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.

Oklahoma Pontotoc County Updated March 2026

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

  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.

Source: Building Permits & Inspections / Building Division

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

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.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Ada can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Pontotoc County

View all Pontotoc County jurisdictions →