Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Accessory Structures

How Broken Arrow Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Broken Arrow maintains 119 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Broken Arrow falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

ADU Rules

Broken Arrow allows one attached or detached accessory dwelling unit per lot in agricultural and residential zoning districts, capped at 50% of the primary home's floor area or 1,200 square feet, whichever is less.

Key details: Max ADU size: 50% of home or 1,200 sq ft. ADUs per lot: One only. Detached ADU setback: 10 ft from principal building. Eligible districts: AG, residential, DROD Areas 1-5.

Constructing an ADU that exceeds the size or height limits, sits closer than ten feet to the principal building, or lacks required parking is a zoning violation that can block occupancy approval or require the structure's removal.

Shed & Carport Rules

Broken Arrow's Zoning Ordinance lets a private garage or carport project into a required setback only along a public alley, and only if it stays at least two feet from the alley line.

Key details: Alley setback allowance: Min. 2 ft from alley line. Applies only to: Setbacks abutting a public alley. Easements: No encroachment permitted. Governing section: Zoning Ordinance § 3-5-2.C.3.g.

A carport built into a setback that doesn't abut an alley, or that sits closer than two feet to the alley line, is a zoning violation subject to a stop-work order, permit denial, or removal ordered by the Community Development Department.

The Bottom Line

Broken Arrow'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 Broken Arrow is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Broken Arrow's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.