Design Review Process

Process for Obtaining a Building Permit for Projects within a Design District

Submit Applications

For Historic Preservation, submit the Historic Preservation Application(PDF, 620KB) to the Planning Department and submit an application for a building permit to the Development Services Department.

Other Design Districts, submit a Design Review Application(PDF, 638KB) for a Certificate of Approval to the Planning Department and submit an application for a building permit to the Development Services Department.

Note: It's recommended to apply for a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness before applying for a building permit, but both can be submitted concurrently.

Obtain a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness

Planning staff will inform you if your project can be Administratively reviewed by staff or must be reviewed by a Committee or Commission. The review process may take anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending on the information needed to complete the review, and meeting dates. 

Approved Projects

Once your project is approved, and after the mandatory 10-business-day appeal period, the Planning Department will issue a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness. After the appeal period, you may obtain your building permit from the Development Services Department. Please bring a copy of your certificate to Development Services to obtain your permit. 

Denied Projects

If an application for a Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Appropriateness is denied by a staff or a Committee/Commission, you may revise and resubmit the application to the Planning Department. Procedures for appeal are described in Chapter 59 §59-3250 and 59-4250.10 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code. For more information about the appeals process, please call (405) 297-2495.