ADU Permit in Tulsa — Garage Apartment, Casita, Granny Flat
Tulsa permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — sometimes called garage apartments, casitas, mother-in-law suites, or granny flats — in most RS and RM districts under Title 42 Section 401.7. An ADU is a complete second dwelling on a single-family lot with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. ADUs serve aging-in-place, multi-generational housing, and rental income use cases.
Tulsa's ADU rules: maximum 1 ADU per lot. Maximum size 800 sq ft (600 sq ft in HP overlay districts). Owner-occupancy of either the primary or the ADU is required. Setbacks per the underlying RS district. Height typically capped at 1 story / 18 feet for detached ADUs. Parking: typically 1 additional off-street space per ADU.
For HP overlay properties, ADU design and siting are reviewed by the Tulsa Preservation Commission. Detached ADUs in Maple Ridge, Brady Heights, etc. are typically required to be located in the rear yard, set back at least 10 ft from rear property line, and limited to 1 story to preserve the historic streetscape. Material and roof form must align with the primary historic structure.
Who needs this permit
Is this permit required for your Tulsa project?
Any single-family property owner planning to add a detached or attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — garage apartment, casita, mother-in-law suite, or rear cottage — to their lot in Tulsa.
Tulsa cost range
Expected permit fees in Tulsa
ADU building permit: per valuation table. Site plan fee: $200. Detached ADU under 600 sq ft typically $400–$700 in permit fees. Add separate sewer/water tap fees if separately metered (~$1,500–$3,500). Add HP COA fee if in HP overlay.
Fees reference the current Tulsa Permit Center — Development Services fee schedule. Contact (918) 596-9456 to confirm for your specific project valuation.
Required documents
What Tulsa Permit Center — Development Services needs from you
- Building permit application (ADU type designation)
- Site plan with primary dwelling, ADU location, setbacks, and parking
- ADU floor plan and elevations
- Owner-occupancy affidavit (notarized)
- Separate utility tap fee receipts (if applicable)
- HP Certificate of Appropriateness (HP overlay)
Process & timeline
Step-by-step process in Tulsa
- 1
Confirm zoning district and any HP overlay; verify ADU is permitted.
- 2
Confirm lot meets minimum area for ADU (typically 5,000 sq ft for primary lot).
- 3
For HP overlay, submit COA application FIRST.
- 4
Prepare site plan showing setbacks, parking, and utility connections.
- 5
Submit building permit application + $200 site plan fee.
- 6
Plan review: 10–20 business days.
- 7
Pay separate utility tap fees if separately metered.
- 8
Construction with standard inspection schedule (footing, framing, rough trades, insulation, final).
- 9
Sign and file owner-occupancy affidavit before Certificate of Occupancy issues.
Common reasons for rejection
Why Tulsa rejects accessory dwelling unit permit applications
- ADU size exceeds district maximum (800 sq ft, 600 sq ft in HP).
- Lot does not meet minimum area for ADU (5,000 sq ft typical).
- Owner-occupancy affidavit missing.
- HP overlay ADU without COA.
- Insufficient parking or driveway access.
Skip the rejection cycle on your Tulsa accessory dwelling unit permit
Permitly analyzes your project against Tulsa Permit Center — Development Services requirements and generates a pre-filled application packet in under 3 minutes. First analysis is free.
Tulsa Permit Center — Development Services: (918) 596-9456 · 175 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Accessory Dwelling Unit permit FAQs — Tulsa, OK
Can I rent out my ADU in Tulsa?
Yes — long-term rental is permitted as long as the owner occupies either the primary dwelling or the ADU. Short-term rental (e.g., Airbnb) of an ADU is regulated separately under Tulsa's short-term rental ordinance and requires additional licensing. Check with the Tulsa Permit Center for current STR rules.
How big can my ADU be in Tulsa?
800 sq ft maximum in standard RS/RM districts. 600 sq ft in HP overlay districts (Maple Ridge, Brady Heights, etc.). Garage conversions and basement conversions may have additional considerations.
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