Oklahoma City, OK Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Final inspection deadline
- Call within 10 days of completion
- Required stages
- Foundation, framing, final
- Occupancy
- Barred before final inspection approval
- Enforcer
- Chief Building Inspector
- First violation
- Class "a" offense
Summary
Foundation, framing and final inspections are mandatory, and no one can occupy a new structure until the final building inspection is approved.
The Chief Building Inspector and assistants shall be responsible to ensure that all inspections are made as needed including, but not limited to, foundation, framing and final inspections. The building contractor or authorized representative shall call for final inspection within ten days after completion of building work performed under any building permit. No structure shall be occupied prior to the final building inspection without approval by the authority having jurisdiction.
(1)Address listed on the permit must be posted on all building sites for location purposes. (Ord. No. 24439, § II, 4-3-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The Chief Building Inspector and assistants inspect foundation, framing and final stages of every building permit job, at minimum. After each inspection the inspector leaves a sticker, tag or label on the building stating whether the work is approved or what corrections are needed, and it's unlawful for anyone but a City inspector to remove or alter that tag. The contractor or authorized representative must call for the final inspection within ten days after the building work is completed, and no structure may be occupied before that final inspection is approved. Site addresses must be posted on the permit and visible at the job site, and proper access such as ladders must be provided so inspectors can reach the work.
Violations & Fines
Concealing work before it's inspected, occupying a building before final inspection approval, or removing an inspector's tag is a Class "a" offense under § 12-57; a second or subsequent conviction escalates to a Class "b" offense, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move into a new house before the final inspection?
How soon must I call for the final inspection after finishing work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
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