Before You Build in Broken Arrow, OK: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

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 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 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).

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.