Stillwater, OK - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Stillwater. Stillwater is listed on the current Oklahoma State Fire Marshal AHJ list.

Department

Development Services, Building and Fire Code Services

Address

723 S. Lewis St., Stillwater, OK 74074

Phone

405-742-8220

Email

digitals@stillwaterok.gov

Website

https://stillwaterok.gov/416/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm project type, zoning, floodplain status, and required permit form with Development Services.
2. Complete the correct PDF application or packet and assemble required plans, site plan, valuation, and contractor information.
3. Submit by email to digitals@stillwaterok.gov or at the Development Services counter.
4. Staff reviews for code and site compliance; supplemental items such as stormwater, utility, floodplain, or trade permits may be required.
5. Pay calculated permit fees and any related utility/capacity charges before issuance.
6. Request inspections through the inspection hotline and obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion.

Source: Development Services, Building and Fire Code Services

General Requirements

Stillwater requires permits for new construction, additions, remodels, commercial work, signs, public way work, grading and floodplain development, and listed residential accessory work. Decks under 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, and without a cover do not require a permit.

Required Documents

• Application or packet
• Site/lot plan
• Floor plan
• Valuation
• Contractor details
• Insurance/workers compensation or exemption
• Project-specific items such as stormwater acknowledgement, foundation plan, utility agreement, or ODEQ septic permit

Permit validity

Permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced, is suspended or abandoned after commencement, or if no inspections are obtained within a 6 month period.

Building code

2018 IBC, 2018 IFC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IFGC, 2020 NEC

Contractor requirements

Trade contractors such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sign, street work, and structure move contractors must register annually with the city. General contractors are not required to register, but trade work must be by Oklahoma-licensed and city-registered contractors where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$36.22

Plan check fee

Commercial use-by-right processing fee $50.00; valuation-based plan review fee applies to new commercial submittals per published schedule

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Residential new construction: $36.22 per dwelling unit plus $0.037 per square foot with $36.72 minimum. Commercial new construction: $368.85 plus $0.071 per square foot with $71.40 minimum.

Reinspection fee

Second reinspection $51.65; subsequent reinspection for same violation $103.28

Penalty (no permit)

Work started without permit is 3x permit cost

Payment note

Fees are calculated during review; online municipal payment site exists

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Decks under 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, and without a pergola or roof

Important: Small accessory structures under the published permit-trigger size thresholds may not require a building permit. Check with the city FAQ before construction.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Automated inspection hotline (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Call before 6:00 a.m. for same-day scheduling

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 IBC, 2018 IFC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IFGC, 2020 NEC
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building and Fire Code Services
• Floodplain Inquiry
• FAQ
• License lookup guide: Oklahoma Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Oklahoma Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Oklahoma hub: Oklahoma Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Stillwater Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Stillwater, OK?

Stillwater requires permits for new construction, additions, remodels, commercial work, signs, public way work, grading and floodplain development, and listed residential accessory work. Decks under 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, and without a cover do not require a permit.

How much does a building permit cost in Stillwater, OK?

The minimum permit fee is $36.22. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential new construction: $36.22 per dwelling unit plus $0.037 per square foot with $36.72 minimum. Commercial new construction: $368.85 plus $0.071 per square foot with $71.40 minimum.. Plan check fee: Commercial use-by-right processing fee $50.00; valuation-based plan review fee applies to new commercial submittals per published schedule.

How do I apply for a building permit in Stillwater, OK?

1. Confirm project type, zoning, floodplain status, and required permit form with Development Services. 2. Complete the correct PDF application or packet and assemble required plans, site plan, valuation, and contractor information. 3. Submit by email to digitals@stillwaterok.gov or at the Development Services counter. 4. Staff reviews for code and site compliance; supplemental items such as stormwater, utility, floodplain, or trade permits may be required. 5. Pay calculated permit fees and any related utility/capacity charges before issuance. 6. Request inspections through the inspection hotline and obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion.

What work is exempt from building permits in Stillwater, OK?

The following work is generally exempt: Decks under 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, and without a pergola or roof. Note: Small accessory structures under the published permit-trigger size thresholds may not require a building permit. Check with the city FAQ before construction.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Stillwater, OK?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Automated inspection hotline. Call before 6:00 a.m. for same-day scheduling.

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