CANCEL THIS AGREEMENT AT ANY TIME IF YOU HAVE
NOT RECEIVED THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT IN ADVANCE OF YOUR
SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT. IN ADDITION, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO CANCEL
THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY REASON WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS FROM THE DAY
YOU ACTUALLY RECEIVE A LEGIBLE COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT. DO NOT
SIGN A RECEIPT FOR THIS DOCUMENT UNLESS YOU HAVE ACTUALLY RECEIVED
A LEGIBLE COPY OF IT.
The contract, agreement or evidence of indebtedness shall contain
sufficient space upon its face in immediate conjunction with the
above notice for the signature of each person obligated under
such instrument. The signature shall acknowledge that such person
has read the notice and received a legible copy of the document.
2. Exercise of the purchaser's right to rescission occurs
when the purchaser gives written notice to the subdivider or agent
at the address stated in the contract, agreement, or evidence
of indebtedness. Notice of rescission if given by mail is effective
when it is deposited in a mailbox properly addressed and postage
prepaid. A notice of rescission given by a purchaser need not
take a particular form and is sufficient if it indicates by any
form or written expression the intention of the purchaser not
to be bound by the contract, agreement or evidence of indebtedness.
3. No act of the purchaser shall be effective to waive
the right to rescind as provided in this Code.
ARTICLE V. GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 651. Administration of code -- Personal use of
information -- Privileges and immunities
A. This Code shall be administered by the Administrator
of the Department of Securities.
B. It is unlawful for the Administrator or any of his
officers or employees to use for personal benefit any information
which is filed with or obtained by the Administrator and which
is not generally available to the public. No provision of this
Code, except subsection D of Section 633 of this Code, either
creates or derogates from any privilege which exists at common
law or otherwise when documentary or other evidence is sought
under a subpoena directed to the Administrator or any of his officers
or employees.
§ 652. Disposition
A. Unless otherwise provided by law, the following are
the fees that shall be charged by the Administrator pursuant to
the Oklahoma Subdivided Land Sales Code. No additional fees shall
be assessed or charged pursuant to rule or regulation of the Administrator.
Once paid, such fees shall be nonrefundable.
1. Agent License registration fee or renewal fee................$30.00
2. Agent License examination fee......................................$30.00
3. Filing fee for advertising or promotional materials.........$10.00
4. Exemption notification filing fee....................................$250.00
5. Interpretive opinion or no-action request......................$250.00
6. Affidavit request.............................................................$10.00
7. Service of process upon the Administrator....................$10.00
8. Copying fee:
a. 8 1/2" by 14" or smaller................................................
$ .25 per page
b. Larger than 8 1/2" by 14".............................................$1.00
per page
c. Certified copy 8 1/2" by 14" or smaller.........................$1.00
per page
d. Certified copy larger than 8 1/2" by 14"........................$2.00
per page
9. Document search fee for commercial purpose..............$20.00
per hour
10. Initial application for registration of subdivided
land pursuant to Section 625 of this title:
11. Renewal application for registration of subdivided
land pursuant to Section 627 of this title:
a. Examination fee...........................................$250.00
b. Registration fee................ $1.00 per lot not
previously registered pursuant to the Initial Application or prior
Renewal Application filed pursuant to this Code.
12. Charges for an on-site examination of a subdivision
conducted pursuant to Section 627 of this title or of a licensed
agent pursuant to Section 633 of this title, shall be billed to
the person being examined at a rate of $25.00 per hour per employee
for the time spent by each Department employee in traveling to
and from the examination site, conducting the examination, and
preparing the examination report. In addition, the Department
shall be reimbursed for all such expenses incurred in conducting
such examinations, including travel expenses, per diem, lodging,
and other related expenses of Department employees conducting
the examination, the cost of supplies, materials, photocopying,
long distance telephone calls and postage; and costs of technical,
expert or special services required in connection with such examination.
B. All fees and other charges collected by the Administrator
pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the General Revenue
Fund except for the following fees and charges which shall be
deposited in the Oklahoma Securities Commission Revolving Fund
established pursuant to Section 412 of this title:
1. The fees collected pursuant to paragraphs 5, 6, 7,
8 and 9 of subsection A of this section;
2. The fees collected pursuant to the provisions of Sections
627 and 633 of this title as provided in paragraph 12 of subsection
A of this section;
3. The examination fees collected pursuant to subparagraph
a of paragraph 10 and subparagraph a of paragraph 11 of subsection
A of this section.
§ 653. Advertising
A. It is unlawful for any person, in connection with the
offer or disposition of subdivided land, to publish, circulate
or use any advertising concerning the subdivided land which contains:
1. Any untrue statement, omission or pictorial representation
of a material fact which under the circumstances makes the statement,
omission or pictorial representation misleading; or
2. Any statement which differs materially from the information
contained in a registration application or public offering statement.
B. All advertising except advertising relating to subdivided
land or transactions exempt pursuant to Sections 622 and 623 shall
be filed with the Administrator not later than ten (10) days prior
to its use and shall not be used until a copy thereof has been
approved for use by the Administrator, except advertising which
the Administrator exempts by rule or order. Any advertising filed
with the Administrator pursuant to this section shall be accompanied
by the filling fee specified in Section 652 of this title.
§ 654. Fraud -- Filing of documents and information
It is unlawful for any person to make or cause to be made, in
any document filed under this Code or in any proceeding under
this Code, any false or misleading statement in any material respect
or, in connection with such statement, to omit to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light
of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
§ 655. Presumptions -- Fraud -- Violations
Neither the fact that a registration statement or an application
for a license has been filed nor the fact that any subdivided
lands are registered or that any person is licensed constitutes
a finding by the Administrator that any document filed under this
Code is true, complete and not misleading. Neither any such fact
nor the fact that an exemption or exclusion is available for an
agent, subdivided land, or a transaction means that the Administrator
has passed in any way upon the merits or qualifications of, or
recommended or given approval to, any person, subdivided land
or transaction. It is unlawful to make, or cause to be made,
to any prospective purchaser, any representation inconsistent
with the foregoing.
§ 656. Power and duties of Administrator
A. The Administrator may:
1. Make such public or private investigations within
or without this state as he deems necessary to determine whether
any person has violated or is about to violate this Code or any
rule or order issued hereunder, or to aid in the enforcement of
this Code or in the prescribing of rules and forms hereunder;
2. Require or permit any person to file a statement in
writing, under oath or otherwise as the Administrator determines,
as to all of the facts and circumstances concerning the matter
being investigated;
3. Publish information concerning any violation of this
Code or any rule or order issued hereunder or concerning subdivided
lands, or practices in the disposition thereof, which appear or
tend to be unfair, inequitable or fraudulent; and
4. Hold hearings upon reasonable notice in respect of
any matter arising out of the administration of this Code.
B. For the purpose of any investigation, hearing or proceeding
under this Code, the Administrator or any officer designated by
him may administer oaths and affirmations,subpoena witnesses,
compel their attendance, take evidence and require the production
of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements or
other documents or records which the Administrator deems relevant
or material to the inquiry.
C. In case of contumacy by or refusal to obey a subpoena
issued to any person, the district court of Oklahoma County or
the district court in any other county where service can be obtained
on one or more of the defendants, upon application by the Administrator,
may issue to the person an order requiring him to appear before
the Administrator, or the officer designated by him, there to
produce documentary evidence if so ordered or to give evidence
touching the matter under investigation or in question. Failure
to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as
a contempt of court.
D. No person is excused from attending and testifying
or from producing any document or record before the Administrator,
or in obedience to the subpoena of the Administrator or any officer
designated by him, or in any proceeding instituted by the Administrator,
on the ground that the testimony or evidence required of him may
tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture;
but no individual may be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty
or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or
thing concerning which he is compelled, after claiming his privilege
against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, except
that the individual testifying is not exempt from prosecution
and punishment for perjury or contempt committed in testifying.
§ 657. Injunctions -- Intervention in suits involving
subdivided land
A. Whenever it appears to the Administrator that any person
has engaged or is about to engage in any act or practice constituting
a violation of this Code or any rule or order hereunder, he may
bring an action in the name of the state in the District Court
of Oklahoma County or the district court in any other county where
service can be obtained on one or more of the defendants to enjoin
the acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this Code
or any rule or order hereunder, or he may refer the matter to
the Attorney General or the district attorney of the appropriate
district. Upon a proper showing, the court may grant a permanent
or temporary injunction or restraining order, or may appoint a
receiver for the defendant or the defendant's assets or may order
rescission of any sales or purchases of subdivided lands determined
to be unlawful under this Code or any rule or order hereunder.
The court may not require the Administrator to post a bond.
B. The Administrator may intervene in a suit involving
subdivided land required to be registered under this Code. In
any suit by or against a subdivider or agent involving subdivided
lands required to be registered under this Code, the subdivider
or agent shall promptly furnish the Administrator with notice
of the suit and copies of all pleadings.
§ 658. Violation of Code -- Fines and Penalties
A. Any person who willfully violates any provision of
this Code except Section 654 of this title, or any rule under
this Code, or any order of which he has notice, or who violates
Section 654 of this title, knowing or having reasonable cause
to believe that the statement made was false or misleading in
any material respect, may be fined not more than Twenty-five Thousand
Dollars ($25,000.00) or imprisoned not more than three (3) years,
or both.
B. The Administrator may refer such evidence as is available
concerning violations of this Code or any rule or order hereunder
to the Attorney General or the district attorney of the appropriate
district, who may, with or without any reference, institute the
appropriate criminal proceedings. The Attorney General or district
attorney may designate and appoint one or more lawyers of the
Department of Securities as special assistants as available for
the purpose of assisting in or conducting all criminal prosecutions
arising by reason of proceedings under this section.
C. Nothing in this Code limits the power of the state
to punish any person for any conduct which constitutes a crime
under any other statute.
§ 659. Liability to purchaser -- Persons liable
-- Limitation of actions
A. Any person who:
1. Offers or disposes of subdivided land in violation
of Sections 621, 631 or 653 of this Code, or any rule relating
thereto, or any condition imposed under Sections 625 through 627
of this Code, or any order under this Code of which he has notice;
or
2. Offers or disposes of subdivided land by means of
any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission to state
a material fact necessary to make the statement, in light of the
circumstances under which it was made, not misleading, where the
purchaser is unaware of the untruth or omission; shall be liable
to the person purchasing the subdivided land from him. Such purchaser
may sue to recover the consideration paid for the subdivided land
and any taxes, assessments, membership fees or consideration of
a similar nature paid thereon or in connection therewith, together
with reasonable attorney fees and interest at the rate of ten
percent (10%) per year from the date of payment, less the amount
of any income received on the land, upon the tender of the land,
or for damages if he no longer owns the land. Damages are the
amount that would be recoverable upon a tender less the value
of the land when the purchaser disposed of it and interest at
a legal rate from the date of disposition. Tender shall require
only notice of willingness to exchange the land for the amount
specified. Any notice may be given by service as in civil actions
or by certified mail addressed to the last-known address of the
person liable.
B. 1. Every person who directly or indirectly controls
a subdivider who may be liable under this Code, every general
partner, officer or director of a subdivider, every person occupying
a similar status or performing a similar function, every employee
of the subdivider who materially aids in the disposition and every
agent who materially aids in the disposition is also liable jointly
and severally with and to the same extent as any person liable
under subsection A of this section, if he knew or in the exercise
of reasonable care should have known of the existence of the facts
by reason of which the liability is alleged to exist. There is
a right to contribution as in cases of contract among persons
so liable.
2. Every person whose occupation gives authority to a
statement which with his consent has been used in an application
for registration or public offering statement, if he is not
otherwise associated with the subdivision and development plan
in a material way, is liable only for false statements and omissions
in his statement if he knew or in the exercise of the reasonable
care of a person in his occupation should have known of the existence
of the facts by reason of which the liability is alleged to exist.
C. No action shall be maintained under this section unless
commenced before the expiration of five (5) years after the act
or transaction constituting the violation.
D. 1. No purchaser may commence an action under this section
if, before suit is commenced, the purchaser has received a written
offer stating the respect in which liability under this section
may have arisen, thoroughly advising the purchaser of his rights,
offering to repurchase the land or interest held by the purchaser
for cash on the same basis as provided in subsection A of this
section, payable on delivery of title to the land or other interest
therein or, if the purchaser no longer owns the land, offering
to pay the purchaser upon acceptance of the offer an amount in
cash equal to the damages computed in accordance with subsection
A of this section, and stating that the offer may be accepted
by the purchaser at any time within a specified period of not
less than sixty (60) days after the date of receipt thereof or
such shorter or longer period as the Administrator may by rule
prescribe, and the purchaser has failed to accept such offering
in writing within the specified period.
2. Offers shall be in the form and contain the information
the Administrator by rule prescribes. Every offer under this
subsection shall be delivered to the offeree or sent by certified
mail addressed to him at his last-known address. Notwithstanding
the provisions of this subsection, suit by the offeree for breach
of the terms in the offer pursuant to this section shall be permitted.
E. Any condition, stipulation or provision binding any
person acquiring any subdivided land to waive compliance with
any provision of this Code or any rule or order hereunder is void.
F. The rights and remedies under this Code are in addition
to any other rights or remedies that may exist at law or in equity.
§ 660. Summary prohibition of offers or dispositions
If the Administrator has reason to believe that any offer or disposition
of subdivided land required to be registered under this Code is
or would be fraudulent to purchasers, he may by order summarily
prohibit further offers or dispositions in this state of such
land until it is registered under this Code. If the Administrator
has reason to believe that any subdivided land is being offered
or disposed of in this state by any unlicensed person in violation
of this Code or any rule or order hereunder, he may by order summarily
prohibit such person from further offers or dispositions in this
state of such subdivided lands until he is licensed under this
Code.
§ 661. Review of orders
A. Any person aggrieved by final order of the Administrator
may obtain a review by the Commission by filing with the Administrator,
within fifteen (15) days after the entry of the order, a written
petition praying that the order be modified or set aside in whole
or in part and stating his ground therefor. The application and
petition shall within sixty (60) days be heard de novo by the
Commission en banc. The applicant may offer evidence and it shall
be the duty of the Administrator to offer such evidence as is
relied upon in the entry of his order and such further evidence
as he may deem relevant. Upon the written request of the party
on whose behalf the appeal is brought, or upon his own motion,
the Administrator shall cause complete stenographic notes to be
taken. If requested by the appealing party, the cost of taking
and transcribing such notes shall be borne by the said appealing
party. If such notes are taken upon the motion of the Administrator,
the cost shall be borne by the Commission. The Commission or
a majority thereof shall make such order as is deemed proper,
just and equitable.
B. Any person aggrieved by a final order of the Commission
may obtain a review of the order by the district court of Oklahoma
County.
C. The commencement of proceedings under this section
before the Commission shall not operate as a stay of the Administrator's
order, unless so ordered by the Commission. The commencement
of proceedings under this section before the district court shall
not operate as a stay of the Commission order, unless so ordered
by the court.
§ 662. Rules, forms and orders -- Making, amending
or rescinding -- Exemption from liability
A. The Administrator may make, amend and rescind any rules,
forms and orders that are necessary to carry out this Code, including
rules and forms governing applications for registration or licensing,
reports and defining any terms, whether or not used in this Code,
insofar as the definitions are not inconsistent with this Code.
For the purpose of rules and forms, the Administrator may classify
subdivided lands, persons and matters within his jurisdiction,
and prescribe different requirements for different classes.
B. No rule, form or order may be made, amended or rescinded
unless the Administrator finds that the action is necessary or
appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of purchasers.
In prescribing rules and forms, the Administrator may cooperate
with regulatory agencies of other units of government with a view
to achieving maximum uniformity in the form and content of registration
statements, applications and reports wherever practicable.
C. The Administrator may by rule or order prescribe the
form and content of financial statements required under this Code,
the circumstances under which consolidated financial statements
shall be filed and whether any required financial statements shall
be certified by independent or certified public accountants.
All financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting practices unless otherwise permitted
by rule or order.
D. No provision of this Code imposing any liability applies
to any act done or omitted in good faith and conformity with any
rule, form or order of the Administrator, notwithstanding that
the rule, form or order may later be amended or rescinded or be
determined to be invalid for any reason.
E. All rules and forms of the Administrator shall be published.
§ 663. Filing of documents -- Register -- Inspection
-- Copies -- Interpretative opinions
A. A document is filed when it is received by the Administrator.
B. The Administrator shall keep a register of all licenses
and registration statements which are or have been effective under
this Code and all denial, suspension or revocation orders which
have been entered under this Code. The register shall be open
for public inspection.
C. The information contained in or filed with any application
for registration, licensing or report shall be made available
to the public in accordance with rules prescribed by the Administrator.
D. Subject to the provisions of subsection D of Section
633 of this Code, the Administrator upon request shall furnish
to any person at a reasonable charge photostatic or other copies,
certified under his seal of office, if certification is requested,
of any entry in the register or any order on file in his office.
Any copy so certified is admissible in evidence in trials and
other proceedings.
E. The Administrator may honor requests from interested
persons for interpretative opinions.
§ 664. Consent to service of process -- Service
A. Every applicant for a license or registration under
this Code shall file with the Administrator, in such form as he
by rule prescribes, an irrevocable consent appointing the Administrator
or his successor in office to be his attorney to receive service
of any lawful process in any noncriminal suit, action or proceeding
against him or his successor, executor or administrator which
arises under this Code or any rule or order issued hereunder after
the consent has been filed, with the same validity as if served
personally on the person filing the consent. The consent need
not be filed by a person who has filed a consent in connection
with a previous registration or license which is then in effect.
Service may be made by leaving a copy of the process in the office
of the Administrator, but is not effective unless the plaintiff,
who may be the Administrator in the suit, action or proceeding
instituted by him, promptly sends notice of the service and a
copy of the process by registered or certified mail to the defendant
or respondent at his last address on file with the Administrator,
and the plaintiff's affidavit of compliance with this subsection
is filed in the case on or before the return of the process, or
within such time as the court allows.
B. When any person, including any nonresident in this
state, engages in conduct prohibited or made actionable by this
Code or any rule or order hereunder, and he has not filed a consent
to service of process under subsection A of this section and personal
jurisdiction over him cannot otherwise be obtained in this state,
that conduct shall be considered equivalent to his appointment
of the Administrator to be his attorney to receive service of
any lawful process in any noncriminal suit, action or proceeding
against him or his successor, executor or administrator which
arises out of that conduct and which is brought under this Code
or any rule or order hereunder, with the same validity as if served
on him personally. Service may be made by leaving a copyof the
process in the office of the Administrator, but it is not effective
unless the plaintiff, who may be the Administrator in a suit,
action or proceeding instituted by him, promptly sends notice
of the service and a copy of the process by registered or certified
mail to the defendant or respondent at his last-known address
or takes other steps which are reasonably calculated to give actual
notice, and the plaintiff's affidavit of compliance with this
subsection is filed in the case on or before the return day of
the process or within such time as the court allows.
C. When process is served under this section, the court
or the Administrator in a proceeding before him, shall order such
continuance as is necessary to afford the defendant or respondent
reasonable opportunity to defend.
§ 665. Dispositions and offers -- Application of
law -- Acceptance
A. The provisions of this Code concerning dispositions
and offers to dispose of subdivided land apply when a disposition
or offer to dispose is made in this state or when an offer to
purchase is made and accepted in this state. An offer to dispose
includes solicitation of any offer to purchase. The provisions
concerning purchases and offers to purchase apply when a purchase
or offer to purchase is made in this state or an offer to dispose
is made and accepted in this state.
B. For the purpose of this section, an offer to dispose
or to purchase subdivided land is made in this state, whether
or not either party is then present in this state, when the offer
originates from this state or is directed by the offeror to this
state and received by the offeree in this state, but, for the
purpose of Section 621 of this Code, an offer to dispose which
is not directed to or received by the offeree in this state is
not made in this state. An offer which is made to or accepted
by a person who has been induced to travel from this state for
the purpose of receiving the offer or making the acceptance shall
be deemed to have been made or accepted in this state.
C. For the purpose of this section, an offer to purchase
or dispose is accepted in this state when acceptance is communicated
to the offeror in this state. Acceptance is communicated to the
offeror in this state, whether or not either party is then present,
when the offeree directs the acceptance to the offeror in this
state reasonably believing the offeror to be in this state and
the acceptance is received by the offeror in this state.
D. An offer to dispose or to purchase subdivided land
is not made in this state when the publisher circulates or there
is circulated on his behalf in this state any bona fide newspaper
or other publication of general, regular and paid circulation
which is not published in this state, or when a radio or television
program originating outside this state is received in this state.
§ 666. Liens and encumbrances
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, nothing contained
herein shall apply to or invalidate the lien of a mortgagee who
is not affiliated with the subdivider, when such lien attaches
to land pledged as collateral in a transaction negotiated directly
with the purchaser.
§ 667. Construction of act
Article headings contained herein shall not be deemed to govern,
limit or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of
the provisions of any article or section hereof.
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