Norman, OK Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Norman's amended building code, adopted in NCC 6-202, singles out elevated encroachments into the right-of-way for extra scrutiny beyond the ordinary building permit process. 5. 3 broadens that requirement to any encroachment eight feet or more above grade, covering things like upper-story bay windows, signs, or building projections that extend over the sidewalk or right-of-way; those likewise need Council-level consent to encroach, with a specific carve-out for awnings and canopies, which are handled under the code's other encroachment sections without going to Council. Because the approval sits with the elected City Council rather than a staff-level permit desk, it functions as a discretionary land-use decision rather than a routine ministerial sign-off: the applicant has to get on a Council agenda and make the case for why the structure should be allowed to occupy air space over public right-of-way. 1(B) of the City Engineering Design Criteria.