How Bixby Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Bixby maintains 41 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bixby falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Carport Rules

Bixby Title 11 (Zoning Regulations) Section 11-8-8.B.9 caps a carport at 400 square feet, requires a side-yard setback equal to the principal building line or at least five feet (whichever is greater), and prohibits any carport from extending more than 20 feet beyond the front of the principal dwelling. A carport occupying any required yard needs Board of Adjustment special exception approval under Section 11-4-9.A.8; carports outside required yards are permitted by right.

Key details: Code Section: Title 11 Sec. 11-8-8.B.9. Max Coverage: 400 sq ft. Side Setback: 5 ft or principal bldg line. Front Projection: Max 20 ft from facade. Required-Yard Approval: Special exception (Sec. 11-4-9.A.8).

Building a carport that exceeds 400 square feet, sits within five feet of a side lot line, or projects more than 20 feet in front of the principal dwelling violates Section 11-8-8.B.9. Erecting a carport in a required yard without Board of Adjustment special exception approval violates Section 11-4-9.A.8. The Bixby Police Department Code Enforcement office at 116 W. Needles Ave. (telephone (918) 366-8294) and Community Development at (918) 366-4430 can issue stop-work orders, require removal or after-the-fact permitting, and assess fines through the Bixby Municipal Court.

ADU Rules

Bixby Title 11 (Zoning Regulations) addresses accessory dwelling units. Special exception approval may be required for accessory structures used as dwellings. The approval expires upon one year from building permit issuance or completion of construction. Structures may not be used as dwelling units permanently or temporarily without approved ADU status. The 2023 zoning update may have revised ADU provisions.

Key details: Zoning Code: Title 11. Approval: Special exception may be required. Expiration: 1 year from permit or completion. 2023 Update: May include revisions.

Unpermitted ADU: standard building code enforcement. May require demolition or legalization. Occupying unpermitted dwelling: code violation.

Shed Rules

Bixby requires building permits for accessory structures including sheds. The city has adopted the 2015 IRC. Setback requirements vary by zoning district under Title 11 (Zoning Regulations). The 2023 zoning code update addressed development standards. Contact Building Inspections for specific permit requirements.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required. Building Code: 2015 IRC. Zoning Code: Title 11 setback rules. Contact: Building Inspections.

Unpermitted structure: retroactive permit with penalty. Non-compliant setback: modification or removal.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in Bixby require a building permit. The conversion must meet 2015 IRC standards for habitable space including egress, ventilation, and electrical. A change of occupancy review may be needed. If converted to an ADU, special exception approval is required. Contact Building Inspections for specific requirements.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required. Building Code: 2015 IRC. ADU Use: Special exception required. Contact: Building Inspections.

Unpermitted conversion: building code enforcement. Must bring to code or restore. Safety violations: immediate correction.

The Bottom Line

Bixby's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bixby is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Bixby's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.