City Building Permits
Ada, OK - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Ada, Oklahoma. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
City of Ada city limits
- Department
- Building Permits & Inspections / Building Division
- Address
- 231 S. Townsend, Ada, OK 74820
- Phone
- 580-436-6300
Online Permit Portal
Platform: GOVmotus • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Determine whether the project needs a permit.
- For commercial and multi-family new construction, remodels, and additions, submit civil and architectural plans to the Project Review Team before permit application.
- Apply through the GOVmotus portal.
- City staff reviews plans for code and ordinance compliance.
- Permit is issued after review and fee payment.
- Schedule and pass inspections through the portal.
General Requirements
Structural construction, alteration, remodel, reconstruction, new construction, room additions, swimming pools, interior remodeling, garages, carports, accessory buildings, signs, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, re-roofing, demolition, storm shelters, and solar panels
Required Documents
- Plan submittal checklists, permit application instructions, and related engineering detail standards are published by the city
- Permit validity
- The city fee resolution states a permit will be cancelled if no progress is made or no inspection is called for in 180 days
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2023 National Electric Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2018 International Fire Code, and 2021 NFPA Life Safety Code 101
- Owner-builder
- Public page states a homeowner and occupant may do their own electrical work only if the solar system requirements are met; HVAC work requires a valid mechanical license
- Contractor requirements
- HVAC requires a valid mechanical license under 59 O.S. 1850.10; contractor licensing applications are linked by the city
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Building and construction related permit fees start at $50 for several miscellaneous permits; new construction starts at $125 for the first $15,000 of valuation
- Plan check fee
- In-house plan review is 50.00 percent of the construction permit fee; outside agency plan review is actual cost
- Permit fee formula
- New construction is $125 for the first $15,000, plus $1.35 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof; remodeling up to $25,000 is $35 for the first $2,000 plus $1.85 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof; over $25,000 is $123.50 for the first $25,000 plus $1.85 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
- Reinspection fee
- Re-inspection fee $30; penalty fee $200 or three times the regular fee, whichever is greater, for work started prior to obtaining permits
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Cosmetic work such as painting, floor covering, and siding does not require a permit
- Ada FAQ also states no permit is required for cosmetic work
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Portal and web portal guides; the city also publishes inspection-related contact info (online)
- Inspection hours
- Building Permits & Inspections office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Wednesday by appointment only
Typical inspection sequence: Apply, obtain permit, then request inspections through the portal
Re-inspection fee is published in the city fee resolution
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2023 National Electric Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2018 International Fire Code, and 2021 NFPA Life Safety Code 101
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Ordinance reference cited by city
- Permit instructions
- License lookup guide: Oklahoma Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Oklahoma Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Oklahoma hub: Oklahoma Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Permits & Inspections / Building Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ada Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Ada, OK?
- Structural construction, alteration, remodel, reconstruction, new construction, room additions, swimming pools, interior remodeling, garages, carports, accessory buildings, signs, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, re-roofing, demolition, storm shelters, and solar panels
- How much does a building permit cost in Ada, OK?
- The minimum permit fee is Building and construction related permit fees start at $50 for several miscellaneous permits; new construction starts at $125 for the first $15,000 of valuation. Fees are calculated as: New construction is $125 for the first $15,000, plus $1.35 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof; remodeling up to $25,000 is $35 for the first $2,000 plus $1.85 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof; over $25,000 is $123.50 for the first $25,000 plus $1.85 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof. Plan check fee: In-house plan review is 50.00 percent of the construction permit fee; outside agency plan review is actual cost.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Ada, OK?
- 1. Determine whether the project needs a permit. 2. For commercial and multi-family new construction, remodels, and additions, submit civil and architectural plans to the Project Review Team before permit application. 3. Apply through the GOVmotus portal. 4. City staff reviews plans for code and ordinance compliance. 5. Permit is issued after review and fee payment. 6. Schedule and pass inspections through the portal.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Ada, OK?
- The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic work such as painting, floor covering, and siding does not require a permit; Ada FAQ also states no permit is required for cosmetic work.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Ada, OK?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Portal and web portal guides; the city also publishes inspection-related contact info.
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