Moving to Broken Arrow, OK?

Broken Arrow does not have a separate construction-hours ordinance. Construction noise falls under the general quiet hours restrictions in Section 16-12. Operating loud equipment audible from 50 feet during quiet hours (10 PM–7 AM Sun–Thu, 11 PM–7 AM Fri–Sat) is prohibited. Exceptions exist for emergency and municipal services.

Broken Arrow Code of Ordinances Section 16-12 (Disturbing the Peace) establishes quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 11 PM to 7 AM Friday and Saturday. Noise audible from 50 feet away during these hours is considered disturbing the peace. Minimum fine of $50 upon conviction.

Broken Arrow Chapter 5 (Animals) addresses animal noise nuisances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors may be enforced under the general noise ordinance (§16-12) and animal control provisions. Oklahoma state law (4 O.S. §44) also addresses dangerous and nuisance dogs. Complaints can be filed with Broken Arrow Animal Control.

Broken Arrow regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. 21 O.S. §1289 applies.

Broken Arrow's vacation rental ordinance, adopted by City Council on August 20 and effective October 21, divides short-term rentals into three operational types with different bedroom caps. Type 1 (owner-occupied) permits up to two bedrooms rented in an owner's primary residence; Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) permits up to four guest bedrooms with a Specific Use Permit; Type 3 (bed-and-breakfast) permits up to eight guest rooms with a Specific Use Permit and hotel/motel tax collection.

Broken Arrow's short-term rental ordinance requires every operator to provide proof of insurance documentation as part of the city's STR license application; the public ordinance language does not publish a fixed numeric liability minimum. Operators should confirm the current required coverage amount with the Planning and Community Development Department before applying or renewing.

Broken Arrow requires a Short-Term Rental license for stays under 30 days. Four STR types exist based on zoning district and occupancy. Type 1 (owner-occupied, A-1/RE/RS/R districts) allows up to 2 guests or 1 family. Type 2 (R-3 district) allows up to 6 guests with a Specific Use Permit from City Council. Non-owner-occupied rentals require special use permits. A 120-day moratorium was imposed in 2023 to review regulations.

Broken Arrow STR operators must comply with the general noise ordinance (§16-12). Quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM Sun–Thu and 11 PM–7 AM Fri–Sat. STR concerns about safety and neighborhood disruption have been a major factor in the city's regulatory approach, including the 2023 moratorium on new permits.

Broken Arrow STR operators must obtain an annual license and comply with Oklahoma state sales tax (4.5%) and applicable local taxes. Tulsa County may levy up to 5% hotel tax under 68 O.S. §1370.1. Operators must register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission for state tax collection.

Broken Arrow's STR zoning ordinance requires Type 2 STRs to provide one parking space per guest room plus one for the owner-operator. Type 1 STRs must use existing residential parking. Guest room allowance is one per 2,000 sq ft of lot area, up to 4 rooms maximum. No parking is permitted in required front yards or setback areas in residential districts.

Broken Arrow follows the International Fire Code for recreational fires. Fire pits are generally permitted as recreational fires exempt from open burning prohibitions, provided they meet size and setback requirements. Standard IFC requirements: fuel area 3 feet or less in diameter, 25 feet from structures, noncombustible materials. Conditions that could cause fire spread must be eliminated before ignition.

Broken Arrow allows fireworks discharge on July 3 and July 4 only, from 3 PM to 11 PM, without a permit (effective June 17, 2024). Fireworks must be discharged on noncombustible surfaces at least 25 feet from any permanent structure. Prohibited in city parks and on arterial/collector streets wider than 26 feet. Debris must be cleaned the same day. Children under 12 need adult supervision.

Broken Arrow Chapter 10 (Fire Prevention and Protection) regulates outdoor burning. Open burning is generally prohibited within city limits. The city adopts the International Fire Code. In Tulsa County unincorporated areas near Broken Arrow, a burning variance from the Tulsa Health Department is required. Recreational fires and BBQ grills are typically exempt.

Broken Arrow enforces parking regulations under its Code of Ordinances. No parking is permitted within required front yards or building line setbacks in agricultural or residential zoning districts. Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces. Abandoned or inoperable vehicles on public streets may be cited and towed.

Broken Arrow requires all residential parking to be on improved surfaces. No parking is permitted in required front yards or building line setbacks in residential districts. Driveways must meet city engineering standards. Parking on grass or unimproved surfaces is a code violation subject to enforcement.

Broken Arrow zoning ordinance restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential districts. Large commercial vehicles not customary to residential use must be stored in enclosed structures or on commercially-zoned properties. Vehicle sales are restricted to commercial zones with a minimum 2.5-acre lot size and 200 feet of street frontage.

Broken Arrow zoning ordinance addresses RV parking and storage. RVs are not permitted for permanent occupancy and cannot be occupied for more than 14 days. RV pad locations and utility hookups are regulated. No parking of any vehicles is allowed within landscape areas. RVs must be stored on improved surfaces in residential districts.

Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance Section 4-3-8 (Fence Requirements) regulates fence heights. Standard residential limits follow Oklahoma norms: 4 feet in front yards, 6-8 feet in side and rear yards. Specific height limits vary by zoning district. Corner lot visibility triangles must be maintained. Fences exceeding standard limits may require variance approval from the Board of Adjustment.

Broken Arrow requires permits for fence construction through the Community Development Department. A building or zoning permit may be required depending on the fence height and materials. The city has adopted the 2015 International Residential Code. Contact the Permit Center at (918) 259-2400 for specific permit requirements.

Oklahoma has no shared-cost statute for boundary fences. Broken Arrow allows fences to be built up to the property line. A survey is recommended to determine accurate boundaries before construction. Oklahoma is an open-range state. The city does not adjudicate boundary disputes between neighbors.

Broken Arrow Chapter 5 (Animals) requires dogs to be restrained when off the owner's property. Dogs at large are subject to impoundment by Broken Arrow Animal Control. All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies per state law. Oklahoma state law (4 O.S. §41+) addresses dogs at large and dangerous dogs.

Broken Arrow does not have breed-specific legislation. Oklahoma state law prohibits breed-specific regulations, requiring that dangerous dog laws be breed-neutral. Dogs are evaluated individually based on behavior under 4 O.S. §44+ (dangerous dog provisions). Owners of dogs declared dangerous must comply with enclosure, muzzle, and leash requirements regardless of breed.

Broken Arrow does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping is generally permitted subject to general nuisance provisions in Chapter 15 (Nuisances). Oklahoma state law does not prohibit urban beekeeping. Hobbyists should maintain hives so they do not create a public nuisance and should consider placement away from property lines and high-traffic areas.

Broken Arrow Chapter 5 (Animals) regulates exotic pet ownership. Dangerous wild animals such as large cats, bears, and non-human primates are typically prohibited or require special permits. The city follows Oklahoma state regulations on wildlife possession. Contact Broken Arrow Animal Control for specific species restrictions and permit requirements.

Broken Arrow may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.

Broken Arrow enforces weed abatement. Oklahoma Noxious Weed Law (2 O.S. §3-101) applies statewide. County weed boards enforce.

Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance Section 4-3-4 addresses existing tree protection and replacement. Property owners must maintain trees to prevent hazards. Dead or hazardous trees must be removed. Oklahoma law allows trimming neighbor's branches at the property line without harming the tree's health. The city has development landscaping standards requiring tree preservation during construction.

Broken Arrow enforces vegetation height limits consistent with Oklahoma state law (11 O.S. §22-111). Grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches are declared a nuisance. Property owners receive notice and a correction period. Repeat violations within 6 months may be abated by the city at the owner's expense without additional notice. Tended garden produce is exempt.

Broken Arrow follows regional water supply conditions. The city may implement staged water restrictions during drought conditions. Stage-based restrictions typically involve odd/even watering schedules and time-of-day limitations. Broken Arrow receives water from the City of Tulsa water system, so Tulsa's staged rationing system (Title 11-C, Ch. 13) may affect supply availability.

Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance Section 4-3-4 (Existing Tree Protection and Replacement) governs tree removal. Protected trees removed during development must be replaced according to city standards. The ordinance encourages preservation of existing trees during site development. For residential properties, dead or hazardous trees must be removed by the owner. Contact Community Development for permit requirements on significant tree removal.

Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance Section 5.7 (Signs) governs all signage in the city. Home business signs are not permitted in residential districts. Residential areas are limited to address identification and small non-commercial signs. The sign code addresses size, placement, illumination, and types of permitted signs by zoning district.

Broken Arrow's home occupation rules require that the business not generate traffic or activity inconsistent with the residential character of the neighborhood. Home businesses that attract significant customer traffic may require a Specific Use Permit. Commercial vehicles associated with home businesses must comply with residential parking restrictions.

Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance regulates home occupations in residential districts. Home businesses must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the property. Certain businesses like auto repair and ongoing sales are prohibited in residential areas. Some home occupations may require a Specific Use Permit from City Council depending on the type and intensity of the activity.

Broken Arrow requires pool compliance with the adopted 2015 IRC and ISPSC. Pools deeper than 24 inches need barriers. If the dwelling forms part of the barrier, door alarms or a powered safety cover is required. Above-ground pool ladders must be removable or securable. Spas/hot tubs with childproof covers may be exempt from barrier requirements. A building permit and final inspection are required for all new pool installations.

Above-ground pools in Broken Arrow with water deeper than 24 inches must meet the same barrier requirements as in-ground pools (48-inch fence). Ladders and gangways must be removable or securable to prevent unsupervised access. The same IRC/ISPSC standards apply. A permit may be required depending on the pool size and installation method.

Broken Arrow adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and the 2015 International Residential Code. All pools deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Mesh openings cannot exceed 1.75 inches. A 4-foot clearance between fence and pool edge is required. Final inspection is required before pool use.

Broken Arrow regulates carports as accessory structures under Chapter 3 of the Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) with dimensional limits set in Chapter 4. In the R-2, R-2S, R-3, RS-3, RS-4, and RD residential districts the maximum size of any accessory building is 1,000 square feet absent a Specific Use Permit. The Residential District Design Guidelines additionally restrict garage and carport placement: no projection forward of the principal structure's front-most wall, with minimum front setbacks ranging from 20 to 35 feet depending on the design Area.

Broken Arrow zoning ordinance allows ADUs in certain residential districts. ADU front must be placed behind the rear wall of the primary structure. Side setbacks are 5 feet minimum in most areas with transitional setback requirements. Rear setback is 10 feet minimum in most areas. Tiny homes are not permitted as ADUs under Broken Arrow's adopted 2015 IRC. RVs cannot be used as permanent residences (14-day max occupancy).

Broken Arrow requires permits for accessory structures including sheds. The city has adopted the 2015 International Residential Code. Setback requirements apply based on zoning district (5 ft side, 10 ft rear typical). Accessory buildings must comply with the dimensional standards in the zoning ordinance. Contact the Permit Center for specific requirements based on size and location.

Garage conversions in Broken Arrow require a building permit from Community Development. The conversion must meet the adopted 2015 IRC standards for habitable space including egress, ventilation, insulation, and electrical. A change of occupancy review is needed. ADU conversions must comply with zoning ordinance placement and setback rules. The structure must remain behind the rear wall of the primary residence if used as an ADU.

Broken Arrow's floodplain ordinance, administered by the city manager, limits development within the 100-year flood plain by requiring a building permit. Floodplains with drainage areas over one square mile are reserved for flood-tolerant uses: parks, playgrounds, golf courses, nature areas, backyards, parking lots, and agriculture. FEMA digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps are maintained by the Public Works Department. New FEMA maps for Tulsa County become effective June 10, 2026.