Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Oklahoma City Plumbing Permit Ordinances
In Oklahoma City, plumbing work, including the installation or replacement of plumbing systems and water heaters, requires a permit. These permits can only be issued to contractors who are licensed in the State of Oklahoma and registered with the City of Oklahoma City. All electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work must be performed by licensed contractors, and a permit must be obtained before any work begins.
1. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
The Oklahoma City Development Services Department is the Authority Having Jurisdiction responsible for issuing permits and enforcing building regulations, including those for plumbing. You can contact them at 420 W Main St, 8th Floor, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, or by phone at (405) 297-2948 for trade permits.
2. Local Zoning and Fee Nuances
Plumbing permit fees are established in Chapter 60, the General Schedule of Fees, within the Oklahoma City Municipal Code. While specific fee amounts are not detailed in the provided search results, it is noted that fees are calculated based on the scope and nature of the project. Additionally, development impact fees may be assessed based on new or additional square footage, which help fund infrastructure growth in Oklahoma City.
The city has adopted the International Plumbing Code, 2018, with Oklahoma City Supplements for Plumbing. Permits are required for maintenance or repair work where plumbing is altered or rearranged. The Chief Plumbing Inspector has the authority to refuse to issue a permit if the proposed plumbing work is deemed unsafe or not in accordance with the Code.
Resources to Learn More
Because Oklahoma City is located within Oklahoma County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Oklahoma, Oklahoma County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Oklahoma County Plumbing Permit Requirements
Oklahoma County is responsible for issuing building permits for properties located in unincorporated areas only. Permits are required for all property improvements, including additions, mobile home placements, and the construction of outbuildings. Work must commence within six months of permit approval and be completed within two years, or a new permit will be necessary. All fees are non-refundable.
- Contractor Licensing: All plumbing contractors, journeymen, and apprentices must be licensed by the State of Oklahoma. Additionally, all trade contractors must be registered with Oklahoma County before beginning any work.
- Required Documents: Applications typically require two copies of the property deed, any easements, a percolation/soil test, a site plan, a floor plan, and a footing/foundation plan stamped by a licensed professional engineer or architect (for single-family homes and alterations over 50% of the original home). A stormwater site development plan may also be required for land disturbance of one acre or greater.
- Permit Fees: Plumbing permits generally have a base fee that includes a set number of inspections (e.g., ground, rough, final). Re-inspections and other specific services may incur additional charges.
- Inspections: Required inspections must be scheduled in advance, typically by 4:30 p.m. the day prior to the requested inspection. Failure to complete required inspections may prevent the issuance of a final building permit or certificate of occupancy.
- Property Identification: A new property address will be assigned by county staff during permit processing. The building permit number and site address must be posted visibly from the street.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties in unincorporated areas of Oklahoma County, the County Planning/Engineering Department handles all permit and inspection processes, including those for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, zoning, and development. Permits are mandatory for any property improvements, such as additions to existing structures, the placement of mobile homes, and the construction of outbuildings. Work must begin within six months of permit approval and be finished within two years, or a new permit will be required. All fees collected by the department are non-refundable.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Oklahoma:
Oklahoma Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State Statutes and Adopted Plumbing Codes
In Oklahoma, the standards for plumbing installations are established by the adoption of national model codes, which are then modified and promulgated as state rules. The primary codes utilized for plumbing in the state include the International Plumbing Code (IPC), the International Fuel Gas Code, and the plumbing provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC). These codes are adopted and revised by the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC) pursuant to the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission Act.
Primary State Agencies
The regulation of the plumbing trade in Oklahoma is divided between two primary entities:
- Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC): This commission is responsible for the adoption, modification, and maintenance of the statewide minimum building codes, including the plumbing codes used for construction.
- Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB): The CIB is the state regulatory agency tasked with the licensing, registration, inspection, and enforcement of the Plumbing License Law of 1955. The CIB ensures that plumbing professionals meet statewide competency standards and comply with the codes adopted by the OUBCC.
Resources to Learn More