Metal buildings in unincorporated Oklahoma County
If your acreage sits outside every city limit, the county is your permit office. The Oklahoma County Planning Commission says it issues building permits only in the unincorporated area (Oklahoma County Planning Commission), so confirm your land has not been annexed before you apply.
Outbuildings need a permit
The county's requirements state that permits are needed for all property improvements, including construction of outbuildings (Oklahoma County residential permit requirements). Carports count too: the fee schedule names them when it lists what is measured (Oklahoma County residential permit requirements).
Documents
The requirements sheet asks for two copies of the filed warranty or quit claim deed, two copies of any access easements, and two copies of a site plan on at least letter-size paper showing property lines, setbacks from the road centerline and side and rear lines, the proposed structure, existing structures and the driveway location (Oklahoma County residential permit requirements). A stormwater plan sealed by a civil engineer is required if one acre or more is disturbed (Oklahoma County residential permit requirements).
Fees
Residential permits cost 25 cents per square foot, counting covered porches, patios and carports under the same roof, with a $25 minimum (Oklahoma County residential permit requirements). A 30x40 shop is 1,200 square feet, so the math comes to $300. A 40x60 comes to $600.
Time limits and drawings
Construction must start within six months of approval and finish within two years, or a new permit is needed (Oklahoma County residential permit requirements). The county requires a footing or foundation plan stamped by an Oklahoma engineer or architect for single-family homes (Oklahoma County residential permit requirements); the sheet does not say the same for outbuildings, so ask the county what drawings it wants for your shop before ordering.
Rural tips
- Draw the shop and driveway on the site plan exactly as you will build them.
- Ask the road maintenance district about the driveway culvert before the slab pour.
More: costs, metro rules, carports.