Bricktown Permits, Inspections and Design Review
Bricktown does not use a separate neighborhood building-permit office. Building permits, plan review and construction inspections for Bricktown properties are handled through the City of Oklahoma City Development Center. Because much of Bricktown is also within the Bricktown Urban Design District, many exterior projects need a separate Certificate of Approval through Oklahoma City Planning before the building permit can be issued.
If you are building, remodeling, changing an exterior, installing a sign, demolishing a structure or opening a commercial space in Bricktown, check both the normal building-permit requirements and the Bricktown design-review rules.
(405) 297-2525
IVR: (405) 316-5656
(405) 297-2980
Bricktown Building Permit Contact Information
| Responsible building authority | City of Oklahoma City Development Center / Development Services |
|---|---|
| In-person business center | 420 W. Main St., 1st Floor, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Building permit questions | (405) 297-2525 |
| Trade permits / Certificate of Occupancy | (405) 297-2948 |
| Development Center email | developmentcenter@okc.gov |
| Construction inspection IVR | (405) 316-5656 |
| Fire Marshal / fire inspections | (405) 297-3584 |
| Bricktown design-review contact | Laura Griggs, Senior Planner — (405) 297-2980 — laura.griggs@okc.gov |
Who Actually Handles Building Permits in Bricktown?
Bricktown is a district within Oklahoma City. For construction permitting, applicants use Oklahoma City’s Development Center rather than a separate “Bricktown Building Department.” The Development Center reviews construction plans, issues permits, collects applicable fees and coordinates construction inspections.
Bricktown has an additional layer that is especially important for commercial property owners: urban design review. The Bricktown Core Development District generally covers the area bounded by the BNSF Railroad, Reno Avenue, Interstate 235 and the railroad right-of-way between Main and NE 1st streets. Exact boundaries should be confirmed on the City’s design-district map before assuming a property is subject to Bricktown review.
What Permits May Be Required?
Oklahoma City states that permits are required when a primary or accessory structure is constructed, altered, repaired, enlarged, moved or demolished. The exact permits depend on the project scope.
| Project | What to check in Bricktown |
|---|---|
| New commercial construction | Building permit, plan review, zoning/site review, Bricktown design approval and applicable trade/fire reviews. |
| Commercial remodel | Building permit for regulated alterations; design approval if exterior work or another regulated Bricktown change is involved. |
| Building addition | Building permit plus Bricktown design review for the exterior expansion. |
| Demolition | Demolition permit and Bricktown Certificate of Approval before work begins. |
| Exterior façade changes | Check Bricktown design approval even when the construction scope is relatively limited. |
| Signs or murals | Check sign-permit rules and Bricktown design-review requirements. |
| Electrical, plumbing or HVAC | Separate trade permits may be required and regulated contractors must meet state and City requirements. |
| Solar, pool, fence or EV charging | Use the City’s project-specific permit checklist and check design review if exterior/site changes fall within Bricktown rules. |
| Change of use or tenant build-out | Building, zoning, fire, accessibility and occupancy review may apply depending on the proposed use and construction. |
Oklahoma City publishes separate application checklists for commercial new construction, remodels, installations, demolition, signs, fences, pools, solar, EV charging stations and other work. Use the checklist matching the actual project rather than submitting a generic set of plans.
Bricktown Design Review: The Extra Step Many Projects Need
The Bricktown Urban Design District is intended to protect the area’s warehouse character while allowing redevelopment. Oklahoma City reviews projects such as new construction, additions, exterior alterations, demolition, murals and certain site changes before regulated work begins.
Projects commonly requiring a Certificate of Approval
- New buildings and significant redevelopment.
- Building expansions or additions.
- Exterior modifications.
- New site development or site modifications.
- Demolition.
- Murals and certain signage-related changes.
- Other work identified by the Bricktown zoning and design regulations.
Ordinary maintenance and repair can be exempt from a Certificate of Approval when the work does not change materials, dimensions, design, configuration, color, texture, surface coating or visual appearance. Do not treat this exemption as permission for a visible alteration; confirm borderline work with Planning.
Who reviews Bricktown applications in 2026?
The City’s 2026 meeting schedule states that, since September 2024, Bricktown applications are reviewed by the Downtown Design Commission. Some projects may qualify for administrative staff review, while larger or more substantial proposals can require Commission consideration.
The 2026 Downtown Design Commission schedule generally places regular meetings at 9:30 a.m. on the third Thursday, with complete applications due by the applicable published Tuesday deadline. Incomplete submissions are not placed on an agenda until required materials and fees are received.
How to Apply for a Bricktown Building Permit
- Confirm the property and zoning. Verify that the address is inside Oklahoma City and determine whether it lies within the Bricktown Core Development District or another special design district.
- Define the full scope of work. List structural work, exterior changes, demolition, signs, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-protection and site work so every required approval can be identified before filing.
- Check Bricktown design review first. For exterior construction, additions, demolition and other regulated design changes, review the Bricktown requirements and contact Planning about a Certificate of Approval.
- Use the correct City checklist. Open Oklahoma City’s Application Checklists page and select the commercial new construction, remodel, installation, demolition, sign or other checklist that matches the project.
- Create an OKC permit-portal account. Open the Development, Permitting and Licensing Portal. Public record searches can be performed without an account, but an account is required for most permit applications and inspection functions.
- Submit the application and plans. Upload the required project documents and pay the applicable submission charges. Monitor email and portal notices for corrections or additional departmental review.
- Respond to review comments completely. Revise drawings and supporting documents as requested. For Bricktown design cases, complete the design-approval process and applicable appeal period.
- Pay remaining fees and obtain the permit. Do not begin regulated work merely because the application has been submitted. Work should start only after the required permit and approvals are issued.
- Schedule required inspections. Follow the inspection list issued with the permit. Keep approved documents available at the project site.
- Complete finals and occupancy approval. Close required building and trade inspections and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or other final authorization where the project requires one.
Search Bricktown Permits and Check Application Status
Oklahoma City’s Citizen Portal provides permit, planning, licensing and inspection records. You do not need an account simply to search public records.
- Open the official OKC Development, Permitting and Licensing Portal.
- Select the permit or record-search option appropriate to the project.
- Search using the permit or application number when available; otherwise use the supported property information.
- Open the matching record and review available application status, permit information and inspection history.
- If no record appears, verify the address and jurisdiction before concluding that no permit exists. Older records or differently indexed projects may require assistance from the Development Center.
Applicants with accounts should sign in to review their own active applications, outstanding actions, payments and inspection-related options.
How to Schedule Building Inspections in Bricktown
After a permit is issued, Oklahoma City provides a required inspection list. Normal construction inspection hours are 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
| Inspection method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Online | Use the OKC permit portal to request supported building and trade inspections. |
| IVR automated phone system | Call (405) 316-5656 and follow the automated inspection instructions. |
| Text scheduling | Oklahoma City also publishes SelecTXT instructions for supported inspection requests. |
| Reinspection | Request online or through the City’s automated inspection system after corrections are completed. |
Before requesting an inspection
- Confirm the permit is issued and active.
- Use the inspection type listed for the stage of construction.
- Complete the work that must be inspected.
- Do not conceal work requiring inspection.
- Keep approved plans and applicable permit documents available.
- Provide safe access to the area being inspected.
- Review any correction notice before requesting reinspection.
Commercial fire inspections
For new or renovated structures other than one- and two-family dwellings, fire-code compliance may be required before use and occupancy. Oklahoma City directs general contractors to request applicable Fire Marshal inspections at (405) 297-3584. The Fire Marshal’s published goal is to complete requested inspections within two business days, but this is a service goal rather than a guaranteed appointment.
Approved stamped plans and associated review documents should remain available at the job site for fire inspections. Construction changes that differ from approved plans may require revised approval before inspection.
Bricktown Building Permit Fees in 2026
There is no single permit price for all Bricktown projects. Oklahoma City publishes separate building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical fee schedules. Costs can also include plan review, impact fees, design review and project-specific charges.
| Possible charge | What affects it |
|---|---|
| Building permit | Project type, construction scope, valuation and applicable City fee provisions. |
| Trade permits | Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other regulated trade work. |
| Plan review | Project type, review disciplines and complexity. |
| Bricktown design review | Administrative versus Commission review and the current Planning fee schedule. |
| Development impact fees | New or added square footage, land-use classification and applicable assessment area. |
| Reinspection / revisions | Additional review or inspection activity where applicable. |
Oklahoma City states that development impact fees may be assessed in addition to normal building permit fees for new or additional square footage. The City maintains a parks and streets impact-fee estimator. The amount shown by the estimator is an estimate, not a final invoice.
The City’s permit-fee page lists Visa, Mastercard and Discover as accepted payment types. Confirm the final amount shown for your application before paying.
Building Codes Used in Oklahoma City in 2026
Bricktown construction is governed by Oklahoma City’s adopted codes and local amendments. The City’s current published code list identifies the following editions:
| Code | Published adopted edition |
|---|---|
| International Building Code | 2018 IBC |
| International Residential Code | 2018 IRC |
| International Existing Building Code | 2018 IEBC |
| International Mechanical Code | 2018 IMC |
| International Plumbing Code | 2018 IPC |
| International Fuel Gas Code | 2018 IFGC |
| International Fire Code | 2018 IFC |
| National Electrical Code | 2017 NEC |
| International Energy Conservation Code | 2009 IECC |
| Accessibility standard | 2009 ANSI standard as identified by the City |
Oklahoma City also applies local supplements and amendments. Do not use an unamended model code as the only source for a Bricktown project. The permit date, occupancy, existing-building conditions, fire review and local zoning/design requirements can all affect the controlling rules.
Certificate of Occupancy and Temporary Occupancy
Commercial construction, tenant improvements and changes in occupancy may require final approvals before the space can legally be occupied. For Certificate of Occupancy questions, Oklahoma City lists (405) 297-2948.
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)
Oklahoma City’s published TCO process applies to qualifying nonresidential projects; the City states that TCOs are not issued for residential property.
Before a TCO can be approved, applicants generally need all related permits issued, applicable final or temporary-final inspections completed, permit holds resolved and required fees paid. If the project requires phased occupancy, a phasing plan may be necessary.
The City’s published review time for a complete TCO request is approximately 3–4 business days after required inspections and fees are complete. Each extension request requires a new application and applicable fees.
Contractor Licensing and Registration
Oklahoma City states that electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing and elevator contractors must meet applicable Oklahoma licensing or registration requirements before performing regulated work. The City also requires registration for several contractor categories working within Oklahoma City.
For commercial work, do not assume that a general contractor’s involvement automatically covers separate trade permits. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, elevator, boiler, fire-protection and other specialty work may have distinct licensing, registration and permit requirements.
Official Bricktown and Oklahoma City Permit Resources
| Official resource | Use it for |
|---|---|
| OKC Development Center | Department contacts, adopted codes and general permitting information. |
| OKC Citizen Portal | Permit searches, eligible applications, status and inspection functions. |
| Application Checklists | Project-specific document requirements. |
| Bricktown Urban Design District | Design-review requirements, maps, application resources and 2026 meeting information. |
| Design Review Process | Certificate of Approval workflow and appeal period. |
| Construction Inspections | Inspection scheduling, IVR, reinspection and inspector contacts. |
| Permit Fees | Building and trade fee schedules and payment information. |
Information reviewed: October 19, 2026. Government portals, fee schedules, codes, forms and staff procedures can change. For a property-specific decision, use the applicable official portal or responsible City office before beginning work.
Related USBuilding Guides
Permit systems and adopted codes vary by jurisdiction. These published USBuilding guides provide additional examples of local permitting and code research:
Bricktown Building Department FAQs
1. Does Bricktown have its own building department?
No separate Bricktown building-permit office is used for normal construction permitting. Bricktown properties use the City of Oklahoma City Development Center for building permits, plan review and inspections. Bricktown projects may also require design approval through Oklahoma City Planning.
2. Where do I apply for a building permit in Bricktown?
Start with Oklahoma City’s Development, Permitting and Licensing Portal or the Development Center at 420 W. Main St., 1st Floor. Commercial and residential building permit questions can be directed to (405) 297-2525.
3. Do Bricktown projects need special design approval?
Many do. New construction, additions, exterior alterations, demolition, murals and certain site changes within the Bricktown Core Development District can require a Certificate of Approval in addition to normal building permits.
4. Can I submit the design review and building permit at the same time?
Oklahoma City allows design-review and building-permit applications to be submitted concurrently, but the City recommends obtaining design approval first. The required Certificate of Approval must be completed before the building permit can be obtained for work subject to design review.
5. How long does Bricktown design approval take?
Timing depends on whether staff can approve the application administratively or it must go before the Downtown Design Commission. The City’s guidance says design review can take from several weeks to months. An approved project also has a mandatory 10-business-day appeal period before the certificate is issued.
6. How do I search for a Bricktown building permit?
Use Oklahoma City’s Citizen Portal and choose the permit or record-search option. A public record search does not require an account. Search with the permit number when available or use the supported property information to locate the record.
7. How do I schedule an inspection in Bricktown?
After the permit is issued and the work is ready, request the required inspection through the OKC permit portal, the automated IVR line at (405) 316-5656, or the City’s supported text scheduling system. Normal construction inspection hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
8. How much is a Bricktown building permit?
There is no single fixed price. Fees depend on the project, valuation, plan review, trade permits, development impact fees and any required design review. Use Oklahoma City’s current fee schedules and the charges calculated for the specific application.
9. What building code applies in Bricktown in 2026?
Oklahoma City’s current published list includes the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 plumbing and mechanical codes, 2017 National Electrical Code and other adopted codes with City amendments. Bricktown design and zoning rules apply separately where relevant.
10. Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy for a Bricktown business?
Commercial construction, tenant improvements or changes in occupancy may require occupancy approval after applicable permits and inspections are completed. Oklahoma City handles Certificate of Occupancy questions through the permit section at (405) 297-2948.
Before You Start Work in Bricktown
The fastest path is to verify three things before ordering materials or starting construction: the property’s exact zoning/design district, the permits required for the complete scope of work, and whether Bricktown design approval is required. For exterior commercial work, treating design review as an afterthought can delay permit issuance even when the construction drawings are otherwise ready.
Use the City portal for the final application, payments and inspections, but prepare the project around the requirements above so you know what the City will ask for before you file.