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Oklahoma City Building Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Oklahoma City’s skyline is climbing — data centers along I-35, mixed-use towers downtown, and custom homes in Deer Creek are all vying for the same inspectors and plan reviewers. If you’re a GC, architect, trade contractor, or residential builder, mastering the Oklahoma City building permit playbook is the fastest way to keep your projects on track and your cash flow as forecasted.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Oklahoma City permitting. You’ll learn which projects trigger a permit, the exact documents reviewers want on the first pass, how much you should budget for fees, and the step-by-step path from application to final inspection.
Simplify permitting in Oklahoma City with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City permits are necessary for various construction activities to make sure everything is safe and follows building codes.
Projects that usually need a building permit include:
- Constructing, altering, repairing, enlarging, moving, or demolishing any primary or accessory structure
- Installing or replacing electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, driveway, or fire suppression systems
- Installing storm shelters, whether above or below ground
- Building or modifying fences
- Replacing water heaters (requires a plumbing permit; permits can only be issued to licensed contractors)
- Performing any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work (must be done by licensed contractors)
Do I need a permit to screen in my porch?
Yes, you usually need a building permit in Oklahoma City to enclose an existing porch. This kind of work changes the structure and has to follow building codes. You might also need a zoning permit to make sure your project fits the local zoning rules.
Oklahoma City building permit costs
The cost of building permits in Oklahoma City varies based on the scope and nature of the project. Permit fees are typically calculated based on factors such as project valuation, square footage, and specific trade work involved. Here’s an overview of these costs:
Residential projects
| Fee Type |
Amount |
| Minimum permit fee |
$75.00 |
| New residential construction |
$0.16 per sq. ft. |
| Accessory agricultural building (Elec. Only) |
$0.05 per sq. ft. |
| Alterations / Repairs (Min.) |
$75.00 |
| Alterations / Repairs (Per $1,000) |
$6.00 |
| Plan review fee |
50% of total permit fee (max $2,750) |
| Pre-manufactured in-ground tornado shelter |
$70.00 |
| Above-ground tornado shelter |
$0.16 per sq. ft. (min $75) |
| Insulation installation |
$0.03 per sq. ft. |
| Insulation contractor registration |
$100 annually |
| Building contractor registration |
$100 annually |
Commercial projects
| Fee Type |
Amount |
| Minimum permit fee |
$75.00 |
| Warehouse construction |
$0.19 per sq. ft. |
| Commercial / Office / Industrial bldg. |
$0.28 per sq. ft. |
| Alterations / Repairs (Min.) |
$75.00 |
| Alterations / Repairs (Per $1,000) |
$6.00 |
| Plan review fee |
50% of total permit fee (max $2,750) |
| Pre-construction meeting |
$400.00 |
| Building plan review (Pre-submission) |
$135.20 |
Additional fees
| Fee Type |
Amount |
| Ok uniform building code fee |
$0.50 per permit |
| Swimming pool / Hot tub permit |
$75.00 |
| Occupancy certificate |
$25.00 |
| Additional copy of occupancy certificate |
$1.25 each |
| Reinspection / Trip fee |
$50.00 |
| Temporary certificate of occupancy |
$200.00 |
| After-hours inspection |
$140.00 |
| Consultation |
$80.00 |
| Address change admin fee |
$43.00 |
| Photovoltaic system permit |
$76.80 |
| Mobile home park permit |
$390 + $5 per lot |
For more information, refer to the official Building Permit Fees page.
How to get a building permit in Oklahoma City
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Before starting your project, check whether it requires a building permit. Details on the Development Services Department’s website are limited, so you may have to call or email the department for guidance.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
Gather all required documents, which include:
- Site plan (to scale, showing structures, setbacks, etc.)
- Construction plans (architectural + structural)
- Foundation plan (stamped by licensed OK engineer/architect)
- Proof of ownership (deed or notarized permission
- Stormwater management plan (if disturbing ≥1 acre)
- Carbon monoxide alarm compliance (residential only)
- Drainage calculations (for site runoff control)
- Fire Marshal approval (for commercial/larger projects)
- Zoning approval
- Contractor licenses
Step 3: Submit application
Submit your Oklahoma City building permit application and supporting documents through the Permit Portal. This online system allows you to apply for permits, track application status, and schedule inspections.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
The Development Services Department will review your application and plans to see if they comply with building codes and regulations.
Step 5: Permit issuance
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your building permit. Ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site as required.
Step 6: Inspections
Schedule required inspections to verify that work complies with approved plans and codes. Normal inspection hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
You can schedule building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing inspections:
- Online
- With an automated phone system (IVR) at (405) 316-5656
- Via text message (SelecTXT)
Oklahoma City permitting resources
To get more information, check out the resources below:
Streamline Oklahoma City permitting with PermitFlow
Permitting in OKC can feel like a full-time job — different forms for each trade, plan review quirks, and fee tables that shift every year. PermitFlow turns that headache into a hands-off task so your crew can stay on the jobsite.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles permit preparation, submission, and tracking across all municipalities you build in.
With PermitFlow you get:
- Expert permitting assistance: Our team knows Oklahoma City's permit requirements, so your applications are done right and efficiently.
- Everything organized: Keep track of all your permits from one dashboard.
- Quicker approvals: We make sure your submission is correct from the start, so you get your permit faster.
Don't let permit problems slow down your business. Contact us to see how we can help with your next project in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City’s skyline is climbing — data centers along I-35, mixed-use towers downtown, and custom homes in Deer Creek are all vying for the same inspectors and plan reviewers. If you’re a GC, architect, trade contractor, or residential builder, mastering the Oklahoma City building permit playbook is the fastest way to keep your projects on track and your cash flow as forecasted.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Oklahoma City permitting. You’ll learn which projects trigger a permit, the exact documents reviewers want on the first pass, how much you should budget for fees, and the step-by-step path from application to final inspection.
Simplify permitting in Oklahoma City with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City permits are necessary for various construction activities to make sure everything is safe and follows building codes.
Projects that usually need a building permit include:
- Constructing, altering, repairing, enlarging, moving, or demolishing any primary or accessory structure
- Installing or replacing electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, driveway, or fire suppression systems
- Installing storm shelters, whether above or below ground
- Building or modifying fences
- Replacing water heaters (requires a plumbing permit; permits can only be issued to licensed contractors)
- Performing any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work (must be done by licensed contractors)
Do I need a permit to screen in my porch?
Yes, you usually need a building permit in Oklahoma City to enclose an existing porch. This kind of work changes the structure and has to follow building codes. You might also need a zoning permit to make sure your project fits the local zoning rules.
Oklahoma City building permit costs
The cost of building permits in Oklahoma City varies based on the scope and nature of the project. Permit fees are typically calculated based on factors such as project valuation, square footage, and specific trade work involved. Here’s an overview of these costs:
Residential projects
| Fee Type |
Amount |
| Minimum permit fee |
$75.00 |
| New residential construction |
$0.16 per sq. ft. |
| Accessory agricultural building (Elec. Only) |
$0.05 per sq. ft. |
| Alterations / Repairs (Min.) |
$75.00 |
| Alterations / Repairs (Per $1,000) |
$6.00 |
| Plan review fee |
50% of total permit fee (max $2,750) |
| Pre-manufactured in-ground tornado shelter |
$70.00 |
| Above-ground tornado shelter |
$0.16 per sq. ft. (min $75) |
| Insulation installation |
$0.03 per sq. ft. |
| Insulation contractor registration |
$100 annually |
| Building contractor registration |
$100 annually |
Commercial projects
| Fee Type |
Amount |
| Minimum permit fee |
$75.00 |
| Warehouse construction |
$0.19 per sq. ft. |
| Commercial / Office / Industrial bldg. |
$0.28 per sq. ft. |
| Alterations / Repairs (Min.) |
$75.00 |
| Alterations / Repairs (Per $1,000) |
$6.00 |
| Plan review fee |
50% of total permit fee (max $2,750) |
| Pre-construction meeting |
$400.00 |
| Building plan review (Pre-submission) |
$135.20 |
Additional fees
| Fee Type |
Amount |
| Ok uniform building code fee |
$0.50 per permit |
| Swimming pool / Hot tub permit |
$75.00 |
| Occupancy certificate |
$25.00 |
| Additional copy of occupancy certificate |
$1.25 each |
| Reinspection / Trip fee |
$50.00 |
| Temporary certificate of occupancy |
$200.00 |
| After-hours inspection |
$140.00 |
| Consultation |
$80.00 |
| Address change admin fee |
$43.00 |
| Photovoltaic system permit |
$76.80 |
| Mobile home park permit |
$390 + $5 per lot |
For more information, refer to the official Building Permit Fees page.
How to get a building permit in Oklahoma City
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Before starting your project, check whether it requires a building permit. Details on the Development Services Department’s website are limited, so you may have to call or email the department for guidance.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
Gather all required documents, which include:
- Site plan (to scale, showing structures, setbacks, etc.)
- Construction plans (architectural + structural)
- Foundation plan (stamped by licensed OK engineer/architect)
- Proof of ownership (deed or notarized permission
- Stormwater management plan (if disturbing ≥1 acre)
- Carbon monoxide alarm compliance (residential only)
- Drainage calculations (for site runoff control)
- Fire Marshal approval (for commercial/larger projects)
- Zoning approval
- Contractor licenses
Step 3: Submit application
Submit your Oklahoma City building permit application and supporting documents through the Permit Portal. This online system allows you to apply for permits, track application status, and schedule inspections.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
The Development Services Department will review your application and plans to see if they comply with building codes and regulations.
Step 5: Permit issuance
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your building permit. Ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site as required.
Step 6: Inspections
Schedule required inspections to verify that work complies with approved plans and codes. Normal inspection hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
You can schedule building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing inspections:
- Online
- With an automated phone system (IVR) at (405) 316-5656
- Via text message (SelecTXT)
Oklahoma City permitting resources
To get more information, check out the resources below:
Streamline Oklahoma City permitting with PermitFlow
Permitting in OKC can feel like a full-time job — different forms for each trade, plan review quirks, and fee tables that shift every year. PermitFlow turns that headache into a hands-off task so your crew can stay on the jobsite.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles permit preparation, submission, and tracking across all municipalities you build in.
With PermitFlow you get:
- Expert permitting assistance: Our team knows Oklahoma City's permit requirements, so your applications are done right and efficiently.
- Everything organized: Keep track of all your permits from one dashboard.
- Quicker approvals: We make sure your submission is correct from the start, so you get your permit faster.
Don't let permit problems slow down your business. Contact us to see how we can help with your next project in Oklahoma City.
