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.
Although Oklahoma has no coastline, Tulsa County regulates waterway-adjacent development under its Floodplain and Stormwater Hazard ordinance (enforced by the County Floodplain Administrator) and federal law. The Arkansas River (controlled by Keystone Dam), Bird Creek, Mingo Creek, and Verdigris River corridors are subject to FEMA FIRM mapping; any construction in Zone A or AE floodways requires a county floodplain development permit, typically with a 1-foot freeboard above BFE. Riparian buffers of 25 to 50 feet along regulated streams are common under the county's subdivision regulations. Federal Clean Water Act §404 permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Tulsa District) are required for any fill or dredging of streams or wetlands. The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Act (82 O.S. §1451) does not cover Tulsa County rivers, but state §401 water quality certification from DEQ is required in parallel with §404.
Building in floodway without permit: stop-work, fines up to $1,000 per day, potential loss of NFIP eligibility. Unpermitted wetland fill: federal USACE fines up to $37,500 per day plus restoration. Riparian buffer encroachment: corrective action and county fines.
Tulsa County, OK
Unincorporated Tulsa County does not have a local noise ordinance. Oklahoma state law (21 O.S. §1362) applies, making it unlawful to willfully disturb the pe...
Tulsa County, OK
Unincorporated Tulsa County has no specific construction-hours regulation. Oklahoma state law (21 O.S. §1362) provides the only noise baseline. Construction ...
Tulsa County, OK
Unincorporated Tulsa County addresses animal issues through the Tulsa County Zoning Code Section 8-8 (Keeping of Animals). Persistent barking is enforceable ...
Tulsa County, OK
The Tulsa County Zoning Code (2024) addresses RV use and storage in residential districts. RV parks and mobile home parks have specific zoning requirements. ...
Tulsa County, OK
Unincorporated Tulsa County does not have time-limited street parking restrictions. Oklahoma state traffic laws (47 O.S. §11-1001 to §11-1005) apply for safe...
Tulsa County, OK
The Tulsa County Zoning Code (2024) regulates commercial vehicle storage based on zoning district. In AG (Agriculture) districts, farm vehicles and equipment...
See how Tulsa County's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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