Fence Regulations in Tulsa, OK

If you live in Tulsa or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Tulsa has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fence Permit Requirements

Tulsa caps fences at 8 feet within side and rear setbacks and 4 feet in street setbacks, with a zoning clearance permit required before construction begins.

Key details: Setback fence height: Up to 8 feet. Street setback height: Up to 4 feet. Permit required: Zoning clearance permit, § 70.080. Barbed/razor wire: AG, IL, IM, IH districts only. Max penalty: $1,200 fine, up to 6 months jail.

Building without the required zoning clearance permit, or exceeding the height limits, is a misdemeanor under § 85.040 punishable by up to a $1,200 fine, six months in jail, or both, and the city can issue a stop-work order.

Material Restrictions

Tulsa's zoning code allows barbed-wire and razor-wire fencing by right only in AG, IL, IM, and IH districts; everywhere else, including every residential zone, it is prohibited unless the Board of Adjustment grants a special exception.

Key details: Barbed/razor wire allowed: AG, IL, IM, IH districts only. Elsewhere: Special exception required (Board of Adjustment). Electric fence chargers: Banned unless 10+ acres or 8-ft conductors. Max penalty: $1,200 fine or 6 months jail. Governing section: Tulsa Zoning Code § 45.080.

Enforced by the development administrator and code enforcement division; a zoning code violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,200 fine, up to 6 months in jail, or both, plus stop-work orders and permit denial under Chapter 85.

This is one of the stricter rules in Tulsa's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Retaining Walls

Tulsa requires a building permit and a licensed engineer's design for any retaining wall, and bars walls from extending past the property line into a street, alley, or right-of-way.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required, no size exemption. Design: Licensed Professional Engineer required. Setback: Cannot cross the property line into ROW. Penalty: Up to $1,000/day per Chapter 7.

Building without the required permit is a Title 35 violation; Chapter 7's general penalty applies unless the section states otherwise, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine plus costs, with each day of the violation counted as a separate offense.

Height Limits

Tulsa caps fences at 4 feet in front street setbacks and 8 feet elsewhere on the lot, with corner-lot exceptions and a corner sight-triangle limit near intersections.

Key details: Front street setback max: 4 feet. Other required setbacks max: 8 feet. Corner-lot R-district exception: 8 feet in side street setback. Corner sight-distance triangle: 35 feet, no obstructions. Modification route: Board of Adjustment special exception.

Zoning code violations are misdemeanors carrying up to $1,200 in fines and up to six months in jail (Zoning Code § 85.040.A); the city can also withhold permits or order corrective fixes.

The Bottom Line

Tulsa's fence regulations 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 Tulsa is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Tulsa can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.