Welcome to Development Now
January 2021
–
32 Median Days
to receive a Commercial Building Permit
DOWN from 51 Days
–
20 Median Days
to receive a Residential Building Permit
DOWN from 27 Days
–
16 Median Days
to receive a WSD Permit
DOWN from 22 Days
–
22 Median Days
to receive a Zoning Permit
DOWN from 26 Days
–
2 Median Days
to receive a Sidewalk
or Driveway Permit
UP from 1 Day

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Development Services Online FAQ’s

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Development Services has created an online FAQ to answer commonly asked questions regarding applying and receiving permits online.

Can all permits be applied for online? Commercial Priority review, Commercial Repair, Certificate of Occupancy, Residential Repair, and Demolition permit applications cannot be filed online. If applying for one of these types of permits, please email the application and plans to cotdevsvcs@cityoftulsa.org.

Why can’t I find my address in the Portal? When searching an address online, it is important to search by street name and number. Additional details such as, street type, unit/suite, City and State is not necessary and will not locate the address in the system.

Why do I get an error message when trying to submit my online application? The following are reasons an error message may appear when trying to submit permit applications online:
  • Check your browser: The CSS Portal is compatible with Internet Explorer. The use of any other browser may result in system errors and/or non-submittals. 
  • Check the description fields: A maximum of 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation, is allowed in application description fields. Description fields exceeding 50 characters will result in system errors and/or non-submittals.
  • Required Fields: Required fields are marked with asterisks (**) and appear red when the information is incorrect or left incomplete. This will also result in system errors and/or non-submittals.

Why can’t I login to the portal after registering online? New accounts require permit center approval. Account approvals take up to one business day.

I am locked out of my account, what should I do? Please wait 15 minutes for the account to unlock before attempting to login. Any attempt to login before the 15 minutes has passed will extend the wait time an additional 15 minutes.

Does the City perform Monday inspections? Monday inspections must be called in on the previous Friday. Please call (918) 596-9656 for assistance.

How can I pick up a permit that was applied for in person? If you need to pick up a permit that was applied for in person, please call (918) 596-9456. A permit specialist will create an invoice that you can pay online and will provide your plans electronically, either by email or on the portal.

Can I make an online deposit to my Escrow Account? Deposits cannot be made through the portal. If you need to make a deposit into your account, please mail a check to City of Tulsa Permit Center, 175 E. 2nd St., Ste. 450, Tulsa, OK 74103.

If you have questions or need assistance accessing or navigating the City of Tulsa’s online portal, please contact Development Services Liaison Ashley Chaney at achaney@cityoftulsa.org or (918) 596-5527.
Outdoor Heater Permits

Outdoor dining options have become key options for restaurant owners and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many restaurants are looking for ways to keep their outdoor dining spaces operational during the winter months. Proper heating elements are essential to provide warmth to customers and outdoor heaters are a versatile option for heating outdoor spaces. The following is a list of frequently asked questions regarding permitting requirements for outdoor heaters.

What is the permit requirement for permanent outdoor heaters? Permanent heaters must be installed with a ‘Mechanical: New permit’ type and require installation by a licensed mechanical contractor and inspected by Inspection Services. A permit for gas and/or electric serving the heater will be required by a licensed electrical, plumbing or mechanical contractor.

What if I am replacing an existing heater? A change out of an existing heater requires New: Mechanical permit only.

How long will it take to receive my outdoor heater permit? This permit type is processed rather quickly as permitting can be done online and does not require review. The installation timeline and process will depend on the owner and contractor.

Is there a permit requirement for a temporary/portable heater? No, there is no permitting requirement for portable heaters. The Fire Marshal regulates portable heaters to make sure they’re being used properly. Please contact the Fire Marshal at firemarshal@cityoftulsa.org for a courtesy consultation or walk-through for portable heater safety.

Can a temporary/portable heater be used in an enclosed space? No, temporary/portable heaters are not allowed in enclosed or covered spaces.

Which sidewalk cafés, patios and parklets can install portable heaters? Any sidewalk café, patio or parklet that has been permitted through the Tulsa Planning Office at INCOG and does not have an enclosed or covered space can install portable heaters.

For more information please contact Development Services Liaison, Ashley Chaney at (918)596-5527 or achaney@cityoftulsa.org .
Medical Marijuana Permit and Inspection Applications

Applicants should be aware of additional permit requirements for certain medical marijuana uses. The current medical marijuana permits from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) are for retail medical marijuana dispensaries, medical marijuana growing facilities (horticulture nursery), and medical marijuana processing (industrial low, medium, and high impact). Designating the type of use accurately on the permit application is crucial to gain a Certificate of Occupancy quickly and without delays. Additional work to a facility may require separate electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits. Please contact a City of Tulsa Licensing and Permit representative at (918) 596-9456 or cotdevsvcs@cityoftulsa.org for additional information.

Common deficiencies that delay the construction, inspection and Certificate of Occupancy process are:
  • Building out alterations with the incorrect materials for the construction type
  • Installing unprotected spray foam insulation
  • Alterations not built according to proposed plan
  • Electrical work and the installation of ductless mini splits without a permit
  • Gaining access for inspection on the project

In addition, medical marijuana grow and processing facilities require a letter from an Oklahoma mechanical engineer certifying the ventilation requirements per the 2015 IMC Section 105.2 as an alternative design. The 2015 IMC does not address the ventilation requirements for medical marijuana. Medical marijuana dispensaries (retail) do not require a mechanical engineer’s letter.

If you have any questions regarding permit or Inspection requirements, please contact the City of Tulsa Permit Center at (918)596-9456 or cotdevsvcs@cityoftulsa.org for additional information.  
Residential Driveway Construction Permits

Deciding to modify or replace a driveway can be more complex than many homeowners expect. Time constraints, particularly those due to weather, often determine when to move forward with construction. The permit approval process also plays a big role and should be considered to avoid project delays.

The following requirements are essential when considering a driveway construction project:

  • Driveway construction projects can require two permits:
  1. A “zoning clearance only” permit for the driveway on the property
  2. A sidewalk/driveway permit for the driveway approach in the Right of Way (ROW).
  • Any modification to a previously approved driveway requires additional zoning clearance review and approval. Application for a zoning clearance only permit can be submitted through the online portal. 
  • Permits for new houses and additions have already included a zoning clearance review of driveways. Separate sidewalk permits are often required; contact Jerry Dailey at jdailey@cityoftulsa.org or (918) 596-9630.

Driveways serving residential dwelling units in RS and RE zoning districts may not exceed 50% of the lot frontage or the following maximum widths, unless approved in accordance with the special exception, or, if in a PUD, in accordance with the amendment procedures of Section 30.010-I.2. (Refer to the City of Tulsa Standard Specifications and Details for Residential Driveways #701-704).
[1] Maximum width applies to the composite of all driveways if multiple curb cuts are provided.
[2] Provided that for lot frontages less than 24 feet, a driveway up to 12 feet in width is permitted

  • Contractors are required to have a current Sidewalk and Driveway Bond
  • The contractor must have a Sidewalk and Driveway permit in hand BEFORE starting construction
  • Contractors must call inspector listed on permit 24 hours before pouring a driveway to request an inspection of the driveway forms and subbase.

If you have any questions regarding driveway permits, please contact Jerry Dailey at jdailey@cityoftulsa.org or (918) 596-9630. 
Site and Landscape Plan Criteria
All building permit applications for sites requiring landscaping must include a landscape plan, providing at least the following information:

  • The date, scale, and north arrow;
  • The location of property lines and dimensions of the site;
  • Public rights-of-way, including distance from centerline of abutting right-of-way to proposed structures;
  • The location, size and type (tree, shrub, ground cover) of proposed landscaping and the location and size of the proposed landscape areas including total landscaped area provided on the site;
  • Planting details and/or specifications;
  • The proposed irrigation plan for each required landscape area;
  • The location of all proposed drives, alleys, parking and other site improvements;
  • Other information as required by the development administrator.
All zoning clearance permit applications must be accompanied by a legal description of the lot and plans drawn to scale, providing at least the following information:

  • The actual shape and dimension of the lot and names of abutting streets;
  • The location, size and height of any existing and proposed buildings, including the distance to lot lines;
  • Public rights-of-way, including distance from centerline of abutting right-of-way to proposed structures;
  • Location and dimensions of driveway and parking areas;
  • Include all architectural projections; i.e. stairs, porches, balconies, fireplaces, etc.;
  • Other information as required by the development administrator.
For questions regarding site and landscape plan criteria, please contact a City of Tulsa Licensing and Permit Representative at (918) 596-9456 or cotdevsvcs@cityoftulsa.org.
Developments Services Department
175 E. 2nd Street, Suite 450
(918)-596-9456