Accessory Structures in Oklahoma City, OK (2026)
8 verified accessory structures rules for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Oklahoma City Ordinance 27847 amended Chapter 59 (Zoning) to allow Accessory Dwellings as a conditional use in R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 residential districts. Maximum floor area is 950 sq ft, with one ADU per parcel. Manufactured homes are prohibited as ADUs.
ADU Rules — Oklahoma City
Some RestrictionsOklahoma City Municipal Code, Chapter 59, Sec. 59-9350 (Standards for Accessory Dwellings), Ord. No. 27,847 (2025)
F. General Standards 1. A maximum of one Accessory Dwelling per parcel is permitted. The Accessory Dwelling may be any one of these types: a. Detached... b. Attached... c. Internal... 2. One family is permitted per Accessory Dwelling. 3. Accessory Dwellings shall be addressed separately from the Primary Dwelling. 4. The Accessory Dwelling shall not be divided from the property ownership of the ...
ADU Permits
Oklahoma City treats accessory dwelling units as 'secondary dwelling units' under Title 59 (Oklahoma City Zoning and Planning Code). They are not permitted by right in most single-family R-1 districts and typically require a Special Use Permit from the Planning Commission or rezoning to a duplex (R-2) classification. Building permits are issued by the Development Center after entitlement is secured.
Oklahoma City ADU Permits (Title 59 Zoning Code)
Heavy RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Oklahoma City does not impose dedicated ADU impact fees, but it does charge water, wastewater, and stormwater connection fees through the Utilities Department on each new dwelling unit. Standard building permit and plan review fees apply through the Development Center. Oklahoma has no statute waiving fees for small accessory units, unlike California's sub-750 sq ft exemption.
Oklahoma City ADU Impact Fees and Utility Charges
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
When Oklahoma City approves a secondary dwelling through a Special Use Permit, the Planning Commission typically imposes owner-occupancy as a condition of approval, often supported by a recorded restrictive covenant. Oklahoma has no preempting state law comparable to California's AB 881 (2019), so OKC retains the ability to enforce owner-occupancy continuously and to revoke entitlements if the owner moves out.
Oklahoma City Secondary Dwelling Owner-Occupancy
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Oklahoma City secondary dwellings may be used for long-term rentals (30+ days) when the owner-occupancy condition of the Special Use Permit is met. Short-term rentals under 30 days are regulated under Chapter 35 (Short-Term Rental Establishments), adopted by the City Council, and require a city STR license plus annual renewal. STRs in dwellings other than the owner's primary residence face significantly tighter restrictions.
Oklahoma City Secondary Dwelling Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Oklahoma City follows IRC with local amendments. Permits required for accessory structures over 120 sq ft or with electrical/plumbing. Sheds must comply with R-1 district setback regulations where applicable. Agricultural structures exempt when used for agricultural purposes.
Oklahoma City Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Oklahoma City are regulated under Chapter 13 (Building Code, which adopts the 2018 IRC with state and local amendments) and Chapter 59 (Zoning and Planning Code). When converted to a separate dwelling, the unit becomes an Accessory Dwelling under Ordinance No. 27,847: capped at 950 square feet, one per parcel, located in the rear yard, and tied to the underlying lot. Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are required.
Oklahoma City Garage Conversion and Accessory Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Oklahoma City allows tiny homes on foundations as single-family dwellings subject to standard residential code and zoning. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Accessory dwelling units provide a path for small secondary dwellings on existing single-family lots.
Tiny Homes in Oklahoma City
Some RestrictionsLooking for Oklahoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Oklahoma City city rules.
Accessory Structures in Oklahoma County →