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Tulsa, OK Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Residential max height
35 feet, RE through RMH districts
No listed cap
RM-3 multifamily district
How it's measured
Average grade to highest roof point
Equipment exception
Chimneys, towers may add 20 feet
Violation penalty
Up to $1,200 fine or 6 months jail

Summary

Tulsa's Zoning Code caps building height at 35 feet in every residential district except RM-3, from the RE estate district through RS-1 through RS-5, RD, RT, RM-0, RM-1, RM-2 and RMH multifamily zones.

Regulations RE RS-1 RS-2 RS-3 RS-4 RS-5 RD RT RM-0 RM-1 RM-2 RM-3 RMH ... Max. Building Height (feet) 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 - 35

Source: Tulsa Zoning Code (PDF)View official code

Full Breakdown

Table 5-3 of the Tulsa Zoning Code sets a 35-foot maximum building height for the RE, RS-1 through RS-5, RD, RT, RM-0, RM-1, RM-2 and RMH residential districts; RM-3 carries no listed cap in the table. Height is measured under Section 90.160 from the average ground elevation along the exterior building wall to the highest point of the structure: the coping of a flat roof, the top of a mansard or shed roof, or the peak of the highest gable. Chimneys, elevators, cooling towers and similar non-habitable equipment may exceed the limit by up to 20 feet, and non-habitable spires, cupolas and flag poles may rise 150 percent above it.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the height limit is a zoning code violation: the city can issue stop-work orders, withhold or revoke permits, and pursue a misdemeanor fine up to $1,200 or six months in jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a house be in Tulsa?
Up to 35 feet under the Zoning Code's Table 5-3, measured from the average ground elevation along the exterior wall to the highest roof point, in the RE through RMH residential districts.
Do chimneys or towers count toward the height limit?
No. Chimneys, elevators, cooling towers and similar non-habitable equipment can exceed the district height limit by up to 20 feet under Section 90.160B.
What happens if a building exceeds the height limit?
The city can stop work, withhold or revoke permits, and pursue a misdemeanor charge carrying up to a $1,200 fine or six months in jail under Section 85.040.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tulsa

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Tulsa rules

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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle structure height limits.

Broken Arrow, OK
Some Restrictions