Tulsa, OK Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Tulsa, OK, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- RE / RS-1 cap
- 750 sq ft or 40% of house
- RS-2 through RM cap
- 500 sq ft or 40% of house
- Permit sequence
- Zoning clearance before building permit
- Enforcing agency
- Development Services Division
Summary
Detached sheds and other accessory buildings on Tulsa residential lots are capped at 750 sq ft in RE/RS-1 districts or 500 sq ft in RS-2 through RM districts, unless 40% of the house's floor area is larger.
In RE and RS-1 districts, the total aggregate floor area of all detached accessory buildings not erected as an integral part of the principal residential building may not exceed 750 square feet or 40% of the floor area of the principal residential structure, whichever is greater. [1] [2]2.RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RS-5, RD, RT, and RM Districts. In RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RS-5, RD, RT, and RM districts, the total aggregate floor area of all detached accessory buildings not erected as an integral part of the principal residential building may not exceed 500 square feet or 40% of the floor area of the principal residential structure, whichever is greater. [1] [2][1]For detached accessory buildings located within rear setbacks, see Section 90.090C.[2]See Section 45.031D.6. for exceptions to these floor area limits for accessory buildings containing an Accessory Dwelling Unit.B.Carports. Carports are allowed in R zoning districts. Any carport that occupies all or a portion of the street setback or street yard area must be approved in accordance with the special exception procedures of Section 70.120 and comply with the regulations of Section 90.090C.1. (Ord. No. 25429, § 15, 10-30-2024; Ord. No. 25656, § 17, 9-10-2025)
Full Breakdown
Tulsa's zoning code treats a backyard shed as a detached accessory building, which may only go up after the house is already in place and must sit on the same lot as the home. In RE and RS-1 districts the combined floor area of all detached accessory buildings is capped at 750 square feet (or 40% of the house's floor area, whichever is greater); in RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RS-5, RD, RT and RM districts the cap drops to 500 square feet (or the same 40% test). Before a building permit can issue for the shed, the code official must first be handed a zoning clearance permit confirming the structure complies with these district rules.
Violations & Fines
Building or expanding a shed without the required zoning clearance and building permit, or exceeding the district's accessory-building size cap, is a Building Code misdemeanor: fines up to $1,200 plus costs, or up to six months in jail, with each day of continued violation a separate offense (Tulsa Revised Ordinances, Title 51, § 113.4).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a shed in Tulsa?
How big can my shed be in a Tulsa R district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
How Tulsa compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Tulsa to another location·View the Oklahoma accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle shed & carport rules.