On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Ada
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
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
- Exempt Cosmetic work such as painting, floor covering, and siding does not require a permit
- Exempt Ada FAQ also states no permit is required for cosmetic work
Required documents
- Plan submittal checklists, permit application instructions, and related engineering detail standards are published by the city
- 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
- 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
- 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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether the project needs a permit.
- 02 For commercial and multi-family new construction, remodels, and additions, submit civil and architectural plans to the Project Review Team before permit application.
- 03 Apply through the GOVmotus portal.
- 04 City staff reviews plans for code and ordinance compliance.
- 05 Permit is issued after review and fee payment.
- 06 Schedule and pass inspections through the portal.
Source: Building Permits & Inspections / Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Ada building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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
02
Plan check fee
In-house plan review is 50.00 percent of the construction permit fee; outside agency plan review is actual cost
03
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
04
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Apply, obtain permit, then request inspections through the portal
Re-inspection fee is published in the city fee resolution
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Ada permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in Ada, OK? ▸
Building permit fees in Ada, OK are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Ada, OK? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Ada, OK, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Ada, OK? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Ada, OK? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Ada, OK via: Portal and web portal guides; the city also publishes inspection-related contact info.
last verified April 2026
source Building Permits & Inspections / Building Division ↗
entry id permits/oklahoma/pontotoc/ada
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Permits & Inspections / Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.