Oklahoma Shed Permits: The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest. 

Figuring out what kind of shed permit you need in Oklahoma can be complex. Yet, here at OK Structures, we want to make the process as easy as possible. So let us help you figure out the process of getting the shed permit you may need. 

Do All Sheds Need A Permit In Oklahoma?

No. Not all sheds in the state of Oklahoma need a building permit. 

In most cases, if your shed is one story and under 200 square feet, no permit is needed. This ruling would also include Horse Barns, Garages, Cabins, and Carports. 

We do recommend that you check with your local municipality to make sure that they do not have a different guideline that must be adhered to.

How Big Of A Shed Requires A Permit In OK?

Anything over 200 square feet will require you to have a building permit.

Now having said this, you could possibly apply for a variance if your shed is only slightly larger than 200 square feet. For example, if your shed is going to be a 12×20, you may be able to request that an exception be permitted and void needing a permit. On the other hand, it would probably take just as long to file a variance instead of a permit. 

Who Should I Talk About My Shed Permit In Oklahoma?

We recommend that you contact the following 3 entities about your shed permits:

Your HOA

If you live in an HOA neighborhood, they may have governance about what your shed can look like. This may include siding material, approved colors, approved roofing, and other items. We recommend starting with your HOA approval because they will typically be the biggest hurdle in approving the shed that you want. 

Your Municipality 

Your municipality is the governing body of your local residence; this could be a borough, township, city, or some other name. Most of the time, these local governing bodies will issue you the shed permit. In many cases, this organization would be the governing body that permits the building or allow variances. Below you will find a table of cities linking to their building permit application to get started.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Norman, OK?

In Norman, building permits are required for structures that include a permanent foundation. This includes sheds and similar accessory buildings. To determine if your specific project requires a permit, you can contact the City of Norman’s Official Website.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Broken Arrow, OK?

The City of Broken Arrow requires permits for any type of structure being built within the city. This includes sheds and accessory buildings. For more information on the permitting process, you can visit the city’s Permitting & Licensing page.​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Lawton, OK?

In Lawton, building permits are generally required for new construction, alterations, and additions to existing structures. While specific information about shed permits isn’t detailed, we recommend you contact the License and Permits Division to determine if your shed project requires a permit. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Moore, OK?

The City of Moore requires building permits for most residential improvements, including sheds and accessory buildings. If you’re uncertain whether your project requires a permit, you can visit the City of Moore’s Inspections Department.

Do I need a Shed Permit in Midwest City, OK?

Midwest City mandates that a permit is required for all residential accessory buildings, regardless of size. This ensures that such structures are not placed over building setback lines, utility easements, or in flood-prone areas. For more details, you can visit Midwest City’s Permits & Building Inspections Division website. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Stillwater, OK?

In Stillwater, a building permit is required for any structural construction, alteration, demolition, remodel, or reconstruction. This includes accessory structures such as sheds. To obtain a permit, you need to complete an application form and submit it to the Development Services office. For more information, visit the city’s Building Permits page. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Owasso, OK?

In Owasso, if a storage shed is placed on skids, it does not require a permit but must adhere to setback requirements, staying off easements and maintaining a minimum setback of ten feet from any side or rear lot lines. However, if the shed will have a foundation, a building permit is required. For additional information, contact the municipality’s Building Services Division. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Bartlesville, OK?

Bartlesville requires a building permit for any structural construction, including accessory buildings such as storage sheds. Before beginning any work, we suggest you check with the municipality’s Building Services Division to determine if a permit is required for your specific project. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Muskogee, OK?

In Muskogee, a permit is required for all new structures, including sheds. Additionally, a permit is required anytime an addition or structural change is made to an existing building. For more information on the building permit process, contact Muskogee’s Building Inspection Service webpage. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Comanche, OK?

The City of Comanche’s Building Permits and Inspections Department is responsible for permitting all construction, including accessory structures like sheds. To obtain a permit, you can download the necessary forms from the city’s Building Permits and Inspections website.

Your County 

Depending on what part of Oklahoma you live in, your county building office may be the best place to start getting your permit. Not all areas have a local government if that population is small or if the county is small. If they are not able to give you the permit, they would be able to help you know who to contact in the local government to get the permit. Below is a table of counties in Oklahoma linking to their building permit application to get started.

Do I need a Shed Permit in Oklahoma County, OK?

In unincorporated areas of Oklahoma County, building permits are required for all property improvements, including the construction of outbuildings such as sheds. Building must commence within six months of permit approval and be completed within two years. For more information and to access permit applications, visit the county’s Building Permits & Forms page. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Tulsa County, OK?

Tulsa County issues building permits only for unincorporated areas. Permits are required for all property improvements, including new structures like sheds. To apply for a permit or for more information, visit the county’s official website. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Canadian County, OK?

In unincorporated areas of Canadian County, building permits are generally not required for structures unless they are within a county-maintained right-of-way or a FEMA-identified Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If your shed project falls within these areas, a permit is necessary. For more details, contact the county’s Permit Office via their official website. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Rogers County, OK?

Rogers County requires building permits for all residential and commercial permanent structures, including sheds, throughout the county. The county adheres to the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code. For permit applications and further information, visit the Rogers County Planning Commission’s official website. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Wagoner County, OK?

Wagoner County mandates building permits for various structures, including sheds. Applicants must submit necessary documents such as a copy of the filed deed, DEQ paperwork, and construction plans. For detailed requirements and to apply, visit the county’s Building Permit page. ​

Do I need a Shed Permit in Pottawatomie COunty, OK?

Pottawatomie County offers online services for permits and contractor licenses. Residents can apply for permits, view inspections, and check real-time statuses through the county’s online portal. For more information and to access these services, visit the Pottawatomie County Permits and Contractor License website. ​

What Is the Penalty of Not Having A Shed Permit? 

Without having a shed permit in Oklahoma, your shed typically results in fines of up to $500 a day. In some circumstances, you could have your shed demolished. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to shed permits.

How Much Does A Shed Permit Cost?

Shed permits will cost you anywhere from $25 per shed permit up to $180 per shed permit depending on what county of Oklahoma you live in. Some counties have additional costs depending on the construction materials that you use to build your shed.

All in all, a shed permit is relatively affordable and will prevent you from receiving fines or needing to start your project over again. 

Other Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is My Shed Permit Valid For In Oklahoma? 

In the state of Oklahoma, your shed permit will be valid for 6 months or longer. The range of permit length is heavily dependent on the county in which you live. If you have specific questions on what your area allows for.

Can An HOA Deny My Shed?

Unfortunately, yes. 

HOAs typically have strict rules on the sheds allowed within the neighborhood. This is why we think talking with your HOA before you purchase your shed is very important. 

If you are worried about being able to find a shed that fits all the specifications of your HOA, try out our 3D Shed builder and get it to fit the exact specs. 

Do I Need A Shed Foundation For A Shed Permit?

You do not need a shed pad foundation for your shed. The only time your shed would need a foundation is if it is not built on a skid system. However, all of the sheds that are built without skids will require you to have a foundation system in place. 

If I Have A Shed Permit, Can I Build The Shed Myself?

It’s possible to build your own shed with a shed permit. However, the shed permit needs to include approval of building plans as a part of the shed permit policy. In some cases, you may need a separate permit for building the shed itself.

Are There Specific Areas I Must Put My Shed?

The location of your shed will depend on your municipality’s rules and regulations. In most cases, the shed will need to be located a certain distance away from the property line as well as power lines. 

If you live on a large amount of acreage or are outside of the city limits most times, the concerns will not be something to worry about. However, they can become something that needs to be focused on when within neighborhoods or tight spaces.  

Do I Need To Have My Shed Inspected After It Has Been Placed?

Most of the time with prebuilt sheds, you do not need to have an inspection of the shed. Yet, if you build your own shed that is greater than 200 square feet you may be subject to having an inspection of the building. 

It may also depend on what you intend to use your shed for as to whether or not you need it to be inspected. If you plan to use it simply as storage no inspection should be required. Although, if you plan to use it for living purposes or as a business structure, you may be subject to different kinds of inspections.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, here is what you should take away from this blog. If your shed will be over 200 square feet, be prepared for your shed to require some kind of permit. That permit can be $50-$180 depending on what Oklahoma county you live in and should be valid for at least 6 months.

Permits should be obtained from your municipal or county government office.

In most cases, you will need your shed to be away from your property line by a few feet. So long as you do not intend on using your shed for living quarters and it is under the maximum limit you should not need to have your shed inspected after installation. 

Most importantly make sure your HOA and local government approve your shed before purchasing, or you could end up with fines or a stop-build order. 

Once you are ready to get your shed, contact us we would love to help you find the building that fits your needs the best!

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