ANSWERS

Where do I go to obtain a building permit?
Application for a permit is made through the Development Services Division of the Department of Planning and Community Development located in Building “A” of Norman’s Municipal Complex. The physical address is 201-A West Gray Street, and the phone number is (405) 366-5339.

What is the cost of a building permit?
There is no charge to submit a permit application. Permit fees are calculated after the application and plans are reviewed as they can vary greatly. Depending on the project type, residential permit or commercial permit, these fees are based on a combination of the following: project’s valuation, engineering fees, park fees, sewer connections, sprinkler connections, water connections, meter fees, wastewater treatment plant investment fees and the wastewater excise tax. All applicable permit fees are due at the time of permit issuance.

How long is a building permit valid?
A building permit is valid for six months. If any inspections are made within the initial six month period, then the permit will automatically be extended for an additional six months. If building activity or inspections do not occur within any six-month period, the permit will expire. Permits may be extended upon written request from the applicant.

How do I determine if a building permit is required?
New structures, alterations and/or repairs exceeding $500.00 in costs require a building permit. All accessory buildings greater than 108 square feet and those projects less than 108 square feet that include a permanent foundation require a building permit. In-ground swimming pools also require a building permit. Your contractors, or you, if you are doing the work yourself, are responsible for obtaining all required permits. A permit is required before beginning construction, alteration, or repairs, other than basic nonstructural repairs. If in doubt as to whether the work you are proposing is considered a repair, contact a Plans Examiner to determine if your project requires a permit.

In addition to building permits, separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work are sometimes required. A contractor licensed with the City of Norman is the party responsible for obtaining such permits, when required.

Can a homeowner perform work on his or her own property?
If a person is the current owner-occupant of a residential property, he or she may act as general contractor, plumber, or heating and mechanical installer and perform work
associated with these professions. An owner-occupant cannot, however, perform electrical work due to life and safety concerns, so an electrical contractor licensed with the City of Norman is required to obtain a separate trade permit for this work. A property owner-occupant is responsible for any work he/she performs and must obtain the necessary building and/or trade permits and schedule required inspections. All work must comply with all applicable building codes adopted by the City of Norman.

What documents and/or drawings are required for submittal of a permit application?

Single Family/Residential:

To apply for a residential building permit, a residential permit application and two complete sets of drawings are required. The property legal description, (i.e. lot, block and platted subdivision) must be noted on the application. If the property has not been platted, a copy of the recorded Warranty Deed is required. A copy of the recorded Warranty Deed is required as proof of a legally created land parcel and can be purchased at the Cleveland County Court House located at 201 S. Jones, Norman, (405) 366-0240. The required drawings include floor plans, exterior building elevations, a foundation plan and/or footing detail, and a site plan. All drawings should be drawn to scale and of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed. Any steel structural components require engineered drawings, which must be signed and sealed by an engineer licensed in the State of Oklahoma. The site plan shall be drawn to scale showing the location of all easements, property lines, the proposed building and all existing buildings/structures on the property.

In addition to the application and drawings, an Off-Site Construction Permit application is required for work to be completed in the right-of-way, such as curb cuts or new driveways. For new construction, an Erosion Control form is required. For projects with septic systems, a copy of the percolation test and lateral field layout is required and can be obtained from the Purcell branch of the Department of Environmental Quality at (405) 527-8738.

Commercial/Non-residential:

To apply for a commercial building permit, a commercial permit application, a Wastewater Investment Fee Form and three complete sets of drawings are required. The property legal description, (i.e. lot, block and platted subdivision) must be noted on the application. If the property has not been platted, a copy of the recorded Warranty Deed is required. A copy of the recorded Warranty Deed is required as proof of a legally created land parcel and can be purchased at the Cleveland County Court House located at 201 S. Jones, Norman, (405) 366-0240. The required drawings include floor plans, exterior building elevations, a foundation plan and/or footing detail, a site plan (including a landscaping plan) and an erosion control plan. All drawings should be drawn to scale and of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed. Any steel structural components require engineered drawings, which must be signed and sealed by an engineer licensed in the State of Oklahoma. The site plan shall be drawn to scale showing the location of all easements, property lines, the proposed building and all existing buildings/structures on the property.

In addition to the application form and drawings, an Off-Site Construction Permit application form is required for work to be completed in the right-of-way, such as curb cuts, drainage improvements and driveways. For projects with septic systems, a copy of the percolation test and lateral field layout is necessary and can be obtained from the Purcell branch of the Department of Environmental Quality at (405) 527-8738.
Additionally, if the application is for a food service establishment, the applicant will need to submit an additional set of plans and a menu to the Cleveland County Health Department, (405) 321-4048. Approval from the Health Department must be received before a permit will be issued.

What are the requirements for constructing a storage/accessory building?
Whether construction or placement of a storage/accessory building requires a permit(s) is dependent upon both the structures’ size and type of construction. All storage or accessory buildings 108 square feet or larger require a building permit. Additionally, if the storage or accessory building is to have a permanent concrete foundation, a permit is required regardless of the size of the structure.
Regardless of whether a permit is required or not, the property owner is still responsible for locating a storage or accessory building in compliance with minimum zoning requirements. Zoning code requirements control both the setbacks from property lines and the height of the structure. In no case can a storage/accessory building be taller than the main dwelling unit.

Aside from the building permit consideration, a property owner should also check their restrictive covenants. Restrictive covenants are unique to each subdivision and are subject to enforcement by other property owners within the subdivision. A copy of your subdivisions’ restrictive covenants can be found in your property abstract or at the Cleveland County Clerk’s office.

How long does it take to process a permit application?
Applications will not be accepted for processing without a complete set of the necessary drawings and/or documents (as previously noted). Upon acceptance of the permit application, a residential permit is generally ready to pick up within 2 business days after submission. The typical review time for a commercial permit is 3-4 weeks.

Is a building permit required to build an uncovered wooden deck?
In many cases, an uncovered wooden deck can be constructed without obtaining a permit. As with other projects, if a wooden deck will cost more than $500.00, a building permit is required. Regardless of whether a permit is required or not, all decks must be built in compliance with the building codes adopted by the City of Norman AND so that they are not in violation of the Zoning code.

Is a building permit required to enclose an existing covered patio?
Yes, a building permit is required for this type of building alteration. A patio slab is typically not constructed with a foundation. Therefore, in most cases some additional foundation support to carry the loads of the new walls and windows will be required. Also, many enclosed patios include extensive use of windows/glass doors. In those cases, building code safety issues involving tempered glass and lateral bracing requirements should be discussed with a City of Norman Plans Examiner. The use of metal structural components will require engineered drawings, which must be signed and sealed by an engineer licensed in the State of Oklahoma.

What are Norman’s stair requirements for residential structures?
Stairways are required to be a minimum 36” wide. The ceiling in all parts of a stairway is required to be not less than 6’-8” in height. The maximum riser height is 8 ¼”, and the minimum stair tread depth is 9 inches. The greatest riser height cannot exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. The greatest tread depth cannot exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Winders, spiral and circular stairways all have unique requirements and should be discussed with a City of Norman Plans Examiner.

What are the requirements for handrails and guardrails for residential structures?
For all stairways and many decks, porches, walkways, balconies, landings or raised floor areas, handrails and/or guardrails are essential life and safety issues. The requirements vary widely depending on several items such as the number of stairs; height of the deck, landing or raised floor area; or type of stairway (i.e. straight, winders, spiral or circular). For details relative to each item above, a property owner/builder should seek the advice of a City of Norman Plans Examiner for requirements of the building codes adopted by the City of Norman

What is an egress window and when is it required?
An egress window is a window used for emergency exiting or rescue. Every sleeping room is required to have at least one operable window or exterior door approved for emergency egress. A sleeping room is defined as any room with a privacy door and a closet. The window units must be operable from the inside to a full clear opening without the use of a key or tool. An egress window must have a net clear opening of 5 square feet for first floor sleeping rooms and 5.7 square feet for basements and secondary floors. In addition to the minimum net clear opening requirement, egress windows must ALSO have a minimum net clear opening height of not less than 22 inches and a minimum net clear opening width of not less than 20 inches. An egress window shall have a sill height no more than 44 inches above the finished interior floor.

What are the requirements for constructing a fence or a retaining wall?

Fence:

Generally, a permit is not required to construct a fence, if adopted guidelines are followed. Fences up to eight feet tall are allowed in residential areas in side and rear yards without a permit, unless the fence has a permanent foundation (for example, brick or masonry walls need a concrete footing to support the weight). If a permanent foundation is to be a part of the fence, a permit is required. If the foundation is to be located in an existing easement, the consent of all franchised utility providers is required. In residentially zoned areas, fences taller than eight feet require the written permission of the adjoining property owner(s). If permission cannot be obtained from the adjoining property owner(s), then a variance can be requested through the Board of Adjustment. A fence cannot be placed in front of your house unless it is shorter than four feet AND does not encroach into the sight triangle (if located on a corner lot). In many newer subdivisions, additional restrictions regarding height, type and location are placed on the construction of fences by the restrictive covenants for that subdivision. You should check with your neighbors to see if a Property Owners Association has adopted architectural controls for your subdivision. Those covenants and restrictions may be included in your property abstract, or are filed at the County Clerk’s office with the subdivision plat.

Retaining Wall:

To apply for a retaining wall permit, a retaining wall permit application, site plan and construction details of the retaining wall are required. Adequate detail will be required on the site plan and construction details to ensure that any changes in yard elevation are not adversely impacting designed/existing drainage patterns and are not adversely impacting adjoining property owners. There are no permit fees for a retaining wall permit. Application for a permit is made through the City Engineer’s office located in Building “A” of the City of Norman Municipal Complex. The physical address is 201-A, West Gray Street, and the phone number is 405-366-5452.

How do I complete the inspection process of my building permit?
To complete the building permit process, a Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained. To obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, final inspections must be conducted and approved for all permitted work. Inspection requests can be scheduled through the Interactive Voice Response Unit (IVR). Click the above link for more information on how to schedule inspections.

Residential Permits will require approved final inspections for building permits, plumbing, mechanical or electric permits, and engineering permits (these can include driveway approaches, final drainage approval, and approval of any retaining walls). After all final inspections are approved, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Commercial (Non-Residential) Permits will require approved final inspections for building permits, plumbing, mechanical or electric permits, and engineering permits (these can include driveway approaches, final on-site and off-site drainage approval, approval of any retaining walls, and approval of any required off-site public improvements). Additionally, for Commercial Permits, approved final inspections are required by the Fire Department for fire suppression systems and alarms, as well as approval by the Planning Department for parking improvements, proper installation of landscaping and posting of bonds for all required landscaping. After all final inspections are approved, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

I received a “Notice of Redistricting” letter from the City in the mail. What does it mean?
Every month, the Planning Department receives several applications from property owners who want to use their property in a manner that is not allowed under its current zoning designation. Every property owner has the right to ask for rezoning, or “redistricting.” Their application includes a list of property owners certified by Cleveland County records within 300 feet (and sometimes more, if too few people are notified) of the property that is to be rezoned. State and City law requires that we notify those property owners of the new zoning designation that the property owner is seeking. That notice includes the date, time, and place of the Planning Commission meeting (usually the second Thursday of every month, at 6:30 PM in the City Council chambers). If you have questions, you may contact the Staff prior to the meeting in order to find out more about the specific details of the rezoning request, or you may simply attend the meeting to learn more. At that meeting, the application is thoroughly discussed by Staff and the applicant, and the discussion is open to the audience. The Planning Commission is a group of citizens who have been appointed by the City Council to hear all development requests, and their role is to provide an independent recommendation to the City Council. The Commission members are very interested in hearing from surrounding neighbors about potential impacts, and how to mitigate those impacts. The Staff’s recommendation, the Planning Commission’s recommendation, all supporting documents, and a detailed transcript of the entire meeting are forwarded to the City Council for their review.

If I want to protest the proposed rezoning, how does my protest affect this request?
If you wish to file an “official” protest, you must do so in writing before the meeting, so that the percentage of protest can be reported to the Planning Commission. We ask that all such protests be turned in by 5:00 PM on the Monday before the meeting (the second Thursday of every month), so that it can be recorded and calculated, and a copy made for each Commissioner. A written protest can still be filed after the Planning Commission meeting, and it will be included in the Council’s agenda packet if it is received in time. If filed protests representing 50 percent or more of the surrounding area are received, the request can only be granted if three-fourths of the entire City Council (seven of the nine members) vote to approve it. There is no statutory requirement that the Council must vote in accord with the neighborhood, however the Council does consider such protest very seriously.

Can I use my home to operate a business?
Norman’s ordinances allow a limited number of business-type uses to operate within a dwelling that is also your principal place of residence. There are several general conditions that must be followed, including no sale or display of merchandise, no non-resident employees, not more than 25% of the home or one room may be used for the business, and no outside storage of any kind. The ordinance generally supports “service oriented” kinds of operations, but even some of those are specifically prohibited because they can have potential negative impacts on surrounding residences. That prohibited list includes beauty and barber shops, auto repair of any kind, TV or radio repair, and child care establishments. The Zoning Code Section 438.1 outlines the entire ordinance.

Can I hang a sign on a light or utility pole?
Fliers or signs of any sort may not be placed on utility poles. Most utility poles are located within public rights-of-way. Signs may not be erected or placed within the public right-of-way, unless specifically authorized as a “limited license” by the City Council

I am having a garage sale, where can I put signs to attract the most attention?
Any Norman resident is allowed to have two garage sales per calendar year. You may purchase the permit at the Norman Transcript, where you can also place an add in the paper advertising your sale. Or you may purchase the permit at 201 West Gray Street, Building A. The permit costs $10, and is good for three consecutive days. The only sign that can legally be erected is the “Garage Permit” that is issued by the Transcript or the City, and it must be displayed at the location having the garage sale.

How do I get a Sign Permit?
Applications to construct, alter, erect, or place permanent or temporary signs are available at the Permit Counter in Building A, 201 West Gray Street. In addition to the name, address, and phone number of the owner and licensed sign contractor, a site plan showing the exact location of the proposed sign(s) and elevations of the sign, along with precise dimensions are required to properly evaluate the application. Once the application has been approved, a permit clerk will contact you so that you can pick up the approved permit, and pay all applicable fees. Freestanding ground signs are charged $35, while most other types of signs (such as wall signs) are $25, plus any electrical permit fees (if applicable).

I need to temporarily put some signs around my business. Do I need any permits for flags, pennants, banners, or other signs?
Norman’s Sign Code (chapter 18 of the City’s Code of Ordinances) requires a permit for all permanent or temporary signs. Temporary signs that are typically used include the following:

(1) Balloons up to six feet in diameter and pennants with no words or graphics are allowed as temporary signs at any business location provided they are used for no more than 30 consecutive days, and a permit fee of $25 has been paid.

(2) Businesses are allowed to erect two temporary signs, which together may total 100 square feet. Each separate sign requires its own permit. Those permits cost $15 for a thirty-day permit, and $25 for a sixty-day permit. After that time period has expired, those signs must be removed and not replaced for a time period equal to the time they were displayed.

(3) A “permanent” temporary sign is another option. Businesses can erect a permanent frame for up to two signs, attached to the wall or ground, within which a banner or poster can be placed. The banner or poster within each frame can be changed at the owner’s discretion throughout the year. Each sign can be thirty square feet, and requires an annual permit of $100. This option cannot be used in addition to temporary signs outlined in #2 above.

What code violations represent the most calls?
• Annual growth of grass/weeds (not shrubs or trees) that are too tall
• Health violations
• Parking on unimproved surfaces
• Inoperable vehicles

At what point can action be taken on grass/weeds?
Annual growth of grass/weeds may not exceed 12” in height. As a general rule, close to 50% of a yard or lot must meet this standard.

What is a health violation?
Health violations include items outside, not intended for outdoor storage, i.e., cloth, cardboard, furniture, limbs, boards, household appliances and stagnant water. Exterior storage of such items creates habitats for rodents and insects.

How do you determine if a vehicle is inoperable?
Vehicles that do not run including those that have flat tires or do not have current tags are considered inoperable.

If I live in an area where driveways have always been gravel, will I be in violation if I park my car on the gravel?
No. Existing gravel driveways are acceptable parking locations. However, it is not okay to expand the gravel to provide additional parking spaces. Additional spaces must be paved. Additionally, any changes or expansion of a drive approach in the right-of-way requires a permit from the Engineering Division.

How do I complain about a code violation?

	Call Code Compliance at 366-5332.
	Call the Action Center at 366-5396
	Email the Action Center at Action.Center@NormanOK.gov

Are complaints anonymous?
Yes. However, if you want information in response to your complaint, you need to provide us some information. The official complaint will be filed by a Code Compliance Inspector.

Does the City of Norman have any housing assistance programs?
Yes. We have a variety of housing programs, all of which are available to households at 80% of the median income or less.

What kind of housing programs do you have, and what are the requirements to receive assistance?
Housing rehabilitation assistance is available to low-income, owner-occupants who have owned and lived in their home for at least one year. The household income cannot exceed 50% of the median income, and the house must not be located in a flood plain.

Emergency housing rehabilitation assistance is also available to low-income, owner-occupants who have owned and lived in their home for at least one year. The household income cannot exceed 50% of the median income, and the house must not be located in a flood plain. Included are items such as roof repair/replacement, sewer lines, heating systems in the winter, hot water heaters, etc.

Accessibility modification assistance is available to both renters and owners whose income is 80% of less of the median income. If renting, the owner must agree to the modifications and the required four-year lien. Modifications can include widening doorways, ramps, bathroom modifications, special appliances for the deaf or blind, etc.

Homebuyer down payment assistance is available to potential home buyers whose income is 50 – 80% of the median income, and who can qualify for a loan from a participating local bank. This is a $5,000 down payment.
 

How do I apply for City housing programs?
For housing rehabilitation programs, call 405 366-5324 and speak to the Housing Rehabilitation Technician.

For homebuyer assistance, contact a local participating bank, and ask to speak to someone about the NCRC Homebuyer Program – or call for basic information from the City of Norman, at 405 366-5464 and speak to Grants Planner.

Does the City of Norman have a rental assistance program or public housing?
Both of those programs are available in Norman through the Norman Housing Authority. The phone number is 405 329-0933.

Are there any historic districts in Norman?
Yes. There are two local districts for which the City of Norman has special requirements for any proposed changes (the Chautauqua and Miller Historic Districts). There are also three other historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places plus fourteen individual structures listed on the National Register.

What do I need to do if I live in one of the districts, and I want to make changes to my property?
If you live in a district or structure listed on the National Register, but NOT in a local historic district, you will not need to do anything unless you are using federal or state funds.

If you live in a local historic district, exterior modifications to your structure or property (with the exclusion of painting), will need to be approved by the Historic District Commission.

Do I have to get permission to tear down a structure in a local historic district?
Yes. The Historic District Commission must give approval.

Who should I contact to learn more about historic properties in Norman, or if I need to ask about further details regarding the Historic District Commission?
Call or email Grants Planner. The phone number is 405 366-5464.  There is also information on the City of Norman website with maps. Click here to visit the Revitalization web page.  Maps of the two local districts are there as well as profiles in history showing other federal sites in Norman.

What data is in the Geographic Information System?
The City of Norman’s GIS contains information about the wastewater collection system, water distribution system, storm water collection system, zoning, comprehensive land use plan, city council wards, historic districts, recoupment districts, property ownership patterns, street centerlines, building footprints, paving, fences, trees, police beats, fire districts, sanitation routes, topography, hydrography, and digital aerial orthophotography, and various other jurisdictional boundaries required to manage the City’s infrastructure

How do I get a map?
It depends upon the type of map you want. The GIS Division produces several different standard preprogrammed maps for a reproduction fee. The cost of these maps depends upon the size of the map. Standard map products up to 11 x 17 inches in size are $5. Larger maps are $25 or $25 per panel for multi panel maps. All maps are generated at the time of the request. Contact the GIS Services Division at 405 366-5316 for more information.

A basic street map of the City of Norman is published annually by the Chamber of Commerce and is available free from the Chamber, the City of Norman, or the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Can I get a copy of the zoning map?
The Zoning map is available in three standard products. An 8.5 X 11 map of a specific site at a scale of 1 inch = 400 feet for $5, generalized 36 x 48 map at a scale of 1 inch = 2000 feet for $25, and the detailed map is eight 36 x 93 panels at a scale of 1 inch = 400 feet at $25 per panel.

Can I get a copy of GIS data in digital format?
Yes, the cost is $0.02 per kilobyte plus $25 per hour of staff time required to fill your request. Orthophotos are $125 per CD with a maximum of 5 images per CD. Contact the GIS Services Division at 405 366-5316 for more information.

What is the population of Norman?
The population of Norman was 95,694 according to the 2000 Census. The Planning and Community Development Department produces an annual estimate for the Reapportionment Commission. The most recent population estimate based upon building permit activity through December 31, 2002 is 99,189. When Hall Park is annexed on October 1, 2003, Norman’s population is estimated to increase to 100,277.

More detailed demographic data from the 2000 Census is available at
http://factfinder.census.gov

What Census tract is a property in?
Click on the icons below to access tract maps in pdf format.

Urban Tract	Rural Tract

More detailed mapping data from the 2000 Census is available at
http://factfinder.census.gov