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1. Can I get a same day inspection? What information do I need to leave on the inspection line?

As long as the inspection is received prior to 2 p.m. it will be performed that day. The information that needs to be given is:

• Your name
• Your company's name
• The address of the inspection
• Permit Number
• The builder's name
• The type of inspection
• When you will be ready

Inspection requests may be made by calling the 24 hour Inspection line at 918-376-1542.

2. Can I run a business out of my home?

Home occupations are permitted as accessory uses.  A home occupation is an occupation, profession, or trade customarily carried on by occupants of a dwelling unit as a secondary use that is clearly incidental to the principal use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes.  Home occupations are allowed as an accessory use, subject to the following provisions:

• Location.  Home occupations shall be conducted only within the principal structure.
• Area.  The maximum floor area utilized for home occupation purposes shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total floor area of the principal structure.
• Employees.  The home occupation shall be engaged in only by the family or person occupying the dwelling as a private residence.  No person shall be employed in the home occupation other than a member of the immediate family residing on the premises.
• Merchandise.  The home occupation shall not involve retail sales transactions on the premises.
• Visibility of Merchandise.  No merchandise shall be displayed in such a manner as to be visible from outside.
• Outdoor Storage.  No outdoor storage shall be allowed in connection with any home occupation.
• Maintenance of Non-Commercial Character.  No alteration of the non-commercial character of the premises may be made, including the removal of garage doors.
• Signs.  No signs, display, or advertising on the premises shall be permitted.
• Disturbances.  No device of any kind or other activities shall be allowed that create noise, dust, odor, or electrical disturbance that is affiliated with a home based business.  This shall not be interpreted to include the operation of hobby equipment, yard maintenance equipment, or other activities that are normal to day to day living and enjoyment of personal property.  No noises shall be allowed to create a public nuisance or disturb the peace as per the Owasso Code of Ordinances.
• Traffic and Parking.  No home occupation shall generate more than ten (10) trips per day to and from the premises.  All parking needs generated shall be accommodated by off-street parking which does not alter the residential character of the premises.
• Customers.  Home-based business shall be operated in a discreet manner and not be of a type that generates significant customer traffic.
• In-Home Daycare.  In-home daycares are permitted as a home occupation but shall be regulated by the State of Oklahoma.

The following shall not be considered a home occupation:

• Barber shop or hair salon with more than one (1) chair
• Tea room or restaurant
• Bed and breakfast
• Auto repair
• Assisted living facility
• Doctor or dentist office
• Child care center for eight (8) or more children under the age of eighteen (18)
• Inn or tourist home
• Cabinet, metal, or machine shop

For more information, please refer to the Owasso Zoning Code and contact the Planning staff at planning@cityofowasso.com or 918-376-1540.

3. Can I build a carport over my driveway?

Carports are permitted by Special Exception, which requires approval from the Owasso Board of Adjustment. The Special Exception application can be found here.  For additional information, please contact the Planning staff at planning@cityofowasso.com or at 918-376-1540.

4. Do I need a permit for a fence and what is the maximum height?

No permit is required for a fence. Fences and walls within yards shall not exceed 8 feet in the rear yard. A fence in the front yard shall not exceed 4 feet. Fences shall not be placed in such a way as to obstruct the vision of motorist. No fences, other than open split rail fence or barbed wire fence, shall be built in any 100-year flood plain area.

5. Do I need a permit for a storage shed on my residential property?

If the shed is sitting on skids it does not need a permit but does need to stay off easements and have a minimum setback of ten feet from any side yard or rear lot lines. If the building will have a foundation, a building permit is required.  For additional information, contact the Building Official at 918-376-1544 or the Community Development Administrative Assistant at 918-376-1540.

6. Do I need a permit to do work on my own house?

Yes, if the homeowner plans to do their own plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work, a permit and inspection will be required. For additional information, contact the Building Official at 918-376-1544 or the Community Development Administrative Assistant at 918-376-1540.

7. Do I need a permit to enclose my garage?

Yes, a building permit does need to be submitted along with plans on the project. For additional information, contact the Building Official at 918-376-1544 or the Community Development Administrative Assistant at 918-376-1540.

8. How large can a detached accessory building be in my rear yard if I am residentially-zoned?

It cannot cover more than 20% of the area of the minimum required rear yard and total floor area cannot exceed 500 square feet.

9. How long does it take to receive approval for a residential single family or commercial building permit?

Residential permits take 3 to 5 days and a commercial building permit takes 10 to 15 days. Applicants are notified when the permit is ready to be issued.

10. How much is a contractor, sub-contractor, journeyman, or apprentice license?

The City of Owasso does not issue licenses for contractors. All contractors are required to carry valid licenses that are issued by the State of Oklahoma.

11. What are the requirements for running a daycare out of my home?

Information can be found on the website of Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

12. What do I need to do if I want to start a new business in town?

An Occupancy Permit needs to be completed. The city planner, building inspector, and the fire marshal inspect the property and sign off on the permit. For additional information, contact the Building Official at 918-376-1544 or the Community Development Administrative Assistant at 918-376-1540.

13. What paperwork do I need for a single-family building permit?

You will need one set of house plans and a site plan along with the completed permit. The complete building permit application and accompanying materials needs to be delivered to City Hall (200 S Main). For additional information, contact the Building Official at 918-376-1544 or the Community Development Administrative Assistant at 918-376-1540.