OKC’s “backyard dwellings” ordinance now in effect

Published on July 01, 2025

Residents and property owners within Oklahoma City's core can now build accessory dwellings (AKA “backyard dwellings”). Oklahoma City Council adopted an ordinance on Tuesday, May 20, that took effect on Friday, June 20.

The approved ordinance establishes regulations for how an accessory dwelling can be built in the areas of the City roughly between Interstate 35 on the east, Interstate 44/Northwest Expressway on the north and west, and SW 59th to the south. The area approved for the backyard dwellings includes parcels in portions of Wards 2, 4, 6 and 7 that are within the City's core.

People can determine if their address is included in the ordinance by checking the LUTA map at data.okc.gov. Properties located in the Urban Medium (tan color) or Urban High (brown color) areas of the map are included in the ordinance unless it is zoned historic.

“By changing OKC's development code to allow backyard cottages, housing capacity expands, affordable housing options are created, and social benefits are increased, such as caring for an elderly parent,” Assistant Planning Director Lisa Chronister said.

Among other rules, the ordinance establishes height and square footage maximums, access requirements, and stipulates that only one accessory dwelling is allowed per parcel.

How to build an accessory dwelling

Before residents and/or property owners begin building an accessory dwelling, they must apply for a residential building permit. Use this application checklist to help you submit your permit request.

When you receive the required permit and inspections checklist, you're ready for work.

Contact the City's Development Center at (405) 297-2525 for building permit and inspection questions.

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Media contact: Kristy Yager, kristy.yager@okc.gov, 405-863-2831