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. Section 3106.1 requires that all marquees, structures projecting over public space near a storefront, receive a consent-to-encroach approval from the City Council, on top of complying with the IBC's technical marquee standards in sections 3106.2 through 3106.5. Section 3202.3 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. Pedestrian protection during any related construction work is separately governed by section 3306.1, which requires directional signage and, when protection measures themselves encroach into the right-of-way, a permit from the Department of Public Works under section 1010.1(B) of the City Engineering Design Criteria.