FAQs • Ponca City • CivicEngage

Can I do my own work?: State and local regulations allow a person to do any permitted work on a house if he both owns and resides in that house. That includes electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, with the understanding that permits, if required, are obtained and necessary inspections performed. A landlord cannot do plumbing, electrical or mechanical work that requires a permit on his rental units, unless he also happens to be a contractor. Only approved contractors, duly licensed by the State and registered with the City, are allowed to do this type of work. With respect to new or remodeled commercial properties, all plumbing, electrical or mechanical work requiring a permit is to be done only by properly licensed contractors.

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Neighborhood Services

1. When do I need a building permit?: If you are planning to build a new structure, add to an existing structure, reconfigure the space (add, remove or relocate walls) inside an existing structure, or make changes to load-bearing elements of a structure, you will probably need to obtain a building permit. If you are planning to add circuitry or equipment to an existing electrical system, or to build a new service/system, you will need a permit. A permit is also required when you are installing new plumbing lines (water, sewer or gas), when you are adding length to existing lines, or when you install a water heater or other gas-fired appliance. Mechanical work (heating/cooling systems) that involves installing new or replacement equipment, or that involves new duct work or extensions to existing duct work, also requires a permit. In general, minor repairs, non-structural cosmetic work, and replacement of fixtures do not require you to obtain a permit. By City of Ponca City ordinances, you must also get a permit to erect a sign, work in a right-of-way, build a fence in a front yard or across an easement, install an in-ground swimming pool, build a storm shelter, or demolish a building. These are general guidelines, and there are exceptions to some of these requirements. If you are unsure about a prospective project, do not hesitate to contact Building Services staff.

2. How do I get a building permit?: You must provide details of the planned project to building officials. Site plans and/or floor plans should be submitted, along with a completed building permit application, to City Building Services staff in the Development Services office in City Hall located at 516 W. Grand Avenue. Submittals by email, fax or mail can also be accepted. Upon review and approval, a permit will be issued. For construction of new residential or commercial buildings, our Plan Submittals guide may also be helpful.

3. How much does a permit cost?: Permit costs vary with the type of project and scope of work. A permit fee schedule is listed on our building permit application.

4. What is the Uniform Building Code Commission?: The UBCC is a State agency that was created in 2009 and given the authority to mandate minimum construction standards that will apply to the entire State of Oklahoma, even those areas that are outside of a local governing body’s jurisdiction. Cities or counties can still adopt a more stringent set of codes, but will not be allowed to adopt something less restrictive than that adopted by the State.

5. Can I do my own work?: State and local regulations allow a person to do any permitted work on a house if he both owns and resides in that house. That includes electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, with the understanding that permits, if required, are obtained and necessary inspections performed. A landlord cannot do plumbing, electrical or mechanical work that requires a permit on his rental units, unless he also happens to be a contractor. Only approved contractors, duly licensed by the State and registered with the City, are allowed to do this type of work. With respect to new or remodeled commercial properties, all plumbing, electrical or mechanical work requiring a permit is to be done only by properly licensed contractors.

6. How do I know if a contractor is licensed and registered?: Electrical, plumbing and mechanical contractors, journeymen and apprentices are licensed through the State Construction Industries Board. Additionally, the City of Ponca City requires that those contractors and their workers be registered locally. The State of Oklahoma requires that roofing contractors be registered with the State CIB (Construction Industries Board). Links on the CIB website allow you to check the status of a roofer’s license, and to file a complaint against a roofer for sub-standard work or for violating the terms of a contract. The City does not currently require a permit for reroofing a structure, so the responsibility of verifying the authenticity of a roofer lies with the customer who hires that roofer.