5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Tulsa County, Oklahoma.
Verified from official government sources
Tulsa County enforces stormwater management under its MS4 Phase II permit and Subdivision Regulations. New development in the unincorporated county must control runoff to pre-development rates and submit drainage plans to County Engineering for review, with the City of Tulsa Stormwater Design Criteria Manual frequently adopted as the technical standard given the Arkansas River watershed.
Okla. Stat. tit. 27A, §27A-2-6-202 (Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act - Storm Water Definition)
"Storm water" means rain water runoff, snow melt runoff, and surface runoff and drainage. Added by Laws 1992, c. 398, § 14, eff. July 1, 1993. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 63, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from § 1002 of this title by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993. §27A-2-6-203. Powers and duties of Board - Authority of Department. A. The Board shall have the pow...
Tulsa County requires erosion and sediment control BMPs on all construction sites disturbing one acre or more, consistent with Oklahoma DEQ OKR10 construction stormwater permit. Silt fencing, stabilized construction entrances, and inlet protection are standard, with inspections by county engineering during active grading.
Tulsa County is landlocked but regulates development near the Arkansas River, Bird Creek, Mingo Creek, and Keystone Lake through FEMA floodplain rules and the County Stormwater/Floodplain Ordinance. Riparian disturbances typically require a USACE Section 404 permit in addition to county floodplain review.
Tulsa County enforces strict floodplain regulations in unincorporated areas. Building in AE flood zones requires pre- and post-elevation certificates from a surveyor with finished floor elevation 2 feet above Base Flood Elevation. Regulatory floodways additionally require a Letter of No Rise from a hydrologist. County Inspections ensures all projects comply with FEMA floodplain regulations. New FEMA maps become effective June 10, 2026.
Tulsa County requires grading and drainage review through its Subdivision Regulations and Building Code for any earth-moving exceeding roughly 50 cubic yards or altering natural drainage. Plans must show that runoff is not cast onto neighboring properties, consistent with Oklahoma common-law drainage rules.
5 cities in Tulsa County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Tulsa County Ordinance Hub →