Honest comparison · Last reviewed Q2 2026
Permitly vs OKC Development Services (DIY)
Using the city's free tools vs. an AI that speaks OKC code fluently.
Disclosure: We make Permitly. We try to represent OKC Development Services (DIY)fairly based on publicly available information, but we're naturally biased. Verify pricing and features on their website before deciding.
Where OKC Development Services (DIY) shines
OKC Development Services publishes the permit forms, fee schedules, and zoning ordinances for free. If you already know the code, the city's own resources are authoritative and don't cost a cent.
Where Permitly fits
The free city resources assume you already know what to ask. Permitly translates OKC Municipal Code and the UDC into plain English, tells you which permit you actually need, and flags rejection risks before you submit.
Side-by-side
Hand-researched. Updated quarterly. If you spot an outdated fact, tell us— we'll fix it.
| Feature | Permitly | OKC Development Services (DIY) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $29/mo | Free | Them |
| Plain-English answers | Yes — AI trained on OKC code | No — raw code and forms | Us |
| Tells you WHICH permit you need | Yes | You have to know | Us |
| Rejection risk flagging | Yes — before you submit | No — you find out after | Us |
| Authoritative source of truth | References OKC code | IS OKC code | Them |
| Best for | Anyone short on time or code knowledge | Experienced OKC contractors | Tie |
Pick Permitly if...
- You don't have time to read 200-page OKC ordinance PDFs to figure out one permit.
- You have been rejected before and want to avoid the re-submission cycle.
- You run multiple projects a month and need answers in seconds, not hours.
Pick OKC Development Services (DIY) if...
- You pull the same permit type every week and already know OKC code cold.
- You only need one permit in your life and have a weekend to research it.
Common questions
- Why pay $29/mo when OKC's permit info is free?
- The info is free — your time isn't. Most Permitly users save the subscription cost on their first permit by avoiding one rejection or one hour of phone tag with Development Services.
- Is Permitly the official city system?
- No. Permitly is an independent AI tool that reads OKC code and current procedures. You still file permits through the city. We make sure your packet is submission-ready.
Try Permitly — see if it fits
If it doesn't beat OKC Development Services (DIY)for your business in the first 30 days, we'll refund you.